KEOSAUQUA, Iowa - The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will host a public meeting at 6 p.m., June 25, at the Lacey Keosaqua State Park main lodge at the west entrance, to discuss the proposed removal of gizzard shad from Lake Sugema.
Gizzard shad, an injurious species, were illegally introduced to Lake Sugema in 2015. Growing gizzard shad populations have reduced game fish populations, decreased water quality and limited fishing activity.
Information will be presented on the history of the Lake Sugema fish community, the problems gizzard shad have caused, and plans to eliminate this injurious species.
The Iowa DNR plans to treat Lake Sugema in the fall of 2019 (pending workable weather conditions) with a very low concentration of rotenone that is about 4 percent of the normal dosage to eliminate gizzard shad. This low treatment level allows the DNR to specifically target the shad with few impacts to other game species. Rotenone, a natural pesticide derived from the roots of certain members of the bean family from South America, is a common tool that fisheries managers use to manage sport fish, improve water quality, and manage endangered species.
Any person attending the public meeting and has special requirements such as those related to mobility or hearing impairments should contact the DNR or ADA Coordinator at 515-725-8200, Relay Iowa TTY Service 800-735-7942, or Webmaster@dnr.iowa.gov, and advise of specific needs.