Redirecting...

Conway Lake Habitat Restoration Project

Conway Lake Habitat Restoration Project               

St. Paul District

Pool 9, Upper Mississippi River, Miles 664 - 667, Allamakee County, Iowa, Congressional District: IA - 1

Partners

  • USFWS
  • IADNR
  • WIDNR

Description

The Conway Lake Habitat Rehabilitation and Enhancement Project is located in Pool 9 of the Upper Mississippi River, immediately upstream of Lansing, Iowa. The Conway Lake study area includes Conway Lake, Phillipi Lake, Shore Slough, Zoll Lake, as well as the adjacent island and slough habitat. The entire study area is approximately 1,170 acres in size and lies within the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge. 

Conway Lake is relatively shallow with abundant aquatic vegetation.  Dissolved oxygen depletion is a problem in the lake during both summer and winter.  During the winter, excessive water enters Phillipi Lake through openings that are eroding larger, creating unsuitable habitat conditions for overwintering backwater fish.  Shore Slough has less than optimal fish habitat conditions due to sedimentation and the high flows from Phillipi Lake.  Introduction of flow from a small creek is being considered to improve dissolved oxygen levels in Conway Lake. Flow restriction from Middle Slough would improve winter habitat conditions in both Phillipi Lake and Shore Slough. Dredging is being considered for all three water bodies to enhance habitat.

Quick Facts

  • Approximate Acres: 1170
  • State(s) Covered: IA
  • Land Ownership: USFWS
  • Management Agency: USFWS
  • Management Authority: Refuge 

Features

  • Introduce flow from a small creek to improve dissolved oxygen levels in Conway Lake.
  • Restrict flow from Middle Slough to improve winter habitat conditions in both Phillipi Lake and Shore Slough.
  • Dredge all three water bodies to enhance habitat.
  • Use dredged material to construct islands east of the project area in Big Lake. 

Milestones

  • The Definite Project Report was completed in July 2017.
  • Plans and specifications were completed in July 2017
  • Award of the construction contract is scheduled for 2018.