11th International Drainage Symposium August 30-September 2, 2022 Des Moines, Iowa

1. Expanding Opportunities
for Targeted Water
Quality Wetlands in Iowa
Matt Lechtenberg, Water Quality Initiative
Coordinator
Shane Wulf, Wetlands Project Manager
September 1, 2022
2022 International Drainage Symposium

3. Water Quality
Wetlands
WQ Wetlands are strategically
located and designed to remove
nitrate from tile-drainage water
from cropland areas.
The larger the wetland, the
greater the percentage of N
removal; nitrate concentration
reduction averages 52%.
Wetlands also provide improved
habitat for Iowa wildlife.

5. History
Conservation Reserve
Enhancement Program
(CREP)
• Iowa’s CREP program
established in 2002 to
target water quality
wetlands on and along Des
Moines Lobe
• Proven monitoring
program
• 105 CREP wetlands
installed to date (11
additional non-CREP water
quality wetlands)

6. WQ Wetland
Funding Programs
• Iowa CREP – limited to 37 counties
• NRCS-EQIP – RCPP/MRBI
• Water Quality Initiative (WQI) - IDALS
• Housing & Urban Development (HUD)
• CRP – CP-39
• EPA – Gulf of Mexico Program Funding
• Private funding – DU, IPPA, TNC, etc.
• Others
*Often combine these sources to support projects
and provide full funding package to landowners.

7. Expanded Technical Capacity to Advance Wetlands
• Expanded Partnerships
• Ducks Unlimited
• Drainage Districts/Counties
• Municipalities
• SWCDs
• NRCS
• Private Engineering Firms
• Iowa Nutrient Research and
Education Council (INREC)
• TNC, Conservation
Agronomists, Ag groups, etc.

9. Expanding Opportunities
• Breakpoint (traditional)
• Created/Excavated or Tile-Zone
• Floodplain
• Pumped
• Build off current understanding from monitoring existing sites translated to new site concepts
• Pros and cons to navigate through all these types of sites:
• Advantages: costs (easements, construction, etc.), improved performance, habitat value
• Challenges: permitting, programs, costs, private landowners, time
• Focus on expanding opportunity, not one vs. the other
• More conservation professionals assisting with delivery

10. LANDSCAPE “BREAKPOINT”
Traditional Breakpoint

12. Excavated
2019
Landowner identifies
challenge with
grassed waterway
2021
Excavated
Wetland Pool
Easeme
nt
2022
Vern Fish, Black Hawk SWCD

13. Tile-Zone
1990’
s
Pothole
Depression
2021
Easement
Pool

14. Pumped
2010
2021
Easement
Pump
Pool

15. Floodplain
2017
Existing Pasture
2021
Riffle Structure
Easement

16. Drainage Water Recycling
2013
2021
Pivot
Pool
Easement

17. Summary
• Compelling reason to change
• Creates opportunities to align and provide mutual benefits
• Acknowledge the significance of what is being asked of private
landowners
• Turnkey, limit barriers for participation – keep the end in mind
• Adapt to the landscape
• Status quo vs. improvements

18. Thank You!
Matt Lechtenberg
Office: 515-281-3857
Email : matthew.lechtenberg@iowaagriculture.gov
Shane Wulf
Office: 515-725-1298
Email : shane.wulf@iowaagriculture.gov