By Steve Weisman

(photo by Steve Weisman) Terry Wilts, (far right) presents a check for $5,000 to SLPA President Kirk Huisenga from the EOLIC in support of the Spirit Lake North Watershed Project.
From L to R: Blaine Strampe, Becki Huisenga, Rosie Lundquist, Marsha Smeltzer, Gayle Mayer, Kirk Huisenga, John Smeltzer and Terry Wilts.

At a special meeting of the Spirit Lake Protective Association (SLPA) on Saturday, November 12, Terry Wilts, secretary of the East Okoboji Lakes Improvement Corporation (EOLIC), presented a check for $5,000 to the SLPA in support of the Spirit Lake North Watershed Project, a crucial 195.5-acre tract of land located just across the border (Minnesota side) which became a reality this past May.

A little history

Located east of the Mini-Wakan State Park entrance (north side of Big Spirit Lake) on the Grade Road or Stateline Road, this parcel was one that conservationists, clean water groups and lake homeowners in the Iowa Great Lakes Watershed had worked for years to secure.

Finally, in May of 2022, Pheasants Forever Minnesota worked out an agreement with the owners to purchase this 195.5 acres of farmland using their internal land loan fund and additional partner funding. Eran Sandquist, Minnesota state coordinator for Pheasants Forever, is excited that the property has been secured. “Although Pheasants Forever purchased the property, there are so many other groups that have come together with this project. Even though the land is in Minnesota, it is in the Iowa Great Lakes Watershed and directly affects Big Spirit Lake and all the lakes in the Okoboji chain. We have partners in both Minnesota and Iowa that have worked to make this happen. It truly is an example of conservation without borders.”

As a major partner in this acquisition, the SLPA is taking the lead to help fundraise for the Spirit Lake North Watershed Project. Wilts noted, “Representing the EOLIC, I am excited to present a check for $5,000 to help support the Spirit Lake North Watershed Project. Upon completion, this project will positively impact the entire watershed. Nothing is more important than this project right now.”

According to John Smeltzer, SLPA Vice President, “The SLPA greatly appreciates our partnership with the EOLIC. Quality of Water – Quality of Life … is the SLPA motto and the core of our existence since 1930. This Spirit Lake North Watershed Project strikes at both core elements. ‘Quality of Water’ for the entire Iowa Great Lakes system will be improved by reducing silt, phosphorus and nitrogen runoff directly into Big Spirit Lake. And the area ‘Quality of Life’, that day to day enjoyment of the area, will resonate for everyone who enjoys the beauty of nature and drives by on that State-line highway with satisfaction in their hearts that they were a part of a legacy project.”

Smeltzer noted that the SLPA has already made a $20,000 donation to the project. “We thank the EOLIC for their donation and their support for this important project. We hope that the SLPA members and our friends in the community will help with our fundraising efforts. Over many years, people in the Iowa Great Lakes area and beyond have stepped up to help complete clean water projects. We hope that this will happen with the Spirit Lake North Project.”

To learn more about the fundraising options or to donate, contact President Kirk Huisenga at SpiritLakeProtective @gmail.com. Mailing address is P. O. Box 51,

Spirit Lake, IA. 51360. Also, check out the SLPA website at theslpa.org for more information.