Blog For Tag "public beaches"

posted by Guest Blogger on Tuesday, April 9, 2024 In this guest blog, Lyndy Holt shares results from her Master's work with the University of Iowa's Healthy Lakes Initiative. Iowa Water Watch readers were invited to participate in the Iowa Water Recreation Survey in the April 2023 newsletter. The survey yielded 1,638 respondents throughout the state and established the channels that Iowans use to learn about water health and safety.

posted by Angelisa Belden on Thursday, August 3, 2023 A roadtrip to get photos of an ongoing toxic algae bloom reinforced the need to expand water quality advisory signage to protect ALL Iowans.

posted by Alicia Vasto on Friday, May 26, 2023 With the Memorial Day holiday upon us, the start of summer recreation, and weekly beach monitoring, summer has begun! With that comes the start of IEC's Weekly Water Watch series. Read on to learn about new advisory data and activities this summer.

posted by Ingrid Gronstal on Friday, August 20, 2021 Water Program Director, Ingrid Gronstal, reflects on her panel appearance at the Okoboji Blue Water Fest and what clean water and outdoor recreation opportunities mean to the Iowa Great Lakes, its visitors, residents, and Iowans around the state.

posted by Megan McDowell on Friday, July 23, 2021 This summer Communications Support Assistant, Megan McDowell, visited state parks in Western Iowa. Her observations made her question if we can be doing better by our lakes, rivers, and wildlife in Iowa.

posted by Alicia Vasto on Friday, September 11, 2020 As summer draws to a close, we're looking back at Weekly Water Watch 2020. Even with weeks full of unbelievable news, Iowa's waters still saw toxic algae blooms, E. coli contamination, drought, and high beach visitation across the state this year.

posted by Angelisa Belden on Friday, August 21, 2020 I spent a significant amount of money for a weekend getaway at an Iowa lake. Imagine my disappointment to find the water covered in green algae on day 2. Was it safe to swim? Who knows? Will I go back? That remains to be seen - and that's a danger for the local economy.

posted on Friday, July 31, 2020 Both the DNR and Polk County Conservation Board have reported a tremendous increase in park attendance, including increased beach and water recreation use since COVID-19 hit Iowa. However, before you throw on your swimsuit and goggles, know the risks of swimming prior to hitting the beach.

posted by Ingrid Gronstal on Friday, July 24, 2020 Invasive species are not only harmful to Iowa's water and environment by upsetting the natural balance of an ecosystem, they are costly to remove. Iowa water recreation is being impacted, as is our infrastructure.

posted by Ingrid Gronstal on Wednesday, February 26, 2020 With their votes in 2010, Iowans made it clear that they support a sales tax increase for a permanent, protected funding source to improve water quality, enhance outdoor recreation opportunities, preserve our natural areas, and support Iowa communities. This year's proposal to fund the Trust is exciting, but we've identified several areas for improvement.