Kalona leads watershed efforts

It was with great interest that I read the June 9 editorial, “It's the watershed.” I wanted to bring your attention to watershed-level efforts occurring in southeastern Iowa.

The Cedar and Iowa rivers connect some of Iowa's most densely populated areas, but the lesser-known English River watershed is quite significant, too. This watershed covers portions of six counties, includes 16 communities, and comprises four merging rivers.

The city of Kalona is spearheading efforts to organize a watershed management authority (WMA) for the English River basin in an effort to reduce flood severity and erosion that has been affecting rural and urban residents. Our watershed's southern communities receive the brunt of flooding and producers up and down the watershed lose significant topsoil during heavy rainfall. As a result, we could not agree more with the editors that watershed-level coordination is required to effect the changes we need to improve quality of life for everyone. That is why Kalona has been bringing together community members, producers, members of local government and conservation agencies and asking for partnership through a WMA, which can facilitate better communication and planning for the greater good.

The English River WMA is in the formative stages, but we believe that support for cooperative watershed management will continue to grow in Iowa as flood events increase in number and severity. For information about the evolving English River WMA, visit www.englishriverwma.org or email rschlabaugh@cityofkalona.org.

Ryan Schlabaugh

Kalona

city administrator