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WINCHESTER LAKE, LEWIS COUNTY, IDAHO - CLEAN LAKES PHASE II IMPLEMENTATION AND RESTORATION PROJECT, 1996
Description:
Winchester Lake, Idaho (17060306) is an 85 acre recreation site located approximately 30 miles southeast of Lewiston. The lake has been involved in the U.S. EPA Clean Lakes Program since 1988. The Phase I Diagnostic and Feasibility Study, completed in February 1990, identified the lake water quality problems as frequent nuisance algal blooms, poor water clarity, inadequate dissolved oxygen for fish, and concern over the potential for bacterial contamination. The Phase I study also developed a lake restoration plan to address these water quality problems. The Phase II Implementation and Restoration Project began in June 1990. Goals of this project were to implement the BMPs outlined in the lake restoration plan, to develop an information and education program, and to continue water quality monitoring to evaluate the effectiveness of BMPs. Phase II was completed in June 1995. Most components of the Lake Restoration Plan have been implemented. These include lake shoreline erosion controls, riparian BMPs, nutrient and sediment control structures, the water quality monitoring program, and the information and education program. Additional monies were still available for the construction of nutrient and sediment control structures. A Volunteer Monitoring Program was established for Winchester Lake and water quality samples will be collected in an effort to determine the effects that watershed BMPs have on the lake water quality. Winchester Lake is listed as a water quality limited segment on the State of Idaho 303(d) list and has been given high priority in the development of a watershed management plan. Information from the Clean Lake Projects will be used in the development of the plan. Continued improvements in the lake water quality are anticipated. Wertz, L.B. 1996. Idaho Division of Environmental Quality, Lewiston Regional Office.