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Rathbun Lake Success Stories 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 story featured below is just one of the many successes we've seen so far, and there's more work underway.
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Lucas County producer Brad Reece decided to take action against that type of soil loss on his farm south of Chariton by implementing conservation practices such as terraces and a pond structure, through the Rathbun Lake Special Project. Reece began his farming operation in 1979 and says he participated in the project because of his interest in soil conservation. "I installed terraces where grass waterways were wanting to cut out all the time. The goal is to catch sediment before the water can go down stream into Rathbun Lake and I think the terraces accomplish that," Reece says. "We also built a control structure, or pond, where there used to be a deep wooded ditch. About five water collection tile outlets drain into the pond - we basically control where the water goes," he adds. Conservation practice on the Reece farm benefits 337 acres and will result in the annual retention of more than 400 tons of sediment - or 14 semi-trailer loads - that will stay on his land. If not contained through the conservation practices, the sediment and other contaminants, such as the nearly one ton of phosphorus that travels with it, would end up in Rathbun Lake, polluting the drinking water source for 70,000 residents in southern Iowa and northern Missouri. Knowing where to implement the soil saving practices is significant to the success of reducing contaminants that enter the lake. Land with the highest potential to deliver contaminants to Rathbun Lake - called priority land - has been identified through the use of GIS technology. This new approach is called targeting and is the first time it has been used for erosion control. Of the acres treated on the Reece farm, 178 acres were identified as priority acres.
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Pickens says the Reece farm was a sizable project. "A total of 14,000 feet of terraces, 5,300 feet of grassed waterways, and one grade stabilization structure - commonly referred to as a pond - were constructed on his land." There are various cost share opportunities and a low interest loan program that landowners with identified priority acres can take advantage to construct conservation practices. "The Low Interest Loan Program as well as other programs such as the USDA's Environmental Quality Incentives Program is available statewide to assist landowners with the cost of implementing conservation practices," said Buckingham. However, only landowners who have identified priority land qualify for additional cost share assistance above and beyond what is provided through traditional programs. Through the support of programs such as the Iowa Department of Agriculture's Watershed Protection Funds, Iowa Department of Natural Resources Section 319 Program as well as funding from an EPA Watershed Initiative Grant, The project can offer 75 percent cost share for certain practices to those who are eligible. "We will be happy to talk to landowners about the opportunities available," adds Buckingham.
Read brochures about watershed improvement projects For More Information
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