Water coming out of irrigation system

Iowa Watershed Resource Library

At the Center for Rural Affairs, we believe that rural Iowans should be involved in the decisions that impact their futures. We also believe the state’s most effective path to cleaner water includes a strong emphasis on a watershed approach led by local leaders. As such, we work to support Iowa’s Watershed Management Authorities (WMA) at all stages of their development and project implementation. Because of these beliefs, we hope to facilitate the strengthening of existing watershed management authorities in the state, while providing resources to communities who are considering the formation of a new one.

This webpage is intended to serve as a resource library for watersheds across Iowa to inform, assist, and empower those who live within their boundaries. We believe that strong local action, paired with robust stakeholder input, provides a realistic, long-term opportunity for improved water quality in Iowa.

In 2022 and 2023, we surveyed Iowa’s WMAs to learn more about their successes, needs, and current standing. Our findings can be found in the report, “From the source: a Look at Iowa’s Watershed Management Authorities.”

Map of existing watershed management authorities in Iowa

Map of Watershed Management Authorities in Iowa

Watershed management plans and primary contact

  • Beaver Creek Watershed Management Authority, plan on file, Laura James, project coordinator, 515.236.3300, laura.james@ia.nacdnet.net
     
  • Boone River Watershed Management Authority​, no plan on file, Dean Kluss, Wright County Supervisor, 515.532.3262, dkluss@co.wright.ia.us
     
  • Catfish Creek Watershed Management Authority​​, plan on file, Eric Schmechel, Dubuque County, schmechel@yousq.net
     
  • Clear Creek Watershed Coalition, plan on file, John Rathbun, project coordinator, 319.337.2322 ext. 3, John.Rathbun@ia.nacdnet.net
     

  • East Nishnabotna Watershed Coalition, plan on file, Cara Marker-Morgan, Golden Hills Resource Conservation & Development, cara.morgan@goldenhillsrcd.org

  • West Nishnabotna Watershed Coaltion, plan on file, Cara Marker-Morgan, Golden Hills Resource Conservation & Development, cara.morgan@goldenhillsrcd.org

  • English River Watershed Management Authority, plan on file, Jody Bailey, project coordinator, 319.656.2310, jbailey@englishriverwma.org

  • Fourmile Creek Watershed Management Authority, plan on file, Jonathan Swanson, Polk County, johnathon.swanson@polkcountyiowa.gov

  • Headwaters of the South Skunk Watershed Management Authority, plan on file,  Linda Murken, chair, lmurken@storycountyiowa.gov

  • Indian Creek Watershed Management Authority, plan on file, Jennifer Fencl, environmental services director, East Central Iowa Council of Governments, jennifer.fencl@ecicog.org

  • Ioway Creek Watershed Management Authority, plan on file, David Stein, project coordinator, 515.232.0048, dstein@prrcd.org

  • Little Sioux Headwaters Coalition, no plan on file, John Wills, project coordinator, Dickinson Soil & Water Conservation District, 712.330.9492, John.Wills@ia.nacdnet.net

  • Lower Cedar Watershed Management Authority, no plan on file, Jon Bell, chair, 563.886.2101, jbell@leeagencyinc.com

  • Maquoketa River Watershed Management Authority, plan in progress, Lori Scovel, Limestone Bluffs Resource Conservation & Development, 563.221.1930, lscovel@limestonebluffsrcd.org

  • Middle Cedar Watershed Management Authority, plan on file, Jennifer Fencl, environmental services director, East Central Iowa Council of Governments, jennifer.fencl@ecicog.org

  • Middle-South Raccoon Watershed Management Authority, no plan on file, Melinda Harney, administrative assistant, 515.993.6847

  • Mud Camp Spring Creek Watershed Management Authority, plan on file, Jonathan Swanson, Polk County, johnathon.swanson@polkcountyiowa.gov

  • North and Middle Rivers WMA, no plan on file, Allison van Pelt, senior planner, Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization,  515.334.0075, avanpelt@dmampo.org

  • North Raccoon River Watershed Management Coalition, plan on file, Jonathan Gano, chair, 515.237.1425, jagano@dmgov.org

  • Shell Rock River Watershed Management Coalition, no plan on file, Ken Nelson, chair, knfarms5@gmail.com​​

  • Soap Creek Watershed Board, plan on file, Jerry Parker, chair, Wapello County Supervisors, 641.683.4630, jparker@wapellocounty.org

  • South Central Iowa Cedar Creek Watershed Management Authority, no plan on file, Linda Shumate, coordinator, Monroe Soil & Water Conservation District, 641.932.5144 ext. 3041, linda.shumate@ia.nacdnet.net

  • Turkey River Watershed Management Authority, plan on file, Rod Marlatt, chair, 563.422.5146, fayetteccb@hawkeyetel.com

  • Upper Cedar River Watershed Management Authority, plan on file, Doug Johnson, project coordinator, Charles City Watershed , 641.228.2725 ext. 3, douglas.johnson@ia.nacdnet.net

  • Upper Iowa River Watershed Management Authority, plan on file, Ross Evelsizer, Northeast Iowa Resource Conservation & Development, 563.864.7112, ross@northeastiowarcd.org

  • Upper Wapsipinicon River Watershed Management Authority, plan on file, Ross Evelsizer, Northeast Iowa Resource Conservation & Development, 563.864.7112, ross@northeastiowarcd.org

  • Walnut Creek Watershed Management Authority, plan on file, Jonathan Swanson, Polk County, johnathon.swanson@polkcountyiowa.gov

Resources