Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship Invests $450,000 in Water Quality Practices Around Public Lakes

Strategic Insights -

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, in collaboration with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, has announced the allocation of $451,176 in water quality cost-share funding to nine Iowa Soil and Water Conservation District partners. This funding is directed towards implementing targeted conservation and water quality practices in watersheds above eight public lakes in Iowa, aiming to prevent nutrients from entering these lakes and improve water quality. The project seeks to implement proven practices such as cover crops, water and sediment control basins, and terraces to reduce nutrient loss and sediment delivery to public lakes.

Key Takeaways:

  • Nine Iowa Soil and Water Conservation District partners will receive $451,176 in water quality cost-share funding from the Publicly Owned Lakes program.
  • The funding will support the implementation of targeted conservation and water quality practices, including cover crops, water and sediment control basins, grassed waterways, terraces, grade stabilization structures, and other proven practices.
  • These practices are designed to reduce nutrient loss and sediment delivery to Iowa's public lakes, helping to improve water quality and protect the lakes for the enjoyment of Iowans and visitors.
  • The Publicly Owned Lakes program is jointly administered by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
  • The program provides cost-share funding to landowners for conservation practices on private land within watersheds above public lakes and reservoirs.
  • Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig stated, "Through collaborative efforts with public and private partners, farmers, and landowners, we're improving water quality and ensuring these lakes remain vibrant and healthy destinations."
  • DNR Director Kayla Lyon emphasized, "Investing in Iowa's public lakes is always a sound decision. These efforts, strengthened by the crucial cooperation of landowners within the watershed, are fundamental to ensuring these important resources remain healthy and accessible."

Statistics:

  • $451,176 in water quality cost-share funding has been allocated to nine Iowa Soil and Water Conservation District partners.
  • The funding will support the implementation of conservation and water quality practices on private land within watersheds above eight public lakes in Iowa.
  • 8 public lakes in Iowa will benefit from the water quality cost-share funding.
  • $7,012.50 has been allocated for conservation practices in watersheds above Casey Lake.
  • Lake Geode will receive $84,000 for conservation practices.
  • Lake Icaria will receive $42,750 for conservation practices.
  • The list of selected lakes and the amount allocated for each is as follows:

+ Casey Lake - $7,012.50

+ Lake Geode - $84,000

+ Lake Icaria - $42,750

+ 12 Mile Lake - $45,000

+ 3 Mile Lake - $133,793.19

+ Lake Miami - $10,222

+ Pleasant Lake - $53,398.31

+ Hawthorn Lake - $75,000

Sources:

  • Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship
  • Iowa Department of Natural Resources
  • Iowa Soil and Water Conservation District partners
  • Des Moines County Soil and Water Conservation District
  • Tama County Soil and Water Conservation District
  • Adair County Soil and Water Conservation District
  • Union County Soil and Water Conservation District
  • Mahaska County Soil and Water Conservation District
  • Jefferson County Soil and Water Conservation District
  • Monroe County Soil and Water Conservation District