Published in the Clear Lake Mirror Reporter, Clear Lake, Iowa, on June 2, 2026.
For nearly two decades, Adam Sears has dedicated his career to conservation across northern Iowa, managing public lands, restoring habitat, and overseeing educational programs through his past work with Cerro Gordo County Conservation and Floyd County Conservation. Now, he has taken on a new role as the Clear Lake and Winnebago River Watershed Coordinator, where he will lead efforts to protect and improve the region’s water resources.
Previously, Adam represented Floyd County and Floyd County Conservation on the Shell Rock River Watershed Management Coalition (SRRWMC) board, an experience that expanded his perspective and led him into deeper conversations about water quality. As the SRRWMC worked through their comprehensive watershed planning, Adam gained a deeper understanding of the critical role watershed coordinators play in ensuring long-term, sustained effort long after planning is completed.
“It opened my eyes to why we have these plans and why coordinators matter so much,” Adam said. “Someone needs to do the networking and the day-to-day operations. Without that, it’s hard for watershed plans to move forward.”
Approximately 75% of Adam’s current work focuses on Clear Lake, while the remaining 25% centers on Mason City and the Winnebago River watershed.
Adam is already noticing strong opportunities for collaboration across the Winnebago and Shell Rock watersheds, which he describes as “sister watersheds.” These two watersheds in north central Iowa are interconnected, and both eventually flow into the Mississippi River. With larger communities like Clear Lake and Mason City connected to these waterways, he believes urban investment and rural conservation efforts can support one another.
“Water quality is a big topic right now,” Adam said. “There’s good momentum to get more people involved, both urban and rural.”
Adam works with many partners to elevate his watershed work, including organizations like the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, local county-based Soil and Water Conservation Districts, county conservation boards, and the Association for the Preservation of Clear Lake (APCL).
One of Adam’s early priorities is data collection, which is possible due to collaboration with some of these partners. The ACPL supports initial water testing, and Adam is working alongside the Iowa DNR to conduct regular water sampling and monitor watershed conditions after rain events.
“We need baseline data so we can compare over time and see what strategies are actually working,” Adam said.
Looking ahead, Adam sees opportunities for upstream water retention projects that will slow runoff, reduce downstream impacts, and improve water quality across the watershed. Furthermore, Adam wants to lead by example and is encouraging the City of Mason City to take action on a project that involves 330 acres of city-owned agricultural land near the airport. Working with the Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Farm Service Agency, Adam wants the city to explore conservation practices on the city-owned land, such as no-till farming, cover crops, and soil testing.
“If we are going to ask farmers around the community to change, we must lead by example and implement these strategies as well,” he said.
That approach reflects how Adam views watershed coordination overall: building trust and helping connect people with practical solutions to fit their goals. At the end of the day, it’s up to the landowner to make decisions for their farming operation.
“Working on a healthy relationship with landowners first is the most important part,” Adam said. “This is their livelihood. Their timeline matters, and it takes time to build a relationship. I want to be there when they have ideas and goals.”
Drawing from his experience in Floyd County, Adam is also focused on strengthening public awareness around watershed issues through recreation and education. He hopes to expand opportunities for canoeing and kayaking throughout the region while helping people of all ages build stronger connections to their local waterways.
“When people get out and interact with the water, appreciation for the resource grows,” he said.
This is a connection Adam knows personally. He grew up near Charles City, Iowa, where much of his childhood was spent outdoors along the Cedar River fishing, swimming, hunting, and catching crawdads.
“That connection to the river started early,” Adam said. “I was always outside.”
Clear Lake and Mason City’s willingness to invest in their watershed by hiring a full-time coordinator is already proving valuable. As Adam continues his work, he looks forward to making a difference for the communities in north central Iowa.
“You have to have a pioneer spirit and be willing to look for opportunities,” Adam said. “My previous experiences and my passion for conservation have put me in a place to do just that.”
