DNR: Aerators will remain off this winter

Groups planning snowmobile event, kite flying festival pleased with decision

With the late onset of winter weather, officials with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources announced Tuesday they will not be operating the aeration system for the remainder of the winter on Clear Lake. 

    According to Fisheries Biologist Scott Grummer at the Clear Lake DNR office, oxygen readings taken this past week indicate adequate levels support suspending operations for this season. 
    “Ice conditions are variable throughout the lake,” noted Grummer.  “Individuals using the lake this winter should use caution.  Unsafe ice exists in areas recently frozen and near pressure ridges.”
    The aeration systems will be operated as normal in future years, he added.  The aerators are designed to reduce the probability of winter fish kill in an attempt to maintain a high quality fishery and to insure the benefits of water quality work of recent years.  Aerators are located on the east shore in front of the water treatment plant and on the north shore near the pump station west of Venetian Village.
    Clear Lake was officially declared iced over on Wednesday, Dec. 7, an average date for “ice-in.”   At that time, the lake level was reported as -13.32” below the weir and aerators were turned on.  Warm temperatures producing large areas of open water on the lake prompted the DNR to turn off the aerators Dec. 28. 
    As a result of Tuesday’s announcement, organizers of the Iowa Lemans Championship - Jack Helgren Memorial Race have decided to locate their event at the downtown Sea Wall.  The group had planned to hold the event Jan. 20-22, based at McIntosh Woods State Park, however, lack of snow caused them to reschedule for Feb. 10-12.
    “Let’s just say this will make the downtown rock.  We’ll center our activities - Read More Via e-Edition