Make Cedar Lake a Blue Zone hub

It's time to put effort and funds into a Cedar Lake renovation. Do these things and we're good:

First, the city of Cedar Rapids, Linn County and Alliant Energy have to become partners. For Alliant's part, an agreement has to be struck with the city to make the lake property public. To apply for available government funds the lake property has to be public. There are many sources of funding. These partners need to share a vision. Are we a Blue Zone area or not? Let's show that we're not just looking for a designation, but rather a commitment of change to an active lifestyle and improvement of a place important to our communities.

Second and equally important, Cedar Rapids must include Cedar Lake in its flood protection planning. The condition of the water and content of the lake bottom are related to the four square miles of urban runoff.

The impact of Cedar River floodwater backing up into the lake also needs to be addressed. A watershed management plan must be in place for Environmental Protection Agency and/or Iowa Department of Natural Resources support. The items relate directly to flood control measures.

As an avid fisherman, a bicycle rider, a Friend of Cedar Lake and yearly volunteer to pick up the trash and debris at Cedar Lake, I feel it time for our leaders to step up. This vision is doable if all parties work together.

Charlie Visek

Hiawatha