Government : Watershed Leaders Plan for Future, Flooding

Residents in the Middle Cedar River Watershed are no stranger to floods. The watershed, which covers more than a million acres in Eastern Iowa and includes three of Iowa’s biggest cities (Cedar Falls, Waterloo, Cedar Rapids) has seen swift and significant flood events in the past ten years totaling more than $400 million in damages. But that’s not news to anyone.

What residents may not know is that for the past year dozens of professionals and project partners across the watershed have been systematically and collaboratively working on a plan for that 1.5 million acre watershed, with the hope to reduce flood impacts and improve water quality. Led by a 26-member, volunteer board called the Middle Cedar WatershedManagement Authority, these professionals have been doing extensive land use research, running computer models, interviewing landowners, and identifying strategic locations where change can mean the biggest and longest-lasting impact. Iowans are experiencing more frequent extreme weather, heavy rains and extended drought. Managing this at a watershed level means a more effective use of dollars and more intentional approach to implementation. “Cities, counties, fields and private property all have boundaries invented by humans,” says Grundy County Farmer Clark Porter, “but a watershed is defined by geology and hydrology. It is imperative to bring together a diverse collection of people and organizations for a planning effort like this one. The results will only be as effective as the process is collaborative.” To date, more than 25 goals have been established for the future of the watershed including topics such as:

·        Reducing flood risk

·        Protecting life and property from flood damage

·        Ensuring watershed streams have clean water

·        Enhancing recreational areas

·        Updating local regulations for new development

Project partners and the Middle Cedar WMA board are looking for public feedback and inviting them to learn about what has taken place over the past year. An open house will be held in Cedar Falls on September 10^th. This is a unique opportunity for the public to participate in this important, regional effort and give feedback on the drafted goals and objectives. The public, both urban and rural residents, is strongly encouraged to attend the Open House on Monday, September 10^th from 4pm – 6pm at the University of Northern Iowa Center for Energy & Environmental Education, 8106 Jennings Drive Cedar Falls, Iowa 50614. This open house is an opportunity to learn and, most importantly, share feedback.