Cedar River coalition to promote watershed development Sept. 16

The Cedar River Watershed Coalition invites community leaders and concerned citizens to learn how to start a local-led watershed conservation project on Friday, September 16th in Brandon, IA. This meeting will focus on how concerned citizens can initiate their own watershed projects that improve water quality, reduce flooding, and contribute to healthy communities.

The Coalition will kick off the meeting with an optional tour of a farm at 3046 Harrison Ave, Rowley, where conservation practices are successfully implemented to preserve soil and water quality. The full meeting will be held at the Brandon Community Center, 802 Main St., Brandon.

Dick Sloan, president of the Lime Creek Watershed Improvement Association, will host the farm tour and discuss the multiple benefits conservation practices have brought his farm.

“I offered to host the tour because it's an opportunity to show and talk about some of the tools and methods I've found most useful in controlling soil erosion and limiting the loss of crop nutrients to our creeks and rivers," Sloan said. "It will give people a chance to talk with a farmer with over 30 years experience in trying to apply the science of conservation to a single farm.”

Participants will learn about resources available to help get local watershed projects underway. Coordinators from successful watershed projects throughout the Cedar River Watershed will participate in a panel discussion highlighting their experience getting projects off the ground. The panelists will be available to answer questions about applying for funding, building support, and other “nuts and bolts” aspects of starting a watershed group.

The purpose of the Cedar River Watershed Coalition is to facilitate cooperation within the watershed and to organize and advocate for land practices and policies (federal, state, and local) that will reduce future flood damage and improve water quality. The coalition includes legislators, city officials, county officials, soil and water conservation district commissioners, farmers, business people, environmentalists, and other concerned citizens. It was founded in the aftermath of the Floods of 2008 to say "never again" to the level of flood damage that was sustained during that flood.

For more information, contact Mary Beth Stevenson at (319) 325-8593 or

marybeth.stevenson@dnr.iowa.gov.