Lake Restoration

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Lake Restoration Program

Iowans value clean water and desire safe, healthy lakes that offer many aesthetic, natural and recreational opportunities. Clean lakes improve the quality of life for Iowans and help bring economic growth to communities.

The Lake Restoration Program was created by the Iowa Legislature in 2006 (HF2782). It is funded through Restore Iowa Infrastructure Fund (RIIF) to improve water quality, habitat, watershed protection, infrastructure and recreational opportunities at Iowa’s publicly owned lakes. The DNR actively works to build partnerships with local stakeholders, private landowners and natural resource professionals to ensure restoration projects are successful. A local commitment to protect lakes and watersheds is important for successful lake restoration projects.

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Accomplishments & Highlights

Accomplishments over the past 18 years:

  • 40 miles of shoreline protection to minimize erosion
  • 7.7 million cubic yards of excess sediment removed (equivalent to over 513,000 dump trucks of material)
  • 44 projects enhancing 14,000 acres of wetlands and shallow lakes
  • Over 250 watershed best management practices (BMPs; e.g. ponds, grade stabilization structures, urban stormwater BMPs, and upland/stream restoration) implemented with program funds on public lands
  • Over 700 BMPs constructed in priority watershed in concert with project partners (e.g. NRCS, SWCDs, US EPA Section 319, IDALS, Municipalities) to protect downstream lakes
  • 60 infrastructure improvement projects (e.g. dam/spillway repairs, lake outlet water control structures, fish barriers) to preserve Iowa’s lakes for the next generation
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Key Concepts & Facts

  • Six of ten Iowans visit lakes each year; on average, they will visit these lakes eight times during the year
  • Iowans prefer lakes with better water quality
  • Statewide our lakes generate over $1B billion in annual spending by Iowans
  • A lake is a reflection of both watershed and lake management
  • Lake restoration starts in the watershed; it relies on strong local involvement and voluntary participation of landowners
A map of Iowa, showing the state of lake restoration projects, state fiscal year 2025

Download the FY2025 lake restoration status map

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Annual Report

Each year a report is compiled to document progress on current lake restoration projects and outline potential future restoration projects. Successful lake restoration projects improve lake water quality and recreational opportunities, update infrastructure for the next generation, contribute to community development efforts, and make Iowa a better place to live and work.

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Additional Information

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