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Cunningham Lake Community-Based Watershed Management Plan
Glenn Cunningham Lake is an important multipurpose fl ood control and recreation structure in the Omaha
area. The reservoir and recreation area have provided fishing, camping, sailing, windsurfing, hiking,
and horseback riding opportunities to the public for almost thirty years. Over time, excessive erosion
in the watershed has resulted in sediment and nutrient deposition in the reservoir, reducing the lake’s
depth and water quality. In addition, development of the mostly agricultural watershed is anticipated
in the near future, which could accelerate the rate of sediment deposition in the reservoir, further
reducing water quality.
Multiple public agencies have committed themselves to the development and implementation of measures that
will enhance existing water quality and protect the reservoir from future degradation due to development
in the watershed. The development of a community-based watershed management plan for the reservoir is
one of the cornerstones in that effort.
The community-based process provides a unique platform for uniting watershed landowners, reservoir users,
concerned citizens, and public agencies in development of a vision and goals for the lake and watershed.
The vision and goals are then translated into tangible water quality improvements through the development
of a working plan, which can incorporate a combination land treatment initiatives, development controls
and guidelines, and information and education efforts.
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