Iowa Partners Launch Water Quality Initiative

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) has partnered with the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to enhance water quality and soil health in Iowa through a $2.3 million public-private initiative. Announced by Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig, the project aims to implement science-based practices such as multi-purpose oxbows, saturated buffers, and perennial covers in priority watersheds including the North Raccoon, Boone, Skunk, Middle Cedar, and Turkey Rivers. IDALS will provide approximately $1.4 million for outreach and implementation costs, while ISA and USFWS will contribute an additional $933,000. Over the project’s three-year duration, the goal is to install at least 30 oxbows, 21 saturated buffers, and cover over 900 acres with perennial vegetation. Secretary Naig emphasized the importance of collaboration among over 350 partners in achieving meaningful progress in water quality practices. The initiative aligns with the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy, which aims to improve agricultural sustainability across the state.