Tama County Conservation officials, in partnership with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources will hold a public meeting on April 13 at 6 p.m. to give a presentation about the upcoming lake restoration project scheduled for Otter Creek Lake in 2021 through 2023

The presentation will be delivered live through the Zoom video conference platform and will be available for later viewing on the Iowa DNR YouTube channel. Those interested in attending the online meeting are encouraged to email tccb@tamacounty.org to obtain the Zoom web link.

The project is being constructed in two phases that expect to result in park closures and temporary restriction to certain amenities. The first phase of construction will begin in June 2021 and will conclude this winter.

The second phase will start this winter and will conclude in May 2023. The lake will be drained in late summer to early fall of 2021 and will begin to fill again in May 2023.

The project will include improvements for the lake, park and watershed areas surrounding the lake.

Watershed improvements include rehabilitation of existing ponds and wetlands and construction of new sediment ponds to reduce sediment and nutrients entering the lake.

Lake improvements include removal of sediment deposited in the lake over time, improvement of shoreline habitat and angler access, and improvements to the fishery.

Park amenities like the beach and playground are also scheduled for improvement as part of the project.

The public meeting will provide an opportunity to learn about the lake project and to ask questions of representatives from the Iowa DNR, Tama County Conservation and the engineering firm assisting on the project.