Frequently Asked Questions

What is the problem at Coralville Lake?

The lake is disappearing and filling in with sediment. If nothing is done over the next few years, the lake will be largely unusable for recreational purposes. Unless something is done now, this incredible natural resource will cease to exist for future generations.

What is the potential economic impact?

A study from the University of Iowa indicates that Coralville Lake adds more than $75M each year to the local economy and draws thousands of people to the area from around the Midwest.

Why haven’t I heard about this before?

Very few people know the extent of the problem. Friends of Coralville Lake (FOCL) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization made up of interested local volunteers. We have been working for several months to research the problem and investigate what needs to be done to address it.

What can be done?

Unfortunately, there is no quick solution to this problem. Dredging alone or shoreline management is not enough. A comprehensive Watershed Management Plan needs to be developed and implemented to attack decades of siltation. Based on research and scientific data, there is a lot that potentially can be done to address this complex issue.

What about the Army Corps of Engineers?

The Army Corps of Engineers, a government entity, oversees and manages Coralville Reservoir and works with various organizations to preserve and improve facilities and opportunities at the lake. The primary concern of the Army Corps is flood mitigation.

Can the lake be saved?

Yes. The first step is to educate the general public and then create a sustainable action plan. Other lakes around the country have addressed their siltation issues through a variety of things including engaging government agencies, silt traps, shoreline management, siltation ponds, working with farmers and landowners, Watershed Management Plans and other measures. No lake (or solution) is the same, but most lakes in the country experience siltation and sedimentation problems at some level.

What happens if we do nothing?

Friends of Coralville Lake maintains that the lake will be largely unusable in 10-20 years, unless measures are taken now to address the issue. This would have enormous economic impact and reduce the quality of life for thousands who use the lake. To lose this incredible natural resource for campers, fisherman, swimmers, hikers, boaters and others would be a huge loss for the state of Iowa.

What next?

Friends of Coralville Lake believes we must look at three “phases” to address the problem: Phase 1 (raising awareness with key local stakeholders); Phase 2 (launch a formal campaign to save the lake); Phase 3 (execute the plan). Our goal will be to hire a consulting and marketing firm to guide the entire process from start to finish and to develop a comprehensive plan to save the lake.  The total overall cost to save the lake is unknown.