Three-year watershed protection program launched at Hannen Lake
The Benton County Soil and Water Conservation District is pleased to announce its administration and coordination of a three-year watershed protection program at Hannen Lake.

Built in 1960 and located four miles south of Blairstown, Hannen Lake is a 37-acre recreational area, enjoyed by over 8,000 park visitors each year. Currently, levels of chlorophyll and suspended solids have been decreasing in the lake and water clarity has improved. While these levels are positive indications of the lake's health, phosphorus levels have remained elevated and pose a threat to continued water quality. These levels are believed to be due to sources outside the lake.

In order to improve and maintain the lake, the Benton County SWCD and Iowa Valley Resource Conservation and Development, along with the DNR, and other partners, have initiated a three-year effort designed to improve exisiting water quality conditions and provide for the long-term protection of Hannen Lake.

This effort will involve implementing soil erosion prevention measures. Key objectives of the program include reducing sediment and external phosphorus loading by 60 percent. A second component will be livestock oriented information and education program that will enable area producers to address various threats to water quality in the lake. The information program, which will include field days, informational meetings, education programs, signage and news releases, will also seek to increase awareness of the beneficial aspects of various practices among the public. An informational kiosk will be installed in the park to help educate the public about this program and provide an opportunity to express their ideas and comments to help shape the project's future agenda.

For more information, contact James Brown, watershed coordinator, at (319) 472-5274 or James.Brown@ia.usda.gov.

James Brown, Hannen Lake watershed project coordinator, can help landowners
James Brown, Hannen Lake watershed project coordinator, can help landowners install conservation practices to help preserve the lake for future generations.
More about Brown

For More Information
Local:
James Brown
Hannen Lake Watershed Project Coordinator
(319) 472-5274
James.Brown@ia.usda.gov
Benton County NRCS Office

Statewide:
Steve Hopkins
DNR Watershed Improvement Program Grants Coordinator
(515) 281-6402
Stephen.Hopkins@dnr.iowa.gov