Improving Water Quality in Nebraska Ponds via the Community Lakes Enhancement and Restoration (CLEAR) Program
Authors: Rick Eades, Lindsey Richters Tadd Barrow, John Holz,
Numerous community lakes throughout Nebraska were suffering from water quality degradation. Historically these lakes were focal points within the community park system; however, cultural and natural eutrophication had reduced water clarity, and diminished aesthetic and recreational benefits. The Community Lakes Enhancement and Restoration (CLEAR) program was created in 2000 to combine the technical expertise and resources of the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Funding, totaling $4.97 million, from the Nebraska Environmental Trust Fund, the Environmental Protection Agency, and local partners has assisted communities improve water quality and increase recreational opportunities in their ponds. CLEAR has assisted more than 20 communities complete projects. Excavation to increase pond depths and shoreline stabilization are the major components of these projects. Pre- and post-project water quality measurements have revealed significant decreases in total phosphorus (75%), total nitrogen (54%), turbidity (85%) and chlorophyll a (89%), yielding significant increases in water clarity (70%). Recreational fishing opportunities have improved tremendously in all ponds with the establishment of largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides, bluegill Lepomis macrochirus, and channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus populations, post-project. Eight of these ponds are also stocked with rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss between October and March.