Despite residents’ best efforts and long history of attempting to mitigate challenges in the watershed, Cedar Creek still experiences significant flooding and water quality issues. An estimated 329,080.00 tons of sediment, equivalent to 16,454 dump truck loads, of soil is being lost every year. That’s enough soil to fill a 16 story building on Kinnick stadium every year! As a result, the South Central Iowa Cedar Creek WMA established the following goals to address issues in the watershed. Meeting these goals will be key to this project’s success. As more frequent and destructive flood events occur water quality downstream will only continue to deteriorate from excessive sedimentation and nutrient loss. This is and will continue to be very costly, not only in terms of agricultural losses, but also for those who use the Des Moines River downstream!

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1. Provide community awareness & education

2. Reduce sediment reaching Cedar Creek by applying conservation practices

3. Reduce flooding and protect infrastructure

4. Increase safety

5. Improve water quality

6. Protect and sustain our natural resources

7. Support a healthy stream & wildlife habitat

8. Support productive land uses & recreation