Lake Cornelia IA 04-UDM-1264

Assessment Comments

Basis for Assessment

Both fishable and swimable uses were assessed as PS for the 1994 report based upon the recommendation of DNR Fisheries.   Monitoring shows that average levels of secchi depth, total-P, and TSS are approx equal to, or better than, overall averages for the 23 natural SPOLs sampled in 1990 and 1992; average level of chl-a, however, was worse than the overall average, but was within 1 SD of the overall average.  Fishkill frequencies are described as "rare if ever," (3) estimates of use for fishing and swimming are typical for natural SPOLs; (4) DNR's 1994 fishing forecast in the Iowa Conservationst notes that L.  Cornelia is good for walleye, yellow perch, and CCAT.   Support of fish/swim uses is threatened by the large amount of shallow water in the southern two-thirds of the lake.  The lack of thermal stratification allows resuspension of sed.  & nutrients.   Lake has low sed rate and long life expectancy (813 yrs).