Decision made to leave aerators on through winter

The aerators which keep portions of Clear Lake from freezing will be kept on this year to reduce the possibility of a winter fish kill.

Clear Lake Mayor Nelson Crabb said he met with officials from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources recently to

 discuss the upcoming winter season and the condition of the lake.

“Many years ago when the lake was low it was frightening to see what would happen, come spring,” said Crabb. “We don’t want 1989 to happen again.”

The lake reached its lowest level ever recorded in 1989 at more than 40 inches below the weir.  The current level of the lake is just over 30 inches below the weir.

Last year normal lake levels and a mild winter led to DNR officials choosing to turn off the aerators.  That decision pleased organizers of events such as the Color the Wind kite festival and The Jack snowmobile races which prefer to hold their events in the Sea Wall area.  Without the aerators running that area, as well along the north shore near the pump station just west of Venetian Village, the lake is more safe for winter recreation. 

Crabb noted huge restoration efforts have restored the lake to a high quality fishery and that investment must be protected.  This year that can best be done by leaving the aerators turned on, he said.