LAKE OKOBOJI -- Due to the tremendous amounts of rainfall that have inundated Dickinson County, the Iowa Great Lakes and surrounding lakes are experiencing rising lake levels. With these rising lake levels, property owners are reporting erosion damage to shorelines.
During these times, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) can work within its authority to give landowners emergency authorization for hazardous and detrimental conditions. This emergency work can be done after consultation with Iowa DNR field employees and an on-site visit. Landowners are still required to obtain the proper permits and work with other entities having jurisdiction on lakeshore construction such as county and cities.
Most shoreline issues can be handled through the normal permitting process, but emergency situations should be reported the DNR’s Regional Headquarters in Spirit Lake at 712-336-1840.
“Often times the property owners reach out to us for approval and consultation and before they have a proper plan in place, they receive their permit in hand and do not need to use this exception,” said Mike Hawkins, DNR fisheries biologist. “But, this is in place to help those that truly need to start the process immediately. I caution property owners to shop around and be sure to line up knowledgeable contractor(s) that can perform the work before rushing the process.”