Iowa has one of the most altered landscapes of any state in this nation. It is estimated that less than 5% of Iowa's original natural communities have been left unchanged, making remaining communities and their natural resources more valuable as genetic and aesthetic reservoirs.
The lake was authorized by Congress to provide flood control. Because the land was purchased for the purpose of flooding, it is protected from development. This protected land provides a haven for the native plants and animals that would have otherwise been displaced by agriculture or urbanization. We believe this precious and very limited resource deserves and requires continued attention and protection.
Coralville Lake’s long-term management philosophy is to provide continuing public benefit from our natural resources. By restoring and maintaining the biological diversity of the ecological communities naturally occurring on our public lands, we can achieve this goal.