DNR cutbacks means less patrol on Coralville Lake

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is concerned that cutbacks for the Department of Natural Resources will limit the amount of state level patrol on the lake this summer.  Lake Operations Manager John Castle said between the DNR and the Corps of Engineers up to three boats patrolled the lake in past years.  On busy weekends this summer there may only be one, according to Castle.

“I am sure a lot of boaters will see it as a good thing, there aren't as many people out there enforcing rules and writing tickets,” said Castle.  “But the reason those things are done is to make the lake a safer place.”

The Corps is limited in how much they can patrol the lake.  They do not write tickets for state alcohol laws, which are a major concern for law enforcement.

“We can only enforce federal regulations, which don't cover all of the issue that are out on the lake,” Castle said.

The Corps is hopeful that they can still help to make up for the state DNR cutbacks.  Castle said additional patrol by the Corps will at least provide a law enforcement presence on the water.  He also hopes to continue working with the Johnson County Sheriff's Office.  Castle said deputies helped patrol alongside the Corps on Memorial Day, which was a relatively incident free weekend at the lake.

“There isn't as much reckless operation, people seem to be watching the alcohol intake better, we're just hoping we don't slide back at all on that,” he said.