Lost Grove Lake officially began filling earlier this month and according to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, it will take two to three years for the lake to naturally fill and reach a size of nearly 400 acres. That's four times as big as West Lake in Davenport.
In a news release, the DNR says it took 20 years to create the lake, located five miles north the Quad Cities, but it may be worth the wait. Once filled, officials expect the new attraction will give an economic boost to the Scott County area.
"The lake is expected to generate 350,000 annual recreational visits, should provide 175 jobs for the area, and has an actual estimate of $20 million in local economic spending," conservation officer Ed Kocal told TV6 last year.
The $11.5 million project includes buying the land, building the dam, moving power lines and building shoreline protection. There are also trails, ramps and parking lots in the new recreation area.
While the lake fills, work will continue on the amenities and stocking the lake. The DNR already released 100,000 bluegills in a protected area off the main creek channel. Another 2,000 largemouth bass will be released later this fall and other species of fish in future years.
Outline of lake at Utica Ridge Rd. between 250th and 260th streets.
