The improved clarity of Lake Darling is due to the landowners surrounding the state park. According to Lake Darling Watershed Coordinator Stan Simmons, the quality of the water was made possible through the permanent conservation practices implemented by the landowners. Those include erosion control ponds and tile outlet terraces. Simmons says at least 95% of sediment is trapped using those measures. Sediment that had accumulated over the years was dredged after the lake was drained in 2008, giving it a fresh start.

A large crowd gathered last Thursday for the Lake Darling State Park reopening ribbon cutting ceremony. Click here for pictures taken at the event, and for comments from some of those who were in attendance, listen to today’s In Touch with Southeast Iowa.