The Iowa DNR project to drain Lake Ahquabi is currently underway, part of a major renovation project to improve the lake, beach, and campground. The draining of Lake Ahquabi is to help eliminate the gizzard shad population, which is a negative impact to water quality and game fish populations. The project also includes a major overhaul to improve Lake Ahquabi State Park and Lake Ahquabi, including parks roads, the campground, fixing the water outlet structure, and eliminating the gizzard shad population. The early stages of the plan include an upgrade to the road system to better handle recreational vehicles, campground upgrades, lodge and shelter renovation, the beach, fish cleaning station, and parking lots. The projects are set to be complete by 2023.