Glad you asked: A Q&A about restoring Lake LaVerne

Campus planner Chris Strawhacker, who's part of the team coordinating the Lake LaVerne restoration, answered some of our questions about how this once-in-a-century project will unfold in the coming months.

How will the lake water be removed?

The contractor will pump the water, an estimated 4.7 million gallons this spring, into College Creek, most likely in the exposed section that parallels the southeast shore.

Will fish be removed first?

Lake LaVerne, which contains largemouth bass and bluegills, will be a fishing paradise through Friday, May 15 -- or the construction fence is installed, whichever comes first. We received permission from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for an open catch-and-take window, with no limit on how many fish you take or how many poles you use. Those 16 years and older will need to have a valid Iowa fishing license.
As part of it, we're also planning a special fishing morning on Saturday, May 9 (9-11 a.m.). Members of student fishing organizations and a local fishing club will be on hand to assist people who perhaps don't have a lot of experience but want to try fishing. A limited amount of fishing gear will be available to use. Also, local wildlife rehabilitators will collect any donated fish to use as feed in their animal rehab efforts. Lead-free tackle is encouraged to prevent contamination of the donated fish.

How about turtles?

As the water is removed, we expect other lake inhabitants, including turtles, will be on the move in search of new habitat. Our preference is that they travel along College Creek. Individuals who find a wayward turtle are asked to call 294-5100, facilities planning and management's help line, so the campus services team can help direct them to that waterway. Some of them are snapping turtles, so we don't advise people to pick them up.

What becomes of the sediment scooped from the lake?

We're leaving this up to the contractor. They'll share their plans with us so we are assured it meets DNR rules. We have run tests on the sediment that confirmed it doesn't contain hazardous, toxic or radioactive wastes, so they have options for repurposing it.

Will someone keep a list of any items recovered from the lake?

We'll ask the contractor to maintain a very basic list of what they pull from the lake or the sediment. We won't ask them to save these items; just provide a general description of anything they find. A 1995 dredging of the lake didn't remove all the lake sediment, so there could be items dating back to the last successful dredging in 1959.

Would heavy rains delay this project?

Any rain during construction creates additional work for the contractor, who will have to do additional pumping to eliminate excess water throughout the dredging, bottom excavation and shoreline reinforcement phases.

Will there be fish again?

Yes, the lake will be restocked once it's filled. DNR staff and faculty members will provide recommendations for species.

When will we see swans?

A new Iowa State swan duo will be added to the lake when all of the construction, including a pedestrian bridge and amphitheater to be bid this fall, is complete. We estimate swans will return in late fall 2027 or spring 2028. The most recent swan, Elaine, retired from Lake LaVerne in November 2022. Her companion, Lancelot, died of natural causes several months earlier.