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THE RESTORATION PLAN
The image below shows our strategy to remove the dirt and silt from Fisher Lake.
We will take the material to the East onto the adjoining field. This plan not only cuts down on costs and the time it will take to complete the project. It also reduces the impact on local transportation and the carbon footprint.
Fisher Lake shown with water in it – This photo is from many years ago.
Our goal is to have water back in Fisher Lake!
Fisher Lake is disappearing…
Help Restore Fisher Lake – For The Animals.
Fisher Lake is the last known Ancestral Lake and Natural Wetland Formation located in the capitol city of Des Moines, Iowa. The lake is currently dried up, and if we don’t act now it will remain that way. We will need your help to raise awareness and money in order to remove thousands of tons of silt and dirt from Fisher Lake.
Our mission is to restore Fisher Lake for migratory birds and area wildlife that have depended on the lake for hundreds of years. Once restored, Fisher Lake will continue to be a protected wildlife preserve in order to ensure a safe place for the animals to call home for now and far into the future. Unlike many other conservation efforts, our focus is on restoring a safe and private habitat solely for the animals, and not for public recreation.
Fisher Lake Wildlife Preserve INC is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. For tax deductible donations please connect with us via email: [email protected].
Historical Map Showing Fisher Lake 1902
Fisher Lake is an Ancestral Natural Lake and Wetland Formation located in the heart of Polk County, Iowa. Its existence has been documented back to the 1800’s. It is the last known natural lake in Polk County. Fisher Lake was once a vibrant natural lake and wetland teeming with local and migratory birds, turtles, and wildlife native to Iowa, (including endangered species).
The wildlife in this area is struggling to survive! Sadly, the lake is now completely dry. The fish are gone and now the entire natural ecosystem is floundering. Why? Because the water in Fisher Lake has been replaced with runoff soil and sediment that has been diverted into it by the ongoing development in Polk County for the past 150 years!
Unfortunately many animals are killed each year because they now have to cross 5 lanes of traffic in search of water. To make things worse, during a drought season as things are drying up, wildlife is now forced to find water and leave the area completely. The road becomes littered with dead animals that have been run over by cars. Due to this, locals have named the area, “Road Kill Alley”.
Fisher Lake is currently dried up, as the satellite picture above shows. That is a major problem for the area wildlife – we need to remove the silt ASAP!
The effect from uncontrolled erosion and water from ongoing area developments have been devastating to the lake and wildlife. Fisher Lake is now full of dirt, sand, and contaminants directed from new residential neighborhoods, commercial developments, farm run off, ditches and road drainage pipes.
It’s just that simple. Wildlife depends on water to survive. You take it away and they perish. Let’s do the right thing for the area and restore Fisher Lake together. What a beautiful sight to see for everyone in the area to enjoy for generations to come!
Save The Habitat – Restore Fisher Lake – Save Animals