DES MOINES – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig and Iowa Department of Natural Resources Acting Director Bruce Trautman today (Wednesday) announced that 10 Iowa lakes will receive funding through the Publicly Owned Lakes Program. The program supports cost share for landowners to install conservation practices in the watershed above publicly owned lakes and reservoirs.

Among the lakes being targeted:

• Lake Binder, Adams County Soil and Water Conservation District
• Lake Icaria, Adams SWCD
• Three Mile Lake, Union and Adair SWCDs
• Twelve Mile Lake, Union and Adair SWCDs

Secretary Naig said “This program is another great example of the partnership between the Department of Ag, the Iowa DNR, USDA NRCS and local farmers and landowners to protect our state’s natural resources. Our lakes are a tremendous asset and these funds will help make sure they are protected so Iowans can continue to enjoy our state’s water resources.” NRCS Acting Director Trautman said “This is a significant amount of funds dedicated solely to protecting Iowa’s lakes. These projects will benefit water quality in our lakes through many different projects by utilizing common conservation practices.”

This year $323,500 in funding to districts will allow for targeted conservation work, including 465 acres of cover crops, 25,825 feet of terraces, 6 grade control structures and 6 water and sediment control basins to be implemented above the lakes. Each year, 5 percent of the appropriation to the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship for soil conservation cost share goes towards protecting the water quality of publicly owned lakes in Iowa.  Local Soil and Water Conservation Districts submit applications to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to become a designated lake.  Farmers living within the selected lakes watersheds can apply for up to 75 percent cost share for practices that protect water quality.