(Lewis) – Cold Springs Lake underwent a chemical renovation on August 21 as part of efforts to restore balance and improve fish populations. The treatment will allow for the lake to be restocked with desirable species in the coming months.
John Lorenzen, fisheries biologist with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, says warning signs are currently posted around the lake, advising the public that no water-related activities are permitted until the applied rotenone breaks down. Lorenzen expects that process to take about two weeks, at which point the signs will be removed and the lake reopened for use.
The lake has also been drawn down more than four feet, which reduced its water volume by roughly 60 percent. The drawdown exposes shoreline areas, allowing crews to reshape the banks and later add pea gravel spawning beds once the ground either freezes or dries further.
Restocking of the lake will begin this fall and continue into next spring. Officials say the project should pay off in the years ahead.
