Wetland Habitat Conditions – Fall 2020

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Wetland Habitat Conditions – Fall 2021 (Reports Updated Prior to Sept. 1, 2021) DNR WILDLIFE UNITS

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Definitions Of Terms Commonly Used In Descriptions Of Areas - ● Crest water level refers to the established optimum or target water level for the lake or wetland or the maximum water level legally allowed on the lake or wetland. ● Emergent vegetation refers to plants like cattails, bulrushes, burreed, etc., that are rooted on the bottom of the marsh but project above the surface of the water. ● Submergent vegetation refers to plants like sago pond weed, curly leave pondweed, wild celery, coontail, etc., that grow beneath the surface of the water. The tops of these plants sometimes reach the surface in shallow water. Water clarity and fish populations largely determine the amount of submergent vegetation in wetlands. Wetlands with good water clarity and few, if any, fish usually have good submergent plant communities that attract a wide variety of ducks. ● WMA is the acronym for Wildlife Management Area, which includes lands owned and managed by the Wildlife Bureau of the DNR.

● WPA is the acronym for Waterfowl Production Area, which includes lands owned by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and, in most cases, managed by the Wildlife Bureau of the DNR.

BLACK HAWK WILDLIFE UNIT Clint Maddix, Wildlife Biologist Date Updated: 8/25/21

BUENA VISTA COUNTY

Little Storm Lake Water levels: >18” below crest Vegetation: Heavy emergent vegetation around the entire shoreline with submerged vegetation present. Notes: Boat accessibility will be nearly impossible with low water levels.

Storm Lake Water levels: >18” below crest Vegetation: some submergent vegetation, no emergent vegetation Notes: Boat access sites are still usable on the entire lake.

CALHOUN COUNTY

South Twin Lake Water levels: >18” below crest Vegetation: some emergent vegetation on the shoreline. Notes: Boat accessibility will be tougher for bigger boats.

CARROLL COUNTY

Artesian Lake Water levels: Below crest Vegetation: Area has heavy emergent vegetation with scattered open pockets. Notes: Mud motors will be needed to access different portions of the wetland.

POCAHONTAS COUNTY

Little Clear Lake Water levels: Below crest Vegetation: Area has heavy submergent and emergent vegetation. Notes: Accessible for smaller boats

Lizard Lake Water levels: 2 foot below crest Vegetation: Both emergent and submergent vegetation are present. 2

Notes:

Shimon Marsh Water levels: Dry Vegetation: Heavy emergent vegetation is present. Notes: Stop logs were added in the spring, lack of precipitation hasn’t allowed wetland to refill.

Sunken Grove Water levels: Below crest on the main lobe, south lobe is dry. Vegetation: Emergent vegetation is present with heavy submergent vegetation. Notes: Accessibility and navigation will be tougher for big boats on the lake.

SAC COUNTY

Black Hawk Wildlife Area Water levels: State Marsh is dry, DU Marsh is >12” below crest Vegetation: Both marshes are heavy with emergent vegetation. Notes:

Black Hawk Lake Water levels: Inlet Bay is >3 foot low, Main lake is > 1 foot low. Vegetation: Emergent vegetation is present. Notes: Inlet Bay will slowly be refilled through the Fall.

Burrow's Pond Water levels: Below crest Vegetation: Heavy emergent vegetation Notes: Boat access is not possible

Kiowa Marsh Water levels: Heidenreich 18” below crest, Kiowa Main is 2 foot below crest, and Kiowa North is 6” below crest. Vegetation: Heavy emergent vegetation is present on all wetlands with good submerged vegetation. Notes: Scouting will be necessary to determine boat accessibility on all marshes.

Sac City Wetland Complex Water levels: Dry Vegetation: Heavy emergent vegetation. Notes:

Tomahawk Marsh Water levels: Main marsh is dry, north wetland has shallow water. Vegetation: Heavy emergent vegetation is present on all wetlands. Notes:

CEDAR-WAPSI WILDLIFE UNIT Jason Auel, Wildlife Biologist Date Updated: 8/31/2021

BREMER COUNTY

Leopold Area Water levels: The area is currently flooding. Vegetation: Abundant emergent vegetation. Notes: The Wapsi River reached near the all time record high at the river gauge near Tripoli. The water was over highway C50 on August 30. Access to the area may be limited due to flood water and potential damage.

Sweet Marsh Water levels: The area received severe flooding August 28-30. The flood water overtopped all the dikes and is currently lowering. Vegetation: Notes: The Wapsi River reached near the all time record high at the river gauge near Tripoli. There has been severe damage to areas of Sweet Marsh. The A cell on the south end of the marsh had part of the dike blown out. The pool is still holding water but extreme caution will be needed if you are using this pool. The Quail Ave road is closed to traffic south of the C cell parking lot. Caution will be needed when using Sweet Marsh

BUTLER COUNTY

Big Marsh Water levels: All the main pools are low to dry. Other wetlands on the WMA are low. Vegetation: Abundant emergent vegetation Notes: The recent rains have helped but the pools are very slow to fill. The Upper Pool and Lower pool have low water and the Middle Pool is dry. Boat access will be difficult. More rainfall is needed in the West Fork of the Cedar River watershed to help fill Big Marsh.

CLEAR LAKE WILDLIFE UNIT TJ Herrick, Wildlife Biologist Date Updated: 8/27/21

CERRO GORDO COUNTY

Union Hills Water levels: Below Crest Vegetation: Abundant Emergent Vegetation Notes: Recent rain have improved water conditions, pre-season scouting is highly encouraged

Ventura Marsh Water levels: Below Crest Vegetation: Abundant Emergent Vegetation Notes: Recent rain have improved water conditions, pre-season scouting is highly encouraged

HANCOCK COUNTY

Crystal Hills WPA Water levels: Below Crest Vegetation: Abundant Emergent Vegetation Notes: Recent rain have improved water conditions, pre-season scouting is highly encouraged

Gladfelter WMA Water levels: Below Crest Vegetation: Abundant Emergent Vegetation Notes: Recent rain have improved water conditions, pre-season scouting is highly encouraged

Eagle Lake Water levels: At Crest Vegetation: Abundant submergent Vegetation Notes: Boats can easily access the marsh

East Twin Lake WMA Water levels: Below Crest Vegetation: Abundant submergent Vegetation Notes: Recent rain have improved water conditions, pre-season scouting is highly encouraged

Meredith Marsh Water levels: Below Crest Vegetation: Abundant Emergent Vegetation Notes: Recent rain have improved water conditions, pre-season scouting is highly encouraged

WINNEBAGO COUNTY Harmon Lake Water levels: Below Crest Vegetation: Abundant Emergent Vegetation Notes: Recent rain have improved water conditions, pre-season scouting is highly encouraged

Myre Slough Water levels: Below Crest Vegetation: Abundant Emergent Vegetation Notes: Recent rain have improved water conditions, pre-season scouting is highly encouraged

WORTH COUNTY

Elk Creek - Pool A Water levels: Below Crest Vegetation: Some emergent vegetation around the outer edge of the pool Notes: Recent rain have improved water conditions, pre-season scouting is highly encouraged

Elk Creek - Pool B Water levels: Below Crest Vegetation: Abundant Emergent Vegetation Notes: Recent rain have improved water conditions, pre-season scouting is highly encouraged

Elk Creek - Pool C Water levels: Below Crest Vegetation: Abundant Emergent Vegetation Notes: Recent rain have improved water conditions, pre-season scouting is highly encouraged

Rice Lake Water levels: Below Crest Vegetation: Abundant submergent vegetation Notes: Recent rain have improved water conditions, pre-season scouting is highly encouraged

Hanlontown Slough Water levels: Below Crest Vegetation: Abundant emergent & submergent vegetation Notes: Recent rain have improved water conditions, pre-season scouting is highly encouraged

Silver Lake and Marsh Water levels: Below Crest Vegetation: Abundant Emergent Vegetation Notes: Recent rain have improved water conditions, pre-season scouting is highly encouraged

WRIGHT COUNTY 6

Big Wall Lake Water levels: Below Crest Vegetation: Abundant Emergent Vegetation Notes: Pre-season scouting is highly encouraged

Elm Lake Water levels: Below Crest Vegetation: Very little vegetation Notes: Pre-season scouting is highly encouraged

Lower Morse Lake Wetland Complex Water levels: Below Crest Vegetation: Abundant Emergent Vegetation Notes: Pre-season scouting is highly encouraged

GRAND RIVER WILDLIFE UNIT Chad Paup, Wildlife Biologist Date Updated: 8/23/21

ADAMS COUNTY

Lake Icaria Water levels: Water levels are low Vegetation: poor Notes: The marsh depends on rain to rise.

UNION COUNTY

Mitchell Marsh Water levels: ⅔ full Vegetation: decent Notes:

GREAT LAKES WILDLIFE UNIT Chris La Rue, Wildlife Biologist Date Updated: 8/30/21

DICKINSON COUNTY

Christopherson Slough Water levels: Christopherson Slough is about +/- 15-inches below crest level, however it has water for hunting. Vegetation: Abundant emergent vegetation Notes: Small and large wetlands are virtually all dry within the complex. A couple large marshes have some limited water now after recent rains for walk-in hunting opportunities. Scouting is recommended to evaluate the water level and habitat conditions.

Boat access on Christopherson Slough may be very difficult due to the lower conditions. Small boats with a mud motor or canoe are recommended.

Diamond Lake Water levels: Diamond Lake only has about 8-10 inches of water total in the lake due to drought conditions. Vegetation: Excellent emergent and submergent vegetation & habitat conditions Notes All small wetlands are dry due to the continued drought conditions. A couple large wetlands could have a bit of sheet water for walk-in hunting possibly. Pre-season scouting is recommended to evaluate water level conditions.

There is no boat access for Diamond Lake due to the water level conditions.

Dugout Creek Water levels: Dugout creek is +/- 10 inches below crest level but has good water for access. Vegetation: Very good emergent and submergent vegetation conditions Notes: All large and small wetlands are dry due to the drought conditions. Large and small boats should be able to access Dugout Creek with little difficulty.

Garlock Slough Water levels: Garlock Slough is about +/- 18 inches below crest but has good water for walk-in hunting opportunities. Vegetation: Vegetation is fair with limited emergent vegetation Notes: All small wetlands are totally dry due to the existing drought. A couple large wetlands now have some water after recent rains (8/28/21) for walk-in hunting opportunities.

Grovers Lake Water levels: Grovers Lake is way below normal crest levels due to the drought. Vegetation: Emergent and submergent vegetation is pretty good. Notes: Small boat access might be possible with a mud motor or canoe however, vegetation and shallow water might be an issue.

Hales Slough Water levels: Hales Slough is way below crest level due to the continued drought conditions. Vegetation: Vegetation is excellent with good emergent and submergent. Notes: All wetlands within the Hales Slough Complex are dry at this time. Boat access on Hales is possible but low water and vegetation may make it difficult for small boats and motors.

Horseshoe Lake WMA Water levels: Water levels are down on Horse Lake but surprisingly not as bad as other areas. Vegetation: Good natural vegetation exists making nice habitat conditions for waterfowl. Notes: Horseshoe Lake should be accessible by small boats but vegetation may make it difficult for outboard motors. Horseshoe is OUTSIDE the Jemmerson Slough Waterfowl refuge and open to public hunting.

Jemmerson Slough Water levels: Jemmerson Slough’s Waterfowl Refuge is below crest in most of the main bays due to the existing drought conditions. However, there is good water in the West and North Bays for waterfowl. Vegetation: There is excellent emergent and submergent vegetation and habitat conditions for waterfowl. Notes: The Jemmerson Slough Wetlands Complex is about 1,100 acres in size. About 665 acres is included in the Waterfowl Refuge that was established in 2009. The Waterfowl Refuge is CLOSED to all public access when the duck season is open as posted.

Kettleson-Hogsback Complex Water levels: Water levels are way down within the complex due to the existing drought. West Hottes Lake is down +/- 20 inches with Marble Lake at the same level basically. Vegetation: Drought conditions have further enhanced very good vegetation and waterfowl habitat. Notes: Most all wetlands are dry within the complex. A few large wetlands still have some minimal water for walk-in hunting opportunities but scouting is highly recommended to evaluate the conditions. West Hottes Lake - Small boats may be able to access the lake however, they will have to be lifted off the trailer and pushed out due to the low water levels. Marble Lake - is really only accessible by a kayak or canoe as water is way out from the ramp. However, there is walk-in hunting opportunity on the lake in certain areas.

Little Swan Lake

Water levels: Continued drought has Little Swan Lake down with only +/- 15 inches of water in the East Bay. The lake was totally dry last fall with the drought and restoration and vegetation enhancement project. Vegetation: The continued drought has helped provide very good wetland vegetation and habitat. Notes: Dickinson County is replacing the culverts between the West and East bay on the county road starting this week. Please know the road will be closed for several days while under construction. There is NO boat access at this time on Little Swan Lake due to the drought.

Sidel Marsh Water levels: Sidel Marsh is currently dry due to the continued drought. Vegetation: Excellent natural vegetation and habitat - just no water. Notes:

Spring Run Water levels: Water Levels are the lowest we’ve seen in over 20 years in the Spring Run Complex. Majority of even the largest traditional marshes are dry from the continued drought. A few larger wetlands have some minimal water for walk-in hunting opportunities and after recent rains. Scouting is highly recommended to evaluate possible hunting conditions. Pleasant Lake is below crest but is accessible for hunting. Lily Lake is totally dry ! Prairie Lake is below crest but has good accessible water for hunting. Spring Lake had only a small amount of sheet water. Lair WPA - Only a little water remains at the structure at this time. Meinking Marsh is below crest level but has good water for walk-in hunting opportunities. Pachmayr Marsh is below crest level but has good water for walk-in hunting opportunities. Vegetation: Natural vegetation is most all of the complex is in good to excellent conditions from the last two growing seasons. Notes: Boat access is available on Pleasant and Prairie Lake however water levels are below crest.

Welch Lake Complex Water levels: Water levels are low in the complex with all small wetlands and some of the larger wetlands dry. However, there is good huntable water in several of the larger restored wetlands in the complex for excellent walk-in hunting opportunities. Vegetation: Natural vegetation is in excellent condition after the continued drought in the complex.

Notes: Welch lake is below crest however, it is accessible and another good hunting option due to the very low water levels in Dickinson County.

Yager Slough Water levels: Yager Slough just recently went dry due to the drought. Vegetation: Good emergent vegetation at this time. Notes: All small are dry with maybe 1 larger basin that has some sheet water for possibly a few more days?

OSCEOLA COUNTY

Rush Lake Water levels: Water levels are over 2 feet below crest due to the continued drought. Vegetation: The drought has helped provide some good natural vegetation and habitat in some areas. Notes: Boat access is not possible due to the drought conditions but walk-in hunting opportunities are an option. The lake and access will be evaluated again today 8/26/21.

IOWA RIVER WILDLIFE UNIT Steve Woodruff, Wildlife Biologist Date Updated: 8/31/21

BENTON COUNTY

Dudgeon Lake Water levels: Water levels are currently low, Vegetation: Good Condition Notes: Water levels are expected to rise near Vinton by Wednesday or Thursday due to flooding conditions upstream.. Water levels may spike to flood stage level for a couple days then recede to normal levels.

JOHNSON COUNTY

Hawkeye Wildlife Area Water levels: Water Levels on out laying wetlands have been very low all summer Vegetation: Excellent natural vegetation conditions Notes: Started raising pool level mid July. With very minimal inflows reaching 684 bt 09/01/21 is questionable. As of 08/31/21 pool level is 683.66

Swan Lake Water levels: Very Low Vegetation: Good conditions around the perimeter. Notes:

TAMA COUNTY

Otter Creek Water levels: Boards are in and ready to capture any anticipated inflows. Otter Creek Lake is being de-watered. Water that passes through Otter Creek Marsh is being captured, but not enough water to fill the marsh. Segment #6 has nearly a foot of water. 11

Vegetation: Excellent vegetation Notes: River water level is too low to pump water.

MAQUOKETA WILDLIFE UNIT Curt Kemmerer, Wildlife Biologist Date Updated: 8/23/21

CLINTON COUNTY

Goose Lake Water levels: North Pool: The water control dam has been removed and construction of the new dam is ongoing. Until the new dam is completed, water level in this pool will remain extremely low. Center Pool: This pool is slightly below normal crest due to the dry weather. South Pool: This pool is about 1 foot below fall crest due to the dry weather. Vegetation: North Pool: Typical cattail coverage, with the open areas being very shallow or mud flats. Center Pool: Typical cattail fringe with the open water area covered with lily pads. South Pool: Typical cattail coverage. Notes: Boat access is unlikely this year in the north pool. If we get some rain and a bump in water, it may be possible for some boats to access the center pool (north side of Hwy 136). The center pool boat launch channel was recently dredged and widened.

JACKSON COUNTY

Green Island Water levels: We achieved a complete drawdown this summer across the WMA. We are allowing water back into the marsh, but current water levels are only at the normal summer level. This means the west side is 2.5 feet below fall crest at this point, which is normal for the end of August. We are planning to begin pumping operations by the first of September, but do not count on much boatable water for the teal season. Vegetation: The dry summer and low river levels allowed for a good drawdown this year. The vegetation response across the marsh is incredible, with tons of smartweed, wild millet, sedges and other emergent vegetation growing in dense stands. Some of the buttonbush has regenerated, and for once timber has not suffered further losses. Notes: Boat access will be very difficult outside of the ditches for teal season.

JONES COUNTY

Muskrat Slough

Water levels: The water level has slowly receded throughout the summer and is currently very low. We are set to catch any water that comes into the basin as we enter fall. Vegetation: The low water is allowing new vegetation to establish in the middle of the marsh. When the rain returns and the marsh fills, the conditions should be much better than recent years. Notes: Currently the marsh is not accessible by boat. Walk-in hunting could be good if hunters can find pockets of surface water that they can get to through the wall of cattail or across the mud flats. Smaller fringe wetlands have some water in them.

SCOTT COUNTY

Princeton Water levels: We achieved a complete drawdown this summer across the WMA. We are letting water back into the marsh as the river allows, but current water levels are roughly 2 feet below fall crest, which is normal for the end of August. We are planning to begin pumping operations by the first of September, but do not count on much boat-able water for the teal season. Vegetation: The dry summer and low river levels allowed for a good drawdown this year. The vegetation response across the marsh has been great, with lots of smartweed, wild millet, sedges and other emergent vegetation growing in dense stands anywhere that the water got down to mudflat. The buttonbush and timber finally had a good year to grow as well. Notes: Boat access is not likely for the teal season.

MISSOURI RIVER WILDLIFE UNIT Doug Chafa, Wildlife Biologist Date Updated: 8/30/21 (MS)

HARRISON COUNTY

Round Lake Water levels: 1.5 ft below crest. Vegetation: River bulrush has filled approximately 85% of marsh as it has been low all summer. Notes: Boat access will be difficult due to low water.

Nobles Lake Water levels: 2 ft below crest. 13

Vegetation: All veg on fringe and rest open water. Notes: Boat ramp may present challenges.

Tyson Bend Water levels: Mo River 32,900 cfs and 13.90 ft at Blair gauge. Vegetation: Notes: Sandbar blocking mouth of the backwater.

Soldier Bend Water levels: Mo River at 13.90 at Blair gauge. Vegetation: No veg Notes: Sand bar across mouth of backwater.

California Bend Water levels: Not boat accessible at current river levels (13.90 at Blair gauge) Vegetation: Notes: Boat access from Missouri River only.

MONONA COUNTY

Badger Lake Water levels: 2 ft below crest. Vegetation: River bulrush has filled in large areas of the mash that have been dry this summer. Notes: Boat ramps will be challenging with low water.

Louisville Bend Water levels: Flood damages will prevent pumping this fall. Vegetation: Notes:

Tieville Bend Water levels: 3 ft below crest Vegetation: Good beds of smartweed and barnyard grass. Notes: Started pumping 08/16/21.

WOODBURY COUNTY

Browns Lake Water levels: 4.48 ft below crest Vegetation: Notes: mudflats between veg and water. Boat launch will be difficult with low water.

Luton WMA Water levels: Most of the shallow basins are dry. Some water in deepest basins. 14

Vegetation: Good emergent veg. Notes: Walk-in access only.

Snyder Bend WMA Water levels: Lake is refilling and water levels will be coming up Vegetation: A lot of smartweed this year. Notes: Started filling lake Friday August 13, 2021.

Winnebago Bend WMA Water levels: Vegetation: Notes: Dry this year.

Table Marsh WMA Water levels: Several lof the small wetlands still have water. Vegetation: Good emergent veg on the edges of the wetlands. Notes: Walk-in access only.

Nishnabotna Wildlife Unit Matt Dollison, Wildlife Biologist Date Updated: 8-25-2021

Fremont County

Riverton – Main Area Water levels: The main boat area (Larsen Tract) is nearly dry. The walk-in area (Johnson Tract) is at full pool. Vegetation: Very good this year, as most of the area is vegetated with annual smartweeds and wild millet. Notes: The pump has been on since the first legal weekday (Aug. 16th). It will take a long time to reach crest with the extra dry conditions this year. Currently the West Nish River has adequate water to keep pumping, but this may become an issue if dry conditions persist.

Riverton – Jensen Tract Water levels: Currently 7 inches below full pool. Vegetation: Very good this year, as most of the area is vegetated with annual smartweeds and wild millet. Notes: The pump has been on since the first legal weekday (Aug. 16th). Currently the East Nish River has adequate water to keep pumping, but this may become an issue if dry conditions persist.

Forney Lake Water levels: Dry. Vegetation: Pretty even mix of annual smartweeds/millet, river bulrush, and american lotus. Notes: The pumps are currently not functional, and if they were we would not have them on due to their lack of effectiveness in dry conditions. 15

Copeland Bend Water levels: Only the deepest portions of the excavations have water. Vegetation: Existing water is devoid of vegetation. Notes: Unlike past years, there is cover for hunters to hide in adjacent to much of the existing water.

M. U. Payne (Formerly Frazer’s Bend) Water levels: Only the deepest portions of the excavations have water. Vegetation: Existing water is devoid of vegetation. Notes: There are a few areas with cover for hunters to hide in adjacent to water.

Cooper Creek Water levels: There is only water in the borrow ditch next to a few of the dikes. Vegetation: Existing water is devoid of vegetation. Notes: There is limited cover for hunters to hide in adjacent to water.

Auldon Bar Water levels: The only water is in the deep scour holes. Vegetation: Existing water is devoid of vegetation. Notes:

Botna Bottoms: Water levels: Dry. Vegetation: Vegetation is ideal for ducks if the area is filled by rainfall. Notes:

Draper Bottoms Water levels: The deepest borrow areas along the southeast and northeast corners have water. Vegetation: Existing water is devoid of vegetation. Notes:

Mills County

Willow Slough Water levels: Dry. Vegetation: Vegetation is ideal for ducks if the area is filled by rainfall. Notes:

Haynie Slough Water levels: Almost completely dry. Vegetation: 16

Notes: DNR installed a gravel boat ramp in the southwest corner.

Noddleman Island Water levels: Only the deepest portions of the excavations have water. Vegetation: Existing water is devoid of vegetation. Notes: Hunter concealment cover is limited.

St. Mary’s Island Water levels: The only water on the WMA is in borrow pit ponds. Vegetation: Notes:

ODESSA WILDLIFE UNIT Andy Robbins, Wildlife Biologist Date Updated: 8/25/21

DES MOINES COUNTY

Blackhawk Bottoms Water levels: Vegetation: Notes:

LOUISA COUNTY

Cone Marsh Water levels: Vegetation: Notes:

Klum Lake Water levels: Vegetation: Notes:

Odessa Wildlife Area Water levels: Currently above normal fall crest and rising. https://water.weather.gov/ahps2/hydrograph.php?wfo=dvn&gage=odsi4 Vegetation: Notes: 17

MUSCATINE COUNTY

Wiese Slough Water levels: Vegetation: Notes:

PRAIRIE LAKES WILDLIFE UNIT Rob Patterson Wildlife Biologist Date Updated: 8/25/21

CLAY COUNTY

Barringer Slough Water levels: Barringer Slough is approximately 2 ft below crest. Vegetation: Barringer supports quality stands of submergent and emergent vegetation. Notes: Preseason scouting is highly recommended. Boat access will be limited.

Dan Green Slough Water levels: Dan Green has been dewatered to promote aquatic vegetation and eliminate rough fish. There is little to no huntable water in the slough. Vegetation: Aquatic plants are responding very well to management activities Notes:

DU Marsh Water levels: DU Marsh is approximately 1.5 ft below crest Vegetation: DU Marsh is well vegetated with quality stands of emergent and submergent vegetation Notes:

Trumbull Lake-Smith Slough Complex Water levels: Trumble Lake-Smith Slough Complex has been dewatered to promote a healthy shallow lake/marsh ecosystem. Vegetation: Trumble Lake has a vast stand of smartweed covering the majority of the lake bed. Notes:

EMMET COUNTY

Cheever Lake Water levels: Water Levels at Cheever Lake are approximately 2 ft below crest. Vegetation: Cheever Lake supports abundant and diverse beds of aquatic vegetation Notes: Floating cattail mats have blocked the main boat access point.

Four-Mile Lake Complex Water levels: Water levels at Four Mile Lake are approximately 2 ft below crest due to the severe drought. Vegetation: Four Mile Lake consistently supports quality stands of emergent and submergent vegetation Notes: Hunters wanting to access Four Mile Lake by boat are highly encouraged to scout prior to the waterfowl season.

Ingham-High Complex Water levels: Water levels across the Ingham High Complex are low due to the extreme drought. Lake levels are anywhere from 1 to 2 ft below crest and many of the associated smaller sloughes are dry. Vegetation: The larger lakes (Ingham, High and Cunningham) have little to no aquatic vegetation. Many of the smaller sloughes are well vegetated but have little to no water Notes: Preseason scouting is highly recommended. Ingham and High provide the best opportunity for boatable water.

Iowa Lake-Goose Lake Complex Water levels: Iowa Lake is approximately 1 ft below crest. Goose Lake is currently drawn down to re- establish emergent aquatic plants and to eliminate rough fish populations. Water levels in the smaller pothole wetlands on this complex vary greatly, some have good water and some have none. Vegetation: Iowa Lake has very little aquatic vegetation. Many of the smaller lakes and wetlands have quality stands of aquatic vegetation. Notes: Preseason scouting is highly recommended

Tuttle Lake Complex Water levels: Tuttle Lake is approximately 2 ft below crest. The smaller pothole wetlands on this complex are mostly dry due to extreme drought. Vegetation: Tuttle Lake has little to no vegetation. Notes:

PALO ALTO COUNTY

Blue-wing Marsh Water levels: Blue-wing Marsh is about 1 ft below crest. Vegetation: Blue-wing Marsh supports high quality stands of emergent vegetation. Notes:

Dewey’s Pasture Complex 19

Water levels: Many of the pothole wetlands that make up the Deweys Pasture Complex are dry or extremely low. There are some wetlands with huntable water. Vegetation: These wetlands support diverse stands of aquatic plants. Notes: Preseason scouting is highly recommended, water levels vary significantly.

Fallow Marsh Water levels: Water levels at Fallow Marsh are very low. The main pool has some water but many of the smaller wetlands are dry. Some walk in hunting maybe possible. Vegetation: Very good aquatic vegetation Notes:

Rush Lake Water levels: Rush Lake is at or near crest elevation. Rush Lake should provide hunters quality boat in opportunities Vegetation: Very good aquatic vegetation Notes:

RATHBUN WILDLIFE UNIT Heath Van Waus, Wildlife Biologist Date Updated: 8/23/21

APPANOOSE COUNTY

Rathbun Lake Complex

Water levels: Rathbun Lake current pool elevation: 904.75. Normal pool elevation: 904. Upper impoundments surrounding Rathbun Lake vary - scouting is highly recommended. Most impoundments are 1-2 feet below normal pool elevation. The deeper cuts are holding decent water and many of the other areas have some level of sheet water. Vegetation: Good emergent vegetation. Large rain event in early July destroyed the majority of the emergent vegetation at North Colyn. Vegetation around Rathbun Lake itself will be sparse - lake levels were as high as 910 this summer. Notes: Scouting is highly recommended. Large boats will have trouble getting into many of the wetlands with current water levels. Small boats with mud motors should be able to find huntable water. *Woodpecker marsh is dry. A wetland improvement project is scheduled to take place this fall/winter.*

Sedan Bottoms

Water levels: Water levels are slightly below crest. The majority of impoundments have sheet water. Refuge is roughly ⅓ full. River oxbows on the south end are full and should provide good wood duck hunting during the early season. 20

Vegetation: Abundant emergent vegetation. Notes: Scouting prior to the season is highly recommended to determine which impoundments waterfowl are favoring. Sedan bottoms is walk -in only.

RED ROCK WILDLIFE UNIT Todd Gosselink, Wildlife Biologist Date Updated: 8/25/21

JASPER & POLK COUNTIES

Colfax WMA and Chichaqua Bottoms Green Belt WMA Water levels: Dry conditions have substantially reduced water levels in ponds, oxbows and marshes, with the Skunk River at extremely low conditions. The river levels impact the oxbows in the floodplain, and will remain low if river levels remain low. Vegetation: Vegetation in most areas is very good, but most of these areas with vegetation are dry. IF we get some Fall rains, flooded vegetation conditions will be excellent. Notes: Because these wetlands are on the river floodplain and in close proximity to the river channel, they are often underlain by porous soils and water levels are dependent upon the river water level, which is currently very low.

Rock Creek Marsh Water levels: The water level is determined by the elevation of Rock Creek Lake, which is currently below normal pool. Vegetation: There has been extremely heavy sedimentation the last few years resulting in reduced water surface area. The main marsh has some open water conditions, but dense willows and arrowhead plants fill much of the marsh. Some of the basins that have been isolated by sedimentation have good stands of emergent vegetation, primarily arrowhead. Notes: Good for walk-in access.

MARION COUNTY

Red Rock Reservoir Water levels: Lake Red Rock pool is projected to be at 741.6 on Sept. 1. The lowering of the lake during August creates needed habitat for migrating shorebirds. Current drought conditions may make a fall pool rise difficult this year. Hopefully, we will receive fall rains upstream to allow for a fall pool rise. If flows allow for this, the DNR has requested that the USACE raise the lake pool to 744 by Oct 9, 746 by Oct 25, and 747 by Nov 15. Due to the potential for fluctuating lake levels, it is crucial to monitor the lake water level and river flows at the USACE web site: http://rivergages.mvr.usace.army.mil/WaterControl/Districts/MVR/Forecast/pelforecast.html Vegetation: The vegetation and potential food for migrating waterfowl is excellent headed into the fall, since minimal flooding this year, which allowed for plenty of time for good vegetation growth. Large

stands of wild millet (barnyard grass) and smartweed cover the areas that could be flooded this fall if drought conditions lessen. Boat Access: The boat ramp at “OK Hill” is not accessible with drought conditions. The “Box Cars” and Bennington boat ramps are accessible. Box Cars boat ramp is best suited for surface drive conditions due to low water levels. Notes: The new USACE water regulations allow Red Rock lake levels to be raised 5 feet instead of the typical 2 feet every year. This will flood approximately an additional 1000 acres of waterfowl habitat.

Swan Refuge Water levels: The refuge is currently dry, but is planned to be pumped this fall. If flows fall below 300 cfs below the dam at the Tracy gauge, we are not allowed to pump. Current flows are 734 cfs. Vegetation: There are excellent natural moist soil plants in the refuge, since there was minimal spring flooding giving enough time for vegetation to grow and produce seed for migrating waterfowl. Notes: This is a Waterfowl Refuge. Access is restricted from 1 September until the end of the duck hunting season.

WARREN COUNTY

Banner Flats WMA Water levels: The wetlands in this area are oxbows or constructed basins and currently are nearly empty due to the drought. The large constructed wetland by the shooting range has been drained to allow construction work on the marsh this fall to repair the dikes. Other wetland water levels will vary depending upon the weather and the proximity of the wetland to the Middle River channel, which is currently very low. Vegetation: Excellent stands of moist soil and emergent plants have developed this year with the lack of flooding, but are currently dry. Notes: These are walk-in areas.

Red Rock WMA South River Hartford Bottoms Water levels: There are numerous oxbows and constructed wetlands in this area. Most wetlands are currently low due to dry conditions, but still have some water in them. Vegetation: Excellent stands of moist soil and emergent plants have developed this year with the lack of flooding, but are mostly dry. Notes: These are walk-in areas.

Red Rock WMA Sub-impoundments Little Hartford and Big Hartford (Richard’s Marsh) Water levels: Little Hartford wetland has minimal water due to very low river levels and dry conditions. Big Hartford (Richard’s Marsh) is currently dry, but pumping is planned in September. Vegetation: There is excellent moist soil plant growth in Big and Little Hartford since there was minimal flooding this past year. No agricultural crops were planted this spring. Boat Access: Little Hartford boat ramp is unusable since there is no water. Big Hartford boat ramp will be usable once pumping is started. 22

Runnells Marsh Water levels: The Runnells Marsh (directly south of the town of Runnells) is currently very low due to the dry conditions. All of the Mud creek flow has been diverted into the marsh since the beginning of August, but flows are minimal at this time. Rain will be needed to increase the marsh water levels. The deeper pools have water currently, but minimal vegetation is flooded. Vegetation: There is excellent moist soil plant growth throughout all of Runnells Marsh since it did not flood at this level this spring, but no water in the vegetation. Boat Access: The boat ramps are not currently usable due to low lake levels, but as the marsh fills, access will be good. Notes: This marsh is an excellent walk-in site also, with access from HWY 316 and the boat ramp. The southwest portion of the marsh can be accessed by crossing the dike and water control outflow structure on the south side of the marsh.

SAYLORVILLE WILDLIFE UNIT Josh Gansen, Wildlife Biologist. Date Updated: No Report

GREENE COUNTY

Dunbar Slough WMA – Main Wetland Water levels: Vegetation: Notes:

Dunbar Slough WPA Water levels: Vegetation: Notes:

Goose Lake WMA Water levels: Vegetation: Notes:

Snake Creek WMA Water levels: Vegetation: Notes:

GUTHRIE COUNTY

Bays Branch WMA Water levels: Vegetation: Notes:

Lakin Slough Water levels: Vegetation: Notes:

McCord Pond Water levels: Vegetation: Notes:

POLK COUNTY

Saylorville Reservoir Water levels: Vegetation: Notes:

STORY COUNTY Hendrickson Marsh Water levels: Vegetation: Notes:

SUGEMA WILDLIFE UNIT Jeff Glaw, Wildlife Biologist Date Updated: 8/23/21

KEOKUK COUNTY

Hayesville Bend WMA Water levels: Water in wetland is low due to dry conditions. Vegetation: Some wetland vegetation is found along the shore lines. Notes: Some huntable water but needs some timely rains.

VAN BUREN COUNTY 24

Lake Sugema Water levels: Water is at crest. Vegetation: We had high water conditions on Sugema four times this year. Some wetland vegetation in the upper end of the lake and silt retention wetlands. . Notes: Mercer wetland is drawn down for repair of underground pipeline.

DeVoss/Foster WMA Water levels: Huntable water in the wetland this year. Vegetation: A variety of wetland vegetation in the impoundment this year. Notes:

Fox River WMA Water levels: Water level is low currently. Will need some timely rains to fill it up. Vegetation: Due to high water early in the season, vegetation is not as good as it should be on a normal year. Notes: Would be a good idea to scout the wetlands before the seasons start.

UPPER IOWA WILDLIFE UNIT Troy Anderson, Wildlife Biologist Date Updated: 8/31/2021

ALLAMAKEE

Mississippi River – Pool 9 Water levels: The water level has been consistently low throughout the summer with the dry conditions this year. The recent rains have added 1 to 2 feet of water over the summer levels. Vegetation: With the fairly consistent water levels this summer there has been a good response in the submergent and emergent vegetation. Notes: The water level is currently on a slight rise but with one major rain the level can change quickly so, as always on the river, pre-scouting is highly recommended. With the addition of flood water from the interior rivers be cautious of floating debris and logs.

CLAYTON COUNTY

Mississippi River – Pool 10 Water levels: The water level has been consistently low throughout the summer with the dry conditions this year. The recent rains have added 1 to 2 feet of water over the summer levels. 25

Vegetation: With the fairly consistent water levels this summer there has been a good response in the submergent and emergent vegetation.

Notes: The water level is currently holding steady but with one major rain event the river level can quickly change so pre-scouting is highly recommended.With the addition of flood water from the interior rivers be cautious of floating debris and logs.

WINNESHIEK COUNTY

Cardinal Marsh Main Marsh Water levels: We were able to hold a good amount of huntable water in the main marsh throughout the dry summer. There is a cement boat ramp on the northwest side of the main marsh. Small outboards, surface drive and mud motors should be able to navigate the main marsh at the current water levels but pre-scouting is recommended. Vegetation: The main marsh has a good mixture of emergent and submerged vegetation. The cattails around the edge of the main marsh and a few pockets throughout the marsh regenerated again this year creating several places to hide a boat. The abundance of submergent vegetation may create some issues with standard outboard motor navigation. Segments Water levels: We were able to hold a good amount of water in segments B and C throughout the summer this year. We had a complete draw down of segment A this year and with the recent rains we were able to fill with a good amount of huntable water. We also held as much water in segment D as possible this summer but with the extremely dry conditions the water has recently receded somewhat, but again the recent rain has filled this segment. Vegetation: With the drawdown of segment A this summer we had a great response of emergent vegetation. It is loaded with smartweed, bidens, sedges and other emergent vegetation. Segment B and D are mostly open water with some emergent vegetation and a lot of submerged vegetation. Segment D has a good mixture of submergent and emergent vegetation. Notes: The segments are mainly walk-in access and pre-scouting is recommended .