Official State of Iowa Website Here is how you know

Understanding Watershed Management Plans

watershed management guidebook cover image

A Watershed Management Plan is an important tool for any group looking to improve their local lake, river or stream.

Put simply, a Watershed Management Plan (WMP) identifies water quality problems in your watershed, proposes solutions, and creates a strategy for putting those solutions in action. Watershed Management Plans take a long-term, comprehensive approach, which has proven to be successful in a number of watersheds.

Like a road map directing you from the start to finish of your effort, it helps you create a strategic, targeted plan for making changes in your watershed.

Detailed information on creating a WMP:


DNR Contact
Steve Hopkins
Nonpoint Source Coordinator
DNR Watershed Improvement Program
515-505-0140
Stephen.Hopkins@dnr.iowa.gov


Approved Watershed Management Plans

Map of approved plans


Basin Water Quality Plans 

Other Available Plans

Watershed Assessment Plans

  • Three Mile Lake - rural lake and water supply reservoir, south central Iowa
  • Dry Run Creek - primarily urban stream with biological impairment in northeast Iowa (Cedar Falls)
  • Eldred Sherwood Lake - rural lake with algal impairment in north central Iowa (also as "Indian Lake")
  • PENDING - Trout Run Watershed Plan (Siewers Spring and Chuck Gipp Decorah Hatchery Protection Plan)