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Iowa Watershed Successes

The DNR is helping Iowans across the state improve our lakes and streams by supporting and working with local watershed efforts. By working together to make 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 stories in our annual publication, Working for Clean Water - listed below - are just some of the many successes we've seen so far, and there's more work underway.

2016 Watershed Improvement Success Stories | Iowa DNR2016
Features:
Northeast Iowa goes wild for trout
Family grows conservation ethic
Lasting effects in Decatur County
River at the heart of Charles City
Community rallies behind Catfish Creek
12 Mile Lake reclaims its reputation
Clinton goes green for stormwater
Creating connections with creeks

2015 Watershed Improvement Success Stories | Iowa DNR2015
Features:
Coralville makes green strides
Lake Darling takes spotlight again
Education leads to action
Return to glory days at Little Storm
A homegrown conservation ethic
Recycled water protects streams, roads
Water Rocks! inspires the next generation
Women work to protect the land

2014 Watershed Improvement Success Stories from the Iowa DNR2014
Features:
Iowa Great Lakes wetlands project sinks hole-in-one
Viking Lake work has lasting effect
Prairie strips help farmers, land, water
Cooperation builds lasting results at North Bear
Landowners protect trout streams
Rice Lake returns
Soaking up the benefits in Monona
Central Park Lake poised for return

Cover image of Working for Clean Water 2013 2013
Features:
Green Valley Lake shines again
Turkey River brings region together
Clear Lake anchors community
Ventura Marsh springs back
Fish structures protect Iowa's waters
Couple preserves Iowa legacy
Planning gives Big Wall Lake new life
Saving Little River Lake


Cover for 2012 Working for Clean Water booklet2012
Features:
Dubuque builds a sustainable future
The rebirth of Iowa's oxbows
Cleaner water brings back trout
Conservation is a family affair
Giving Iowa streams some mussel
Celebrating Don Williams Lake
Planning gives Lake Hendricks new life
Lake Binder continues to shine

Sample of the Working for Clean Water success story publication2011

Features:
Charles City reconnects with river
Farmers help namesake creek
Locals take pride in Lake Macbride
Master plan to guide Raccoon River’s future
Conservation ethic grows on Cedar Rapids roof
Small town of Diagonal embraces park, lake
Making a commitment to Spring Branch Creek


2010 Watershed Success Cover2010
Features:
It takes a village for Dry Run Creek
Kiowa Marsh makes a historic comeback
Protecting Rathbun Lake a six-county effort
Sustainability starts on Main Street for West Union
Clayton County couple’s conservation roots run deep
Ponds continue to protect Nine Eagles, Slip Bluff lakes
Lake Anita anchors community
Monitoring makes the difference


2009 Watershed Success Cover2009

Features:
Bringing a shallow lake to life
Locals enjoy Briggs Woods' park, lake makeover
Carter Lake plans for clean water
Viking Lake battles algae, sediment
Decorah family champions conservation
Solution saves money, Clear Creek
Trout Run a lasting effort


2008 Watershed Success Cover2008
Features:
Riparian areas defend our waters
Anglers drive for Twelve Mile catch
Coming together for Catfish Creek
Three Fires becomes hidden gem
Lovells create a Clear Lake legacy
Three Mile continues to shine
Effort brings Storm Lake together
Improvement with laser accuracy


2007 Watershed Success Cover2007
Features:
Lake Darling makes a comeback
Locals defend Iowa’s Great Lakes
Trout streams revitalize Iowa towns
Bigalk Creek continues to flourish
Kerns family builds a conservation legacy
Partnerships protect Brushy Creek
Work protects Icaria investment
New tools make improvement easier

Other watershed success stories:

DNR Contact
Stephen Hopkins
515-505-0140
Stephen.Hopkins@dnr.iowa.gov