Easter Lake IA 04-LDM-1024

Assessment Comments

Assessment is based on results of (1) ISU lake monitoring, (2) surveys by IDNR Fisheries Bureau, and (3) results of U.S. EPA/IDNR fish tissue monitoring

Basis for Assessment

Continued to use assessments of support of the designated Class A primary contact recreation and Class B(LW) aquatic life uses developed for the 1994 and 1996 reports.  Continue to assess support of Class A uses as PS due to drop in beach usage as described in the assessment for the 1996 report.  Continue to assess support of Class B(LW) uses as PS due to recommendation of DNR Fisheries Bureau and due to news report that this lake continues to receive high levels of suspended silt during runoff events.   An editorial in the August 11, 1997 Des Moines Register strongly suggests that the majority of the excess silt is coming from inadequate erosion controls at (1) housing developments and (2) road construction projects in the Easter Lake watershed.   Thus, the cause/source information for this lake has been modified in this data base.   As suggested by the DNR Fisheries Bureau, the water quality trend for this lake was changed from "stable" to "declining."  The lake continues to support a recreational fishery.   The March/April 1998 Iowa Conservationist notes that the lake supports good to excellent populations of largemouth bass, channel catfish, and crappie.   1997 RAFT mon.  of CCAT & LMB showed v.  low contam.  levels.