Van Sickle Dam, located in Boone, Iowa, is a privately owned structure designed by USDA NRCS with a primary purpose of fire protection, stock, or small fish pond. Completed in 1995, this earth dam stands at a height of 40 feet and stretches 365 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 253 acre-feet. Situated along the TR-Des Moines River, this dam serves as a crucial resource for the surrounding area, with a surface area of 8.2 acres and a drainage area of 1.4 square miles.

Despite its low hazard potential, Van Sickle Dam is regulated by the Iowa DNR and undergoes state permitting, inspection, and enforcement to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. The dam's risk assessment is categorized as moderate (3), highlighting the importance of proper risk management measures. With a history of construction and design overseen by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, this dam plays a vital role in water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate Van Sickle Dam as a significant infrastructure contributing to fire protection, stock, and small fish pond management in the area. Its location near the Saylorville Reservoir and the Rock Island District underscores its importance in the broader water management system. As a privately owned structure with state regulation and oversight, this dam exemplifies the collaboration between various agencies to ensure the safety and functionality of critical water resources in Iowa.