Union Grove Lake was placed on the state's impaired waters list in 2004 due to turbid (cloudy) water and algae blooms affecting recreation. These problems can be traced back to several sources.
The Union Grove Lake Watershed Project has been underway since April 2008. The project aims to reduce soil and phosphorus reaching the lake by 57 percent, as well as reduce the effects of livestock on streams in the watershed. The project is working with landowners to install conservation practices such as:
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What can you do to help?
Landowners can partner with the Union Grove Lake Watershed Project to use conservation practices on their land. Melody Bro, project coordinator, can help landowners decide which projects would work best for their land and the lake. Financial assistance may be available for those looking to begin these projects.
Residents can also help test and monitor the water quality in Union Grove Lake through the IOWATER program or through the watershed project. The project is looking for a volunteer with a boat to test water in three in-lake locations.
Contact project coordinator Melody Bro at (641) 484-2702 ext. 120 or Melody.Bro@ia.usda.gov to learn more about how you can help.
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What is the future of Union Grove Lake?
The Union Grove Lake Watershed Project hopes to remove the lake from the state's impaired waters list by working with landowners to eliminate the problems affecting its water quality.
"I see this watershed as one full of potential, not problems," said project coordinator Melody Bro.
Working together, landowners and residents can make the lake a better place for their community to swim, fish and boat.
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Meet the project coordinator
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Melody Bro of rural Montour has nurtured a love of the land in Tama County for the past 25 years. Having worked most of her life in soil conservation and water quality, Bro has helped spread this love to both her children and the community through outdoor education.
"Perhaps it was a result of growing up in the era of Rachel Carson's Silent Spring and our society's awakening to its effects on the environment," said Bro, "but land ethic is something I not only wholeheartedly embrace but is something I hope to instill in others."
Bro began work with the Tama Soil and Water District soon after graduating from Iowa State University in 1982 with a double bachelor of science degree in Agronomy and Pest Management. Bro left the District in 1992 to raise her family, but was asked to return to do part time work in 2004.
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In November 2007, Bro began working on the Union Grove project. She became project coordinator after the project came together in April 2008. Having worked with the lake when there was an effort to improve the watershed in the '80s, Bro is familiar with the lake and many of its landowners and operators.
"My hope is to help the people of the Union Grove Lake watershed become aware of how everything they do as they live, work and play affects their land and water," said Bro.
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Project partners
For More Information
Local:
Melody Bro
Union Grove Lake Watershed Project Coordinator
(641) 484-2702 ext. 120
Melody.Bro@ia.nacdnet.net
Toledo NRCS Office
Statewide:
Steve Hopkins
DNR Watershed Improvement Program Grants Coordinator
(515) 281-6402
Stephen.Hopkins@dnr.iowa.gov
