What's being done to help the Staff and Beaver Creek Watersheds?
The Staff and Beaver Creek Water Quality Project is hoping to get a handle on the high nitrate levels and reduce
soil erosion by implementing conservation practices. In 2006, 28 conservation practices were installed, including grassed waterways, terraces,
filter strips, nutrient management and wetlands.
Grassed waterways in the Staff and Beaver Creek Watershed are an effective practice in reducing soil erosion. These
natural or constructed channels move surface water across the land without causing soil erosion. The vegetation in the
waterway slows the water, protecting the land from rill and gully erosion.
One of the main concerns in the Staff and Beaver Creek Watershed is soil erosion. Conservation practices
like terraces can reduce this concern. Terraces are a very efficient practice in reducing soil erosion and sediment in the
41,328 acre watershed. Terraces are built around a hillside and either slow runoff and guide it to the bottom of the hill
or collect runoff and store it until the runoff can be absorbed by the ground. Terraces must be properly designed
and maintained to combat erosion.
Filter strips are strips of grass or other vegetation used to trap sediment (and pollutants attached to it) from runoff.
Another popular conservation practice in the Staff and Beaver Creek watershed is nutrient management. This type of management
helps keep excess nutrients out of surface and ground water. The result of this management is reduced costs for landowners
because they only use the necessary amounts and types of fertilizers. Using nutrient management is also create better
water quality and is fairly easy to implement.
Since 2006, two wetlands were developed in the Staff and Beaver Creek watershed. Wetlands filter runoff before it
can reach the creeks. They are also a hotspot for wildlife to gather and can add beauty to the land.
The Staff and Beaver Creek Water Quality Project has already seen
an increase of nine conservation practices from 2006. Over 3,600 feet of terraces were installed and there has also interest in new practices from other landowners and operators.
What can I do to help?
Landowners in the Staff and Beaver Creek watersheds can improve the creeks by partnering with the
Staff and Beaver Creek Water Quality Project.
Neil Shaffer, watershed project coordinator, can work with you to evaluate your property and identify
practices that can help both the creeks and your property. Shaffer can also help find financial assistance to
install those practices. Landowners participating in the watershed project can generally get improved
financial assistance opportunities.
Residents of the Staff and Beaver Creek watersheds can volunteer as part of IOWATER.
Monitors collect information on the levels of nitrates, nitrites, dissolved oxygen, pH, chloride and phosphate in the
creeks.
Monitors can also report on the water's temperature and color, and on biological life in the monitoring area,
which is often an indicator of water quality.
Monitors report their data to the IOWATER online database, where the public can view water
monitoring results from across the state at IOWATER.
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What is the future of the Staff and Beaver Creek Watersheds?
Located in northeast Iowa, the Staff and Beaver Creek Water Quality Project looks to continue its role in not only
cleaning up water quality, but also protecting it for future generations. If there are continued efforts
by landowners, residents and visitors, future generations will enjoy what the watershed has to offer.
"There has been exponential growth in interest with the Staff and Beaver Creek Water Quality Project," said Neil Shaffer,
project coordinator. "We are continuing to work hard to improve the watersheds."
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