Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is partnering with the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) to bring meaningful water quality improvements to the South Skunk River watershed. We directly engage with farmers and cropland owners in the South Skunk River watershed to encourage adoption of water quality practices. Specifically, edge-of-field practices such as saturated buffers and bioreactors. Providing in-depth technical assistance and cost-share to facilitate planning and installation of these practices.
Project funding comes from the Iowa Water Quality Initiative to help meet Iowa’s Nutrient Reduction Strategy goals.
Project Services
Cost Share
- At least 75% cost-share to install edge-of-field nutrient management practices in the South Skunk River Watershed. These Practices include:
- $25/acre cost-share for cover crops in the Squaw Creek Watershed (a sub-watershed within the South Skunk Watershed – see the map below). Both new and repeat cover crop users are eligible for cost-share on up to 300 acres of cover crop. This cost share is administered through the local Soil and Water Conservation District offices.
Technical Assistance - Practice adoptees receive one-on-one assistance as they plan and install practices. Specific assistance includes:
- Site Assessments
- Site Surveys
- Practice Design
- Application Assistance
- One-on-One consultations at any point during planning and installation
South Skunk River Watershed Facts
- The South Skunk River Watershed covers nearly 1.2 million acres in 13 counties and contains over 2300 miles of streams
- Notable towns in the watershed include:
- Ames
- Newton
- Pella
- Oskaloosa
- The watershed is overwhelmingly row-cropped and tile-drained. With 98% of the land privately owned and 65% in row crop rotations. This presents a significant opportunity to increase adoption of edge-of-field nutrient management practices
Resources
Brochure: Improve and Protect Water Quality in the South Skunk River Watershed
South Skunk River Watershed Map
Squaw Creek Sub-Watershed Map
