CLEAR LAKE---Thanks to the recent donation of a three-thousand dollar decimeter by members of the Association for the Preservation of Clear Lake, DNR Law Enforcement officials are hoping that Clear Lake will be a quieter place this summer --- not in terms of recreational use, but in terms of reduced noise.

"The noise [from large boats] has become very bothersome at Clear Lake, and in many cases has just gone beyond reason," said Association board member, Brad Price. "Many of the larger boats are able to bypass their muffler system which brings noise to a level that impacts the enjoyment of others using the lake. The decimeter is a high-tech tool that has been used effectively in other areas, like Lake Okoboji, and we think it will work here."

According to Conservation Officer Randy Schnoebelen, the DNR plans to begin using the new decimeter around Memorial Day weekend. Water safety personnel hope the device will become an educational as well as an enforcement tool.

"People travel from all over the state to boat on Clear Lake, and right now I think there are a lot of people who don't realize that there is a maximum noise [or decibel reading] level established for boats in the Iowa Code," said Schnoebelen. "One thing everyone should realize, however, it that the excessive noise created by some boats is very disruptive to the recreation and enjoyment of others."

"The DNR and the Association for the Preservation of Clear Lake have been very good partners over the years. We're always looking for new projects, and thought this could be one way to make the lake a better place to live and recreate," said Price. "The Association's main focus is on the CLEAR Project and water quality, but I think the decimeter is just one more way to make the lake more family friendly and improve the quality of recreation for everyone."