STRATEGIC PLAN FOR THE SOUTHFORK WATERSHED ALLIANCE
MAY 2000
Introduction
A Strategic Plan has been prepared as a guide to be used to establish direction and objections for the improvement of the water, air and land of the South Fork Watershed.
The plan was designed to never become final, but rather to be a working document subject to continuous change as objectives are achieved, broadened or eliminated or as new technology develops, regulations are established and appropriate funding becomes available. The only constant in this document is change and the commitment of the people in whose hands this responsibility resides.
Southfork Watershed Alliance Background
The South Fork of the Iowa River is one of Iowa's most picturesque streams. This tributary, together with Tipton and Beaver Creeks drain approximately 200,000 acres in Hardin, Hamilton, Franklin and Wright counties that contain some of Iowa's most productive land. The watershed area is predominately used for intensive agricultural production - both row crop and livestock. Water quality concerns have been raised about this watershed, primarily as a result of the impact of agricultural production and management practices of the watershed.
The Southfork Watershed Alliance representing a broad cross-section of the watershed's agriculture business, governmental and community leaders have been established to address water quality issues in the watershed in a comprehensive manner. The members of these working groups believe it is critically important to address water quality issues in the watershed on a proactive and voluntary basis now. The health of the watershed has significant long-term economic and quality of life implications for the area and its residents. We believe a grassroots effort designed to identify problems and encourage the near-term implementation of soil and nutrient best management practices will serve our area better than any top-down plan that may someday be mandated by state or federal officials.
Introduction
A Strategic Plan has been prepared as a guide to be used to establish direction and objections for the improvement of the water, air and land of the South Fork Watershed.
The plan was designed to never become final, but rather to be a working document subject to continuous change as objectives are achieved, broadened or eliminated or as new technology develops, regulations are established and appropriate funding becomes available. The only constant in this document is change and the commitment of the people in whose hands this responsibility resides.
Southfork Watershed Alliance Background
The South Fork of the Iowa River is one of Iowa's most picturesque streams. This tributary, together with Tipton and Beaver Creeks drain approximately 200,000 acres in Hardin, Hamilton, Franklin and Wright counties that contain some of Iowa's most productive land. The watershed area is predominately used for intensive agricultural production - both row crop and livestock. Water quality concerns have been raised about this watershed, primarily as a result of the impact of agricultural production and management practices of the watershed.
The Southfork Watershed Alliance representing a broad cross-section of the watershed's agriculture business, governmental and community leaders have been established to address water quality issues in the watershed in a comprehensive manner. The members of these working groups believe it is critically important to address water quality issues in the watershed on a proactive and voluntary basis now. The health of the watershed has significant long-term economic and quality of life implications for the area and its residents. We believe a grassroots effort designed to identify problems and encourage the near-term implementation of soil and nutrient best management practices will serve our area better than any top-down plan that may someday be mandated by state or federal officials.
