Few Ducks Unlimited projects happen without the involvement and support of many different partners. In Iowa, DU supporters and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) gathered last fall to thank its many partners and individuals who helped make the Burr Oak Lake enhancement project a success. 

"The DNR's wildlife bureau would like to send a big thanks to all those partners who have been instrumental in the completion of this wildlife- habitat and water quality-improvement project. We'd like to give special thanks to the Refsell family for allowing construction of this project to occur on their property," said Iowa DNR area wildlife manager Bryan Hellyer. 

Nestled among northwest Iowa's rolling hills, fertile farmland, and tall bur oak trees, Burr Oak Lake has begun to once again show signs of life following this renovation. The shallow lake is part of a 780-acre restored grassland and wetland habitat complex.

To renovate this 100-acre degraded shallow-lake basin in Emmet County, DU engineering staff surveyed, designed, and constructed a new outlet, water-control structure, and fish barrier. These structures will allow the lake to be drawn down periodically to eliminate undesirable fish populations and promote healthy aquatic plant communities. 

The Iowa DNR, North American Wetlands Conservation Council, and several DU Major Sponsors provided support for this $350,000 project. DU Major Sponsors who contributed to this project include Becky and Bonnie Buckles; Robert and Jackie Buckley; Dr. Ronald Cervetti; Greg Currell; Harry and Madeline Hagge; Ed and Mary Harken; John and Margo Henderson; F. Gardner Hoerichs; Lonnie Kidder; Scott and Diane Larson; Martinson Construction; Matthias Landscaping; Monte and Sonia McCunniff; Jim and Sandy Noelting; Mark and Barbara Scheel; Craig and Nancy Shirey; Robert and Mary Tonkin; Dr. Lance and Ellen Vanderloo; Young Family Foundation of Waterloo, Iowa; and the friends, family, and coworkers of Jeremy Kuiper.