Turtle Lake restoration effort aims for spring 2026 work

The long-anticipated dredging of northwest Iowa's Turtle Lake is now underway. 

The restoration effort is intended to remove thousands of cubic yards of sediment while improving water quality and enhancing wildlife habitat and also providing the public a safe and more accessible recreational destination for boaters and anglers.

Turtle Lake is a full public access lake. Most funding for this phase was provided by members of the Lakewood Park Association along with grants from the Sherwood Foundation and the Andrea Waitt Carlton Foundation. In addition, other Lake Area community supporting organizations and individuals across the region played roles in helping to reach this milestone. 

The next phase focuses on restoring Paddler’s Path and Wilderness Way, two DNR-owned waterways that have accumulated more than a century of sediment -- restricting water flow, navigation and ecological health. These channels connect Turtle Lake and the north canals to West Lake Okoboji and support natural water movement through Miller’s Bay, Spencer Beach and Emmerson Bay. They are also treasured public spaces used daily for paddling, fishing, wildlife viewing and nature exploration.

Because the dredge crew and equipment are currently mobilized for Turtle Lake, this spring presents a unique opportunity to complete Paddler’s Path and Wilderness Way at a significantly reduced cost and without delay.

Funding must be secured by early spring of 2026. The cost to restore Paddler’s Path and Wilderness Way is estimated at $800,000. To give, visit https://okobojifoundation.org/giveboji/.