Full agenda: spring_2024_watershed_academy_agenda.pdf
Ethan Thies, (Iowa DNR), Neil Shaffer, Hunter Slifka & Riley Wilson (all 3 with Howard Co. SWCD), kicked off the day by giving a general overview of grassed waterways and streambank stability and why they're important conservation practices. They discussed office investigation components such as eligibility, wetland determinations and the application process. Participants practiced drawing a watershed on a topographic map and where a new waterway could be implemented. Ethan's presentation: watershed_academy_streamank.pptx
We then headed out to the field for some hands-on learning in small groups.
Group #1 (Ethan) worked on streambank stability including:
- How to set up laser/hand level and how they work
- How many shots to take
- What each shot is called
- Practiced doing a cross section with laser and hand levels
- Streambank shot survey sheet: streambank_survey_sheet.pdf
Group #2 (Neil) worked on in field station surveying, inventory and evaluation including:
- Visual inventory and evaluation – Hazards, wetlands, trees present, bald eagle nests
- Cultural resources - Awareness
- Setting a temporary bench marker (TBM) hub – Location & marking
- 100’ pace activity
- Layout - Flagging center lines & general observations
Group #3 (Hunter/Riley): Station Grassed Waterway Survey including:
- Preliminary Grassed Waterway Survey with side by side
- Side by side surveying basics
- Measuring to new height, speed, etc.
- Continuous topographic survey
- Centerline shots every 100’ (at each flag)
- Cross section GROUND shots every 100’ shooting every 25.’
- Closing survey out with “rainbow.”
- Checked Grassed Waterway Survey on foot
- Understanding the design before survey
- CENTERLINE shots every 100’
- Cross section GROUND shots every 100’. Shots will be taken at the ¾ depth, edge & 50’ adjacent
Tom Isenhart, Professor in the Natural Resources Ecology and Management Department at Iowa State University, discussed how to think holistically about streambank stability. Specifically, what to look for when assessing a stream and how to identify if stream needs stabilization.
On Day 2, Tina Rice, Assistant Teaching Professor at Iowa State University, presented on impactful graphic design.
Lastly, Erin Erickson, watershed coordinator with the Maquoketa River Watershd Management Authority, presented on her outreach techniques. Specifically, her newsletter, website, flyers, and working with local partners. Her presentation can be found here: watershed_academy_erin_erickson_2024.pptx
