Watershed Project

WATERSHED NEWS

The watershed saw a successful 3-year grant cycle. Seeing most interest in cover crops, saturated buffers and wetlands. Because of this success we were able to secure funding for another grant cycle extending the project until June 30th, 2026. With the project extension we the expansion into Wolf Creek adding 4 of its sub-watersheds (Headwaters Wolf Creek, Little Wolf Creek, City of Conrad and Twelvemile Creek) into the project. Bringing the watersheds area to 310,000 acres. We are excited to see where the next few years take us.

wETLANDS CONSTRUCTED IN 2023

The watershed saw its first two wetlands constructed this past summer. We currently are waiting for the construction of another one later this summer into fall. If you are interested in expanding wildlife habitat and improving water quality within our area through wetlands give us a call at (319) 824-3634.

KCRG TV INTERVIEW

The picture on the left is a wetland site during construction, the middle picture is the same site days after construction, the picture on the right is the site months after construction with waterfowl enjoying the wetland.

Cedar river batch & build

There is no better time than NOW to get involved in the Cedar Rapids Clean Water Partnership. This project has been a huge hit in the Middle Cedar Watershed. Targeted practices are saturated buffers and denitrifying bioreactors. The project aims to promote water quality by treating tile water that is drained into streams connecting to the Cedar River, that eventually runs to the Cedar Rapids water treatment facility. If you want to make an impact on your farmland for no cost and limited intrusion, then this project is the best way to do that. Using this method the paperwork and contracting is streamlined shortening the timeframe to install a practice. The method also fully funds the practices and provides a $1,000 temporary construction easement per practice. Our first batch of projects will be constructed Fall 2024 with 22 saturated buffers being installed. There are currently 49 saturated buffers and 3 bioreactors waiting in the que for later design and construction.

If you are interested in seeing if your field is suitable for either practice, please give us a call at (319) 824-3634.