Two comments about the lake continue to come from locals and visitors this spring. One expression is that the lake is so clear. The other is that the lake is really low which is hindering lake activities involving boats, wave runners and other watercraft.
Hopefully recent rains will raise the level of the lake. If not, then caution, strategically placed buoys (provided by the Five Island Lake Association), reduced speeds and patience will be the norm this year on Five Island Lake.
The lake’s clarity throughout this spring is almost an anomaly. It is a wonder to walk the shoreline and see the sand at the bottom of the lake. If you dropped a secchi disc into the water the measurement might be a couple of feet of clarity. In other seasons and years, the measurement may be only inches.
As of May 25, the Iowa Drought Map showed Emmetsburg still in a severe drought pattern. While agriculture, home gardens and lakes need replenished regularly by adequate water, there is some benefit to a drought period. When the shoreline expands because of the low water level, shorelines can be cleaned. Rocks and debris can be removed making it safer to wade in the lake and to launch a watercraft. Invasive vegetation can be cleared which reduces algae and increases the water’s oxygen.
Several reasons for the lake’s clarity can be attributed to the weather. Other years, lake management has had to contend with rains eroding soil and washing sediment into the lake, along with an overload of nutrients such as phosphorous and nitrogen. Without the rains the soil stays in place and retains the phosphorus and nitrogen.
Earlier this spring a commercial market fishery removed thousands of pounds of big mouth buffalo and common carp from Five Island Lake. According to Mike Hawkins, Fisheries Biologist at the Spirit Lake Hatchery the final numbers were as follows: 17,600 lbs. of wide mouth buffalo and 29,500 lbs. of common carp were removed on March 17 and 19. Managing invasive fish species is another tactic in keeping a body of water healthy.
Five Island Lake is still on the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Impaired Waters Report list. The major problem listed is the lake’s turbidity (or clarity). Generating a water quality improvement plan is the next step in addressing this impairment. Perhaps Mother Nature is giving everyone an idea of what a healthy lake looks like. An inspiration is always helpful when facing significant challenges.
Previous question’s answer: The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has an Ambient Lake Monitoring program. Data collected is used to assess the health of Iowa lakes.
Question: How many acres make up the south bay portion of Five Island Lake.
Submitted by Diane Weiland
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