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. 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. If you are interested in learning more about our water quality work in Iowa, or have questions, contact Cody Smith, policy associate, at codys@cfra.org or 402.687.2100 ext. 1016.
Of the 26 existing watershed management authorities in Iowa, 14 have a watershed management plan on file. Conversely, the remaining 12 watershed management authorities are either in the process of formulating and approving their watershed management plans, or do not have plans completed as of November 2019.
Map of existing watershed management authorities in Iowa
Watershed management plans and primary contact
- Beaver Creek Watershed Management Authority, plan in progress, Jennifer Welch, urban conservationist, Polk Soil and Water Conservation District, Jennifer.Welch@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, Dean Mattoon, engineering technician, City of Dubuque, Countydmattoon@cityofdubuque.org; and Eric Schmechel, Dubuque County, schmechel@yousq.net
- Clear Creek Watershed Coalition, plan in progress, John Rathbun, project coordinator, 319.337.2322 ext. 3, John.Rathbun@ia.nacdnet.net
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East Nishnabotna Watershed Coalition, plan on file, Cara Marker-Morgan, Golden Hills Resource Conservation & Development, cara.morgan@goldenhillsrcd.org
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West Nishnabotna Watershed Coaltion, plan on file, Cara Marker-Morgan, Golden Hills Resource Conservation & Development, cara.morgan@goldenhillsrcd.org
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English River Watershed Management Authority, plan on file, Jody Bailey, project coordinator, 319.656.2310, jbailey@englishriverwma.org
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Fourmile Creek Watershed Management Authority, plan on file, Jonathan Swanson, Polk County, johnathon.swanson@polkcountyiowa.gov
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Headwaters of the South Skunk Watershed Management Authority, plan on file, Dan Haug, Prairie Rivers of Iowa, dhaug@prrcd.org
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Indian Creek Watershed Management Authority, plan on file, Jennifer Fencl, Environmental Services Director, East Central Iowa Council of Governments, jennifer.fencl@ecicog.org
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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
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Lower Cedar Watershed Management Authority, no plan on file, Holly Howard, project coordinator, Muscatine Soil & Water Conservation District, 515.835.0502 ext. 3, Holly.Howard@ia.nacdnet.net
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Maquoketa River Watershed Management Authority, no plan on file, Lori Scovel, project coordinator, Limestone Bluffs Resource Conservation & Development, 563.221.1930, lscovel@limestonebluffsrcd.org
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Middle-South Raccoon Watershed Management Authority, no plan on file, Melinda Harney, administrative assistant, 515.993.6847
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Middle Cedar Watershed Management Authority, plan in progress, Adam Rodenberg, watershed management authority project coordinator, ARodenberg@co.benton.ia.us
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Mud Camp Spring Creek Watershed Management Authority, plan on file, Jonathan Swanson, Polk County, johnathon.swanson@polkcountyiowa.gov
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North and Middle Rivers WMA, no plan on file, Allison van Pelt, Associate Planner, Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, avanpelt@dmampo.org
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North Raccoon River Watershed Management Coalition, plan in progress, Marius M. Agua, project coordinator, magua@bvcountyiowa.com
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Soap Creek Watershed Board, plan on file, Jerry Parker, chair, Wapello County Supervisors, 641.683.4630, jparker@wapellocounty.org
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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
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Squaw Creek Watershed Management Authority, plan on file, Dan Haug, Prairie Rivers of Iowa, dhaug@prrcd.org
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Turkey River Watershed Management Authority, plan on file, Ross Evelsizer, Northeast Iowa Resource Conservation & Development, ross@northeastiowarcd.org, 563.864.7112
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Upper Cedar River Watershed Management Authority, plan on file
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Upper Iowa River Watershed Management Authority, plan on file, Matthew Frana, project coordinator, Winnishiek Soil & Water Conservation District, 563.382.4352 ext. 3, Matt.Frana@ia.nacdnet.net
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Upper Wapsipinicon River Watershed Management Authority, no plan on file, Ross Evelsizer, Northeast Iowa Resource Conservation & Development, ross@northeastiowarcd.org, 563.864.7112
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Walnut Creek Watershed Management Authority, plan on file, Jonathan Swanson, Polk County, johnathon.swanson@polkcountyiowa.gov
Resources
- Fact Sheet: Watershed Management Authorities in Iowa
- Fact Sheet: Watershed Planning 101
- Fact Sheet: Leveraging local funds for watershed improvement
