The DNR is helping Iowans across the state improve our lakes and streams by supporting and working with watershed projects.
By making changes in how we manage both private and public land, we can reduce the amount of pollution
like sediment, nutrients and bacteria, reaching our water. The highlights featured below are just some of the many successes we've seen so far, and there's more work underway.
Lost Grove Lake
Prior to the start of the Lost Grove Lake watershed project, there were only 13 acres of CRP land along
Lost Creek tributary. Of those 13 acres, nine were set to expire in Septemeber 2007 and five acres are set to expire in 2009.
All nine acres have been re-enrolled in the CRP program and the other five are owned by the same landowner who will
hopefully continue that contract also.
Two acres of grassed waterways were completed in 2005 for one landowner. In 2006, two landowners worked together
to place 3.6 acres in the watershed. All these waterways received cost share funds.
In 2005, one water and sediment control basin, which keeps sediment out of the lake, was completed on land
adjoining the public owned grounds. In 2006, MidAmerica Energy used its own funds to place a sediment basin by one
of its substations on the northwest boundary of the watershed.
The Lost Grove Lake Watershed Project has also placed 14 water and sediment control basins and wetlands around the lake. These basins
will provide additional water areas for ducks and wildlife, as well as trap sediment and keep it from filling in the lake.
Currently, 1,072 acres are enrolled in the EQIP Nutrient Management Program and 321 acres are enrolled
in the EQIP Pest Management Program. These programs ensure that they producer is not applying more nutrients or
pesticides than what is absolutely needed. This is ensured by annual soil tests, which determine the amount of nitrogen,
etc. in the soil. Pest management includes physically checking the field to see what pests are harming the crops and
spraying only those fields with an infestation. Overall, both programs reduce the amount of chemicals reaching the ground.
All producers in the Lost Grove Lake watershed with highly erodible land, have an updated conservation plan, which
limits their operations by minimizing the amount of soil lost to five tons per acre per year or less.
Learn more about organizing your own watershed improvement project
Read brochures about watershed improvement projects
For More Information
Local:
Scott County Soil and Water Conservation District
(563) 391-1403 ext. 3
Scott County NRCS Office
Statewide:
Steve Hopkins
DNR Watershed Improvement Program Grants Coordinator
(515) 281-6402
Stephen.Hopkins@dnr.iowa.gov
