A significant public-private collaboration is set to take place in Iowa, aiming to enhance water quality and protect the environment. This partnership between the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, the Iowa Soybean Association, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will allocate over $2.3 million for the installation of nutrient-reducing practices in key Iowa watersheds.

Key Partners and Funding

The majority of the funds, amounting to a substantial portion, will be provided by the IDALS. This financial support will be used for outreach efforts and to reach out to farmers and landowners. These stakeholders will then collaborate with conservation staff to implement essential practices such as saturated buffers, oxbows, and perennial cover. Additionally, the $1.4 million contributed by IDALS will also cover design and engineering costs, ensuring a comprehensive approach to the project. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced this groundbreaking project during the Iowa Soybean Association’s Winter Policy Conference. His statement emphasized the importance of collaboration in achieving meaningful progress. He invited farmers and landowners within the project area to consider incorporating these water quality practices on their lands.

Saturated Buffers

Saturated buffers play a crucial role in nutrient reduction. They act as a natural barrier, filtering out pollutants and excess nutrients from the water. By implementing saturated buffers, Iowa can significantly improve the quality of its water sources. These buffers act as a filter, trapping sediment and nutrients before they enter the streams and rivers. This helps to prevent the runoff of harmful substances into the water bodies, protecting the aquatic ecosystem. Studies have shown that saturated buffers can remove a significant amount of nitrate from the water, reducing the risk of water pollution.

Oxbows and Perennial Cover

Oxbows and perennial cover are other important components of this partnership. Oxbows restore curves to a stream, creating a more natural flow and helping to capture nutrients from the water. Perennial cover, on the other hand, provides a stable habitat for various plant and animal species. It helps to improve soil health by reducing erosion and increasing organic matter. The combination of oxbows and perennial cover creates a more resilient ecosystem that can better withstand environmental changes. According to a report from the Iowa Soybean Association, tile drainage routed through a restored oxbow can remove 50%-95% of nitrate from the water before it runs off into the rest of the stream. This highlights the effectiveness of these practices in improving water quality.

Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy

The practices implemented under this partnership follow the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy. This strategy is part of a multistate effort through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to reduce nutrient runoff from agricultural fields into the Mississippi River watershed. By reducing nutrient runoff, the project aims to contribute to the reduction of the dead-zone in the Gulf of Mexico. This is a significant environmental issue that requires collective efforts from various stakeholders. The Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy provides a framework for implementing effective measures to address this problem.

Collaboration for a Lasting Legacy

Andrew DiAllesandro, the USFWS private lands coordinator for Iowa, stressed the importance of collaboration in creating a lasting legacy for Iowa resources and communities. This public-private partnership will be instrumental in delivering impactful water quality and wildlife habitat conservation practices across Iowa. It will serve as a model for future partnership efforts, demonstrating the positive impact that can be achieved through collaboration. By working together, these organizations can make a significant difference in protecting Iowa's natural resources and ensuring a sustainable future.Iowa Capital Dispatch is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Iowa Capital Dispatch maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Kathie Obradovich for questions: info@iowacapitaldispatch.com. Follow Iowa Capital Dispatch on Facebook and Twitter.