Okoboji Protective Association

Spring 2008

From the OPA President

Dear Membership,

Over the past two years I have noticed a gradual increase in support for conservation and the ecology of the Iowa Great Lakes. Some recent examples:

1. During January, February, and March a subcommittee of the Dickinson County Planning and Zoning Commission gave very special consideration on how to include Low Impact Development techniques in the county zoning ordinance. Adoption of these new county LID provisions is underway.
2. Okoboji and Spirit Lake have already adopted Low Impact Development requirements in their zoning ordinances. Wahpeton is in the process of adopting LID to their zoning requirements. Arnolds Park and Orleans are actively discussing the benefits to their cities.
3. For several years the Dickinson County Soil and Water Conservation District has staffed a Clean Water Coordinator (newly appointed John Wills) to address clean water issues. Now the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship have hired four Urban Conservationists to address urban clean water issues. One of the four positions is based in Spirit Lake (Steve Anderson).
4. When the Department of Natural Resources designed a project to improve the water quality of Jemmerson Slough, they undertook extra efforts to be sure the turbid slough water did not reach West Lake Okoboji. In about two years we should have cleaner water and better vegetation supporting the fish and wildlife in Jemmerson Slough.
5. This winter and early spring the OPA contacted lawn care companies and fertilizer retailers about severely restricting the use of phosphorus in their lawn fertilizer. We received a very positive reception. There are now 14 signed pledges from lawn care companies and three from lawn fertilizer retailers.
6. The University Hygienic Lab has stationed a full-time chemist at Iowa Lakeside Laboratory to analyze lake water samples. This brings increased biological skills for water analysis to our doorstep. There are other educational programs being initiated at Lakeside Lab.
7. In general, at many types of Dickinson County public meetings there is near universal agreement that water quality is critical to the enjoyment and financial wellbeing of the lakes area.

On Sunday, August 24th, the OPA will hold its Annual meeting at Gull Point State Park Lodge. Rich Leopold, DNR Director, has already accepted our invitation to be the key speaker. We are open to suggestions on how to organize this important event.

On Earth Day, April 26th, the East Okoboji Lakes Improvement Corporation, Spirit Lake Protective Association and the OPA made a joint presentation on actions the lake protective associations are taking to improve the ecology of the Iowa Great Lakes Watershed.

One area of mutual concern for the lake protective associations is the threat of Aquatic Invasive Species. We are organizing boat ramp volunteers to educate boaters and inspect their boats to be sure AIS doesn’t become the problem here that it has become for many other lakes. We are only asking volunteers for two hours a month during the summer to protect our lakes. Please join in this very important work to protect our lakes. (See separate article)

The OPA would like to increase our membership. There are a thousand homes around West Lake Okoboji while we have less than 300 dues paying members. The strength of OPA membership shows the DNR, legislature, city councils, board of supervisors, and other organizations how strongly we feel about protecting the valuable natural resources we all enjoy. There is a new OPA brochure you can use to show your friends and neighbors about the benefits of joining the Okoboji Protective Association.

The OPA Board of Directors meets April through September on the last Saturday of the month at Iowa Lakeside Laboratory. For May, June, and July our one-hour meetings will start at 8 AM to accommodate Okoboji Yacht Club sailors.

We welcome your ideas and suggestions. Feel free to discuss your concerns with the officers or directors of the association. Email can be sent to information@okobojiprotectiveassociation.org

Phil Petersen
President