POLK SOIL AND WATER

CONSERVATION DISTRICT

SOIL AND WATER 5 YEAR RESOURCECONSERVATION PLAN

June 2013

COMMISSIONERS ASSIST COMMISSIONERS

Dan Beougher Elaine IlvessJane Clark Ray MeylorChip Mathis Louise MoonSherrie Taha Russ PaulCindy Valin Ryan Peterson

Lisa Walters

PREFACE

The Soil and Water Conservation District has responsibilities under state laws for carrying out a countywide soil and water conservation program. Planning for the long-term conservation of our soils, water, and related resources is not a simple task; but is a necessary process when orderly development and utilization of our natural resources is expected.

The Polk County Soil and Water Conservation District recognizes that with constant change, an operating strategy can seldom be long lasting and needs to be re-analyzed periodically. The update of our long-range program will reflect our objectives and priorities as we plan to meet the land and water needs of our people.

The commissioners of the Polk County Soil and Water Conservation District are providing this program for all individuals, groups, and units of government. It is an organized effort to protect our soil and water resources within the district. The second purpose is that the plan should be the focus of long-range development of the district’s soil and water resources, as well as the basis for budgeting and implementation. Furthermore, this continuous process is easily updated and/or amended to fit the needs of the citizens that the District serves.

The Polk County Soil and Water Conservation District commissioners appreciate the cooperation in developing this long-range plan. First the Commissioners would like to thank the representatives of the: Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Farm Service Agency (FSA), Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS), Division of Soil Conservation (DSC), Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), Iowa State University Cooperative Extension Service, County Board of Supervisors, Iowa Department of Transportation, U.S. Geological Survey, and the Iowa Department of Economic Development.

Secondly, credit should go to those contributing to the input that produced the objectives, goals, and priorities of this plan. These include: Polk County Conservation Board, Isaak Walton League, Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, Sierra Club, Audubon Society, Farm Bureau, Farmers Union, L.I.C.A. (Land Improvement Contractor Association), Contractors, Extension Service, Iowa Wildlife Federation, Farmers and other county REAP Committee members.

ORGANIZATIONS AND AUTHORITIES

The Polk County Soil and Water Conservation District was organized at the request of local people interested in soil and water conservation. A charter was issued under the provisions of the Code of Iowa, Chapter 467A (161A), on December 29, 1945. The boundaries of the district and the county are the same.

The district is a subdivision of state government, governed by five locally electedcommissioners, who are elected on the General ballot and serve four year terms. District commissioners are charged by the Iowa General Assembly with the restoration and conservation of the soil, water, and related natural resources of the county. The district receives support services from the Iowa Department of

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Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS). Commissioners can appoint as many assistant commissioners as they deem necessary.

Additional authorities have been given the soil and water conservation district since it was founded in 1945. Some of these additional authorities are:

1. Sub-districts, (Chapter 161A, Sec. 13-41), of a soil and water conservation district may be formed for the purpose of carrying out watershed protection and flood prevention programs, but shall not be formed solely for the purpose of establishing or taking over the operation of an existing drainage district.

2. The commissioners of the soil and water conservation district shall adopt reasonable regulations, (Chapter 161A, Sec. 42-53), to establish a soil loss limit or limits for the district and provide for the implementation of the limit or limits, and may subsequently amend or repeal their regulations as they deem necessary. Chapter 161A also provides for mandatory erosion control after due process.

3. The soil and water conservation district, (Chapter 161E), advises and consults with counties and sub-districts upon the request of any of them or any affected landowners, and is authorized to cooperate with other state subdivisions, or instrumentalities and affected landowners, as well as with the federal government or any department or agency thereof, to construct, operate, and maintain suitable projects for flood or soil erosion.

4. Under Chapter 161E, the County Board of Supervisors can establish districts having for their purpose soil conservation and control of floodwaters. The establishment of these districts requires the approval of the soil and water conservation district along with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). This section includes the role of the district in representing the rural as well as urban interests in the administration of the Erosion Control Law and other programs in which the district is involved.

The basic urban concern of the district is to help urban areas with erosion control. Consultative assistance is provided to both the cities and the county upon request. Also, these authorities are within the Code of Iowa, Chapter 161B - Agricultural Energy Management and Chapter 161C - Water Protection Projects and Practices. However, the ultimate responsibility for soil erosion control rests with the district.

District commissioners are authorized to request assistance from and enter into Memorandums of Understanding between themselves and other federal, state, and local entities to carry out their assignment and leadership role in the conservation, development, and productive use of the county’s soil, water, and related resources.

Active Memorandums of Understanding have been signed with:

U.S. Soil Conservation Service 5-25-46U.S. Soil Conservation Service 9-19-49IA Agricultural Extension Service 10-24-57IA Agricultural Extension Service

and Home Economics 8-01-63U.S. Department of Agriculture 1-26-65Polk County Board of Supervisors 3-09-65

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U.S. Soil Conservation Service 9-26-67Central Iowa Regional Association of

Local Government 1-16-74U.S. Army Corp. of Engineers 3-25-76Skunk River Conservancy District 6-17-76DSM River Conservancy District 6-17-76Des Moines Schools 8-19-76City of Des Moines 8-04-77City of Polk City 7-17-78U.S. Soil Conservation Service 7-19-82U.S. Soil Conservation Service 6-16-87Red Rock Resource Council 9-18-90U.S. Soil Conservation Service 7-14-92Polk County ASCS and CCC 7-15-94U.S. Soil Conservation Service 11-4-96U.S. Department of Agriculture Food & Agriculture Council 4-15-05

The Polk SWCD has entered into the following 28E agreements:

Fourmile Creek Watershed Management Authority 9-19-2012

The district also provides sponsorship and direction to programs administered by other agencies that directly affect the operations and objectives of the district. In addition, there are a number of agencies that have programs available that can assist the district in carrying out its long range program and annual plan of work.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE POLK COUNTY DISTRICT

The total area of the district is approximately 592 square miles or 378,800 acres. Roughly 96.6% of the total acres in the district are land, and the other 3.4 % is in water.

The north and east half of the district is mainly farmland. The majority of the prime farmland in the district is located in these areas. The City of Des Moines, which is located in the south central part of the district, is the location of many major companies. The State Capitol, as well as many other governmental agencies, is located in Des Moines.

The metro area, which includes the surrounding communities of West Des Moines, Urbandale, Clive, Ankeny, Johnston, Altoona, and Pleasant Hill, is the home for the majority of the people who live in the district.

The 2012 estimated population of Polk County is 443,710, an 8.5% increase since 2006. The demographics of the Polk County district can be divided into three distinctive groups. The first group is the percent of urban and rural people living within the district. Ninety-nine percent of the residents of the district live in incorporated areas, based upon the 2010 Census Bureau information. This then leaves one percent of the district’s population in a rural setting of which many are

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rural non-farms. The second group of our population is by percent of male and female. The population by gender in the district is 49.1 percent male and 50.9 percent female, and the percent of the district’s operating units that are male are 80 per cent, and female are 20 per cent. Thirdly, the district can be broken down by race percentages. The percentages show 80.5 per cent White (Not Hispanic), 6.2 per cent African American, 7.8 percent Hispanic/Latino, plus 4.3 per cent of others such as Asian American, Native American, and other Pacific Islander, etc. The district’s farm operating units are 98 per cent White, 2 per cent other such as African American, Asian American, and Latino. See the Appendix A for Census Bureau population charts. The median family income in the Polk County district is $57,473, which compares to the State average of $50,451.

Agricultural tendencies of the Polk County district have seen a decrease in the number of acres devoted to agriculture. The majority of the land in agricultural use produces corn and soybeans. The acres used for pasture have steadily declined. Many acres once used for pasture have been converted to other uses such as woodland, houses, or cropland. The acres being planted to woodland have held steady. Livestock numbers have declined. A majority of the cattle operations are located in the east part of the district and are cow-calf operations on pasture.

In recognition of the significance of healthy soils on soil retention, flood mitigation, moisture availability during drought conditions, and the retention and availability of nutrients such as N, P, and K for crop production and maintenance of clean lakes and rivers, a major focus of the Polk County Soil and Water Conservation District will be on improving soil and water quality. Over the last 5 years Polk County has experienced high rainfall and flooding for 2 years as well as one year of drought. The Polk district will focus efforts on installing practices over all landuses that improve soil health and quality as a way to manage water and the extreme weather conditions. The district has been promoting the installation of infiltration based practices as a way to manage stormwater in the urban landscape. The district will promote the use of no-till/strip-till and cover crops to improve our soils health and improve stormwater management and water infiltration in the rural area.

The number of acres within the district that are specifically used for row crops based on 2011 data is 171,000 acres or approximately 45 percent. Also, 25 percent of these acres are designated Highly Erodible Land under the Food Security Act. The following table shows the trend of major crops.

ACRES IN PRODUCTION

1956 1981 1989 2011Corn 86,307 acres 117,000 acres 100,000 acres 100,000 acresSoybeans 44,586 acres 92,800 acres 79,200 acres 71,000 acresOats 37,558 acres 6,000 acres 11,500 acres 500 acresHay 24,289 acres 13,200 acres 6,400 acres 8,000 acresTOTAL 192,740 acres 229,000 acres 197,100 acres 179,500 acres

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The acres that are currently used for pasture are approximately 7,000. There are also 1,000 acres that are used to produce Christmas trees and other trees for sale. Another 500 acres are used to grow vegetables and over 300 acres of sod production.

Urban usage of land within the district is roughly 37.5 percent or 142,000 acres. This is the portion of land area designated as part of a town or city equal to or exceeding a population of 2,500. Area with contracts in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) in the district is approximately 3.0 percent of the total cropland acres, or 4,878 acres. Currently there is 5,817 acres enrolled in the Wetland Reserve Program, Emergency Wetland Reserve Program, and the Emergency Watershed Protection Program.

Land use trends over the past 20 years have shown a shift of land from agricultural to nonagricultural uses. The urban expansion has occurred in the metro area surrounding Des Moines. The expansion has increased the greatest to the area west of Des Moines. However, the urban growth has also increased greatly around the Ankeny and Johnston area, and more recently around Altoona and Pleasant Hill. There has also been an increase in housing developments as well as single family acreages being built in the south and eastern rural part of the district. All of the development has converted land that once was used for agriculture. The Polk County Comprehensive Land Use Plan and Zoning Ordinances will guide future development. The Zoning Districts identified on the Zoning District map are designed to limit the development of prime farmland. A copy of the map is in the district office. See Appendix B for Article III County Ordinance on establishment of zoning districts and zoning map.

The major bodies of water include Saylorville Reservoir, Big Creek Lake, Dale Maffit Reservoir, Easter Lake, and Grays Lake. Major rivers and streams that follow through the district include the Des Moines River, Raccoon River, South Skunk River, Indian Creek, Big Creek, Beaver Creek, Walnut Creek, and Four Mile Creek. Of the above mentioned bodies of water, rivers, and steams, the Raccoon and Des Moines Rivers are used as primary sources of public drinking water. The other major sources of drinking water serving the district are rural water systems and private and municipal well water. The number and location of all private wells are unknown.

See Appendix C for a map of Polk County rivers, streams, and hydrologic units.

Ownership status of agricultural land within the district consists of two types. The first type of ownership is the land that is owned by the person who uses or lives upon it, which accounts for 33% of the land. The second type is land that is rented or leased to another party, which accounts for 67% of the land.

INVENTORY OF SOIL, WATER, AND RELATED NATURAL RESOURCES

SOIL RESOURCES

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Frequent reference will be made to the existing Polk County Soil Survey, completed in2000. It will be the source for much of the soils data presented throughout this section.

Soil Resources Used for Agricultural ProductionThe soil resources used for agricultural purposes are 191,300 acres. Of this total, 52 percent is planted to corn, 37 percent to soybeans, 0.2 percent is seeded to oats and 4 percent is used as hayland. Based on surveys of cropland across the county, in 2000 approximately 13% of the corn and 23% of the soybeans were no-tilled. In 2002 the amount of no-till corn increased to 22% but we have seen a steady decline to 8% in 2011. However, the amount of no-till soybeans continued to increase to a high of 36% in 2008, but has also dropped back to 23% in 2011.The amount of cover crops used in the county has been very small over the years. In the last year there has been increased interest in the use of cover crops with a projected 600 – 800 acres planned for 2013. Pasture is located on 4 percent of the total acres and 4.5 percent of the agricultural land is in woodland. Loss of potential productivity caused by soil loss is a concern on land used for agriculture. Excessive soil losses will limit production in the future. The following explains the soil loss rates and time limits on reducing soil loss for each agricultural use.

A. CROPLANDApproximately 171,000 acres are used for the production of row crops such as corn and soybeans. The amount of soil loss from these acres is affected by the erodibility of the soil, the length and steepness of slopes, and the tillage systems used. Cropland can be divided into the following groups. The soils in these groups have similar slope length and steepness. The erosion rates and the time table for treatment varies with each group. See Appendix D for a General Soil Map of Polk County.

Erosion Group I (0-2% slope)The soils in this group include land capability classes I, IIw, and IIIw and are located in areas 1, 3, and 5 on the general soils map. These soils are nearly level and somewhat poorly drained to poorly drained. The majority of these 151,590 acres are used for the production of corn and soybeans. Soil loss caused by water erosion is minimal. Wind erosion can be excessive when crop residues are buried with tillage.

Soil loss based on Webster soil, 1% slope, 200 ft slope length. Cornstalks are fall chiseled, soybean stubble is spring field cultivated. Wind erosion unsheltered distance is 4,000 ft.

Water Erosion 1 ton/ac/yrWind Erosion 1 ton/ac/yrTOTAL SOIL LOSS 2 ton/ac/yr

At this rate, we would lose 1" of topsoil in 77 years.

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Currently the average depth of topsoil on these soils is 5 inches. At the soil loss rate of 1" in 77 years, the soil would retain its current level of productivity for 385 years.

Erosion Group II (2-5% slope)Approximately 92,392 acres of soils in this group include mostly land capability class IIe and are in areas 1 and 8 on the general soils map. These soils are also cropped to continuous row crop, usually a corn and soybean rotation.

Soil loss based on Clarion soil, 4% slope, 200 ft. slope length. Cornstalks are fall chiseled, leaving 30 percent residue. Soybean stubble is spring tilled to leave 20% residue after planting.

Water Erosion 2 ton/ac/yrWind Erosion 1 ton/ac/yrTOTAL SOIL LOSS 3 ton/ac/yr

At this rate, 1" of topsoil would be lost in 50 years.

Currently, the topsoil thickness on these soils averages 4 inches. If another inch of topsoil is lost the soil productivity will be reduced. At the soil loss rate 1" in 50 years, these soils will retain their current productivity for 50 years.

Erosion Group III (5-16% slope)Approximately 45,000 acres are used for production of corn, soybeans, oats, and hay. These acres are considered Highly Erodible Land by definition of the Food Security Act of 1985. The soils in this group are on general soils map areas 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, and 8 and include Land Capability Classes IIIe and IVe. Approximately 36,500 of these acres are used for continuous row crop. The remaining 8,500 acres are cropped to rotations that would include oats and hay. The acres that are cropped to rotations, which include oats and long term stands of hay, are considered to be adequately protected from soil loss.

Soil loss based on Tama soil, 10% slope, 150 ft slope length, non-contoured.Soybean stubble is spring tilled leaving 50% residue cover after planting corn. Soybeans are no tilled into cornstalks leaving 80% residue cover after planting.

Water Erosion 7 ton/ac/yrWind Erosion 0 ton/ac/yrTotal soil loss 7 ton/ac/yr

At this rate, 1" of topsoil is lost in 22 years.

Currently, these soils are moderately eroded and only have 4 - 5 inches of topsoil. If another 1.5 inches of topsoil is lost, the productivity of these soils will be reduced. If current rates continue, this reduction will take place in 33 years.

B. PASTURE AND HAYLANDApproximately 7,000 acres of agricultural land is used as pastureland. The majority of the pastureland consists of bluegrass. Many wooded areas along rivers and

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streams are also grazed. Approximately 4,000 acres are overgrazed and do not provide adequate grass for summer months.

Gullies occur in the draws and often cut up the pasture and make the pasture hard to manage. Many times these gullied pastures occur along rivers and streams. The silt from these eroded gullies causes water quality problems down stream.

Limiting grazing by establishing rotational grazing systems, as well as establishing more productive grasses on these acres will improve ground cover and will protect the soil and reduce gully erosion. Fencing livestock out of the streams and providing alternative watering facilities also improves streams channels and banks.

There are also pastures that have become overgrown with Multi-Flora Rose and Honey Locust. Once these species are established, they become unusable for livestock and wildlife. We need to provide information and programs to manage these invasive species.

C. WOODLANDSThere are approximately 8,600 acres of woodland. Approximately 60 % of these acres are upland hardwoods such as oak and hickory. The remaining 40% of the woodland are on the bottomland that consists of Elm, Soft Maple, Ash, and Cottonwood. Approximately 3,000 acres of woodland are owned by private landowners and the remaining acres are under public ownership.

The acres under private ownership could be managed to be more productive for timber harvest, wildlife habitat, and erosion control. The acres being planted to new woodland are increasing due to incentives such as the REAP program. Tax breaks such as those provided under the Forest Reserve Program are often an incentive for landowners to keep land in woodland.D. SOIL RESOURCES FOR URBAN LAND

Approximately 165,000 acres of land in the district is in urban areas, roads, etc. The cities in the metro area have expanded each year. Over the last 15 years over 2,150 acres of land per year is being converted from agricultural as well as other uses to urban uses. See Appendix E for Polk County Agricultural Land Assessment table. Soil loss occurs on these areas as they are being developed. Sediment that comes from the developing areas can cause drainage problems in storm water drains as well as road hazards if sediment is deposited in the roadways. Most cities require contractors to install some form of erosion control. Most cities also require storm water detention on developing areas. These standards, if used by all cities, would provide for erosion control. The soil and water conservation district commissioners are responsible for responding to soil loss complaints from all land users. The city of Des Moines is the only city that has entered into a Memo of Understanding with the district. This agreement allows the city of Des Moines to administer the soil loss control program on Land Disturbing Activities. Most of the cities in Polk County have adopted soil erosion ordinances to meet Phase I and II regulations. These cities are now developing post construction ordinances to address stormwater management issues. See Appendix F for information on these regulations and a listing of the cities.

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E. GULLY EROSIONGully erosion occurs whenever water runoff concentrates and flows over unprotected soil. Gullies are more visible than sheet erosion. This type of erosion is not limited to cropland. Gullies are common in overgrazed pasture, grazed woodland, as well as urban land that is being developed. The soil loss caused by gully erosion can often exceed 100 tons/acre. Gully erosion frequently exposes subsurface drainage tiles. These tiles are more prone to damage caused by heavy farm equipment and damage caused by freezing and thawing conditions.

Approximately 3,000 acres of agricultural land are affected by gully erosion. To date approximately 1,500 acres of gullies have been controlled by Grassed Waterways, Water and Sediment Control Basins, and Grade Stabilization Structures. The remaining 1,500 acres of gullies need to be controlled. As urban development occurs and the amount of impervious surfaces increases, the increased runoff has caused additional gully erosion and damage to infrastructure. The district is working with city officials and developers to implement new infiltration practices on development sites to reduce the stormwater runoff and gully erosion.

F. STREAM BANK EROSIONThere are over 320 miles of rivers, streams, and creeks that flow through the Polk District. Many of these rivers and streams have problems with stream bank erosion. The control of this problem is difficult due to the cost and unproven effectiveness of the treatments and the number of permits that are often required. In order to get a permit, a landowner needs to have a plan developed. Due to this cost and lack of cost share assistance, many landowners do not attempt to control these erosion problems. Currently, the Army Corp. of Engineers, County Engineers, and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources are the agencies that regulate these erosion control projects and have authority to issue these permits. In many of the cities, the streams run through individual homeowners property, which results in stream segments being maintained at various levels and creates problems for maintenance access.WATER RESOURCES

Water QualityThere are 100 miles of major streams in the district. The percentage of this total that is located in urban areas is approximately 40%. The 60% that remain are located in the rural setting. Streams that are considered major streams include the Des Moines River, Raccoon River, South Skunk River, Indian Creek, Big Creek, Beaver Creek, Walnut Creek and Fourmile Creek. For location of these rivers, see the map in Appendix G.

The district’s current priority watersheds are: Camp, Fourmile, Easter Lake, and Big Creek. The water quality of the Des Moines River and Raccoon River are of great importance because they serve as the main drinking water source for the majority of the people who live in the Des Moines Metro area. The Dale Maffit Reservoir is the only lake that could also serve as a source of drinking water. The nitrate level in the Raccoon River is a concern each spring. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has determined the designated uses of each of the rivers, streams, and other major bodies of water.

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Wetlands in the Polk district will be protected to the fullest extent possible. Approximately 1,000 acres of wetlands with buffers are enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program. Nearly 5,900 acres of permanent wetland easements have also been established through the Wetland Reserve Program, Emergency Wetland Reserve Program, and Emergency Watershed Program-Floodplain. Also, several areas are enrolled as wetlands and are exempt from taxes under terms of the “Slough Bill”. Wetland determinations on agricultural land have not been completed for all tracts of land. Certified wetland determinations are being completed as requested by producers.

Ground Water QualityThere is concern about the quality of the ground water in rural areas. There is limited data on the water quality problems of existing wells. The establishment of rural water systems have overcome some of these problems. See Appendix H for a map of public water supply wells and surface water intakes.

Water Quality - Non-point Source PollutionThe quality of the drinking water in the Des Moines area is a concern every spring when the nitrate levels exceed the established limits. Nitrates appear to be from several sources including agricultural land in the watershed. The application of nitrogen to lawns in urban areas is also a source of nitrates. When applying nitrogen fertilizer on rural and urban land, there needs to be consideration of the nutrient rate, method of application, placement of nutrients, and the timing of application to ensure proper nutrient management.

Soil loss from farmland and construction activities also contributes to the water quality problems. The majority of the land in Polk County drains into the Des Moines River. The Des Moines River drains into the Red Rock Reservoir. This reservoir has lost storage capacity due to siltation. Although the land in Polk County is not the main source of silt for this body of water, it certainly contributes to it.

RECREATION AND WILDLIFE RESOURCES

The federal, state, county, and city government manages land for recreation and wildlife in Polk County.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers manages the largest of the recreation and wildlife areas. The Saylorville Lake and surrounding areas take up approximately 13,000 acres of which 5,950 acres are water area formed by the Saylorville Dam. The pool area of this flood control project is approximately 16,700 acres, which extends into Dallas and Boone counties. The majority of the surrounding land is leased to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and is managed for wildlife and public recreation.

Big Creek Lake was created as a part of the Saylorville project. The 850 acre lake protects Polk City from flooding. Big Creek Park, which is managed by the DNR, is a part of 2,000 acres that are managed for recreation and wildlife.

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The Polk County Conservation Board manages over 12,000 acres for wildlife and recreation land. Nearly every city and town in the county has parks and recreation areas. See Appendix I for locations and a listing of Polk County Conservation Board and Des Moines Parks and Recreation areas.

There are approximately 4,850 acres of land enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). The majority of the acres are seeded to cool season grasses, however, more warm season grasses have been seeded in recent years on Continuous CRP sites. The number of pheasants has increased as a result of these seedings.

The Resource Enhancement and Protection Program (REAP) has provided extra needed incentives for farmers as well as non-farm landowners to plant grasses and trees. This program also provided the county and cities financial assistance to expand and improve recreation and wildlife areas.

MINING AND MINERAL RESOURCES

Currently the main mineral resource is gravel. The County Engineering Department has identified sources of gravel that could be used for transportation purposes such as gravel roads. The gravel sources are of poor quality due to the high sand content.Coal mines were operated in Polk County between 1865 and 1947. At peak production in 1917, there were 222 coal mines in the Des Moines Metro area. By 1945 only four mines remained in operation and by 1947 the last mine located in the Urbandale area ceased production.

The Iowa Geological Survey has located 160 of these original mines. The mines range in size from a few square feet up to more than 1000 acres. The map included in Appendix J shows the location of some of these mines. The location of these mines needs to be considered in future commercial and residential development due to potential land subsidence problems that can occur when these mines collapse.

LANDUSE AND LAND MANAGEMENT

Conservation practices are used to reduce soil losses to rates that the soil can tolerate and still remain productive into the future. This tolerable rate or “T” value has been set for all soil types in Polk County. The goal of the soil and water conservation district is to assist landowners to apply soil conservation practices that will reduce soil loss to “T”. It often requires the use of more than one soil conservation practice to reduce soil loss to this level. A combination of practices or “resource management systems” is often used. The practices in these systems will be as unique as the landowner's objectives and the land to which it is applied. New stromwater management practices are being promoted by the district to reduce urban runoff and improve water quality. The Iowa Stormwater Management Manual is used as the guide to design and install the new urban BMP’s.

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FACTORS LIMITING PRACTICE APPLICATION

The following are limitations to getting conservation on the land. These are listed in order of most limiting to least limiting.

Structural Practices1. Lack of financial incentives2. Lack of landowner knowledge of erosion3. Shortage of available personnel for technical assistance 4. Length of construction season 5. Trained contractors6. Absentee landowners7. Urban development

Management Practices 1. Landowner management of equipment and chemicals in a no-till and strip-till

system2. Landowners awareness of the value of the soil that can be saved3. Lack of education on feasibility and proper use of cover crops, nutrients, and

pesticides4. Lack of education on the importance of improving soil health and quality

Grassed Waterways1. Waterways are not shaped correctly. They are either too deep and narrow or too

flat and sediment builds up too quickly.2. Seeding failures3. Waterways are not maintained. Waterways are not mowed or the operator fails

to turn off sprayers when applying herbicides.4. Lack of tile along and above waterway

Pasture and Hayland Management1. Overgrazed pasture2. Pasture that is not grazed and taken over by Multi-Flora Rose3. Land users got out of the cattle business and there is insufficient incentive to get

back into business.

Woodland Management1. Lack of information on woodland profitability and management for wildlife2. Lack of lumber markets3. Lack of financial incentives

Urban Practices1. Lack of knowledge of erosion and stormwater problems and issues2. Lack of DNR and city personnel to enforce pollution prevention plans on

development sites3. Lack of information for developers and public on urban erosion and practices4. Lack of knowledge of design engineers on new stormwater quality practices5. Insufficient district urban conservation staff to provide assistance

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Documentation1. Lack of water monitoring data2. Lack of funding for monitoring water and practice performance3. Lack of staff for monitoring

LIST THE ACTIONS NEEDED TO OVERCOME THESE LIMITING FACTORS

Structural Practices1. Make the best use of existing cost-share funds and request additional cost-share

funds when needed2. Provide information and education programs on the benefits of controlling soil

erosion to farm and urban interest3. Pursue local funding through the county to add personnel4. Promote the incentive program for summer construction5. Train contractors on new or updated construction specifications6. Inform and educate absentee landowners on the value and benefits of

controlling erosion on their property7. Promote management and vegetative practices or other options to reduce

erosion in areas where structural practices are not wanted

Management Practices 1. Provide information and education programs on equipment options and chemical

use and safety2. Provide information on soil health and quality 3. Provide incentives for landowners to try cover crops and provide information on

the financial benefits of cover crops, and nutrient and pest management.4. Provide information on the benefits of improving soil health and quality such as

increased water infiltration, reduced runoff, and improved nutrient efficiencies.

Grassed Waterways1. Provide waterway design information to landowners and contractors2. Provide waterway seeding, mulching, and fabric check information to landowners3. Provide waterway maintenance information to landowners 4. Encourage proper waterway drainage and grade stabilization structures for

adequate outlets

Pasture and Hayland1. Encourage nutrient management, mowing, spraying, and rotational grazing

systems including mob grazing2. Provide information to landowners on multi-flora rose control options3. Provide landowners with alternative land use options for the property

Woodland1. Provide information to landowners on better use and management of woodland2. Work with District Forester to develop information on known lumber markets3. Provide information to landowners of incentive programs for woodland planting

and improvement

Urban Practices

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1. Notify owners of erosion problems when noted in the district and offer technical assistance

2. Provide technical and planning assistance to units of government as requested3. Develop informational materials to inform the public, developers, city officials,

and engineers on new stormwater practice benefits4. Sponsor practice design workshops and tours to demonstrate urban practices to

engineers5. Secure additional staff funding from Board of Supervisors and grant

opportunities

Documentation1. Develop a priority list of watersheds to assess and seek grants to include more

monitoring data collection2. Seek alternative funding sources and include water and practice monitoring in

watershed project applications and work plans3. Coordinate monitoring activities with other groups and partners to spread out

the workload and share data

DISTRICT POLICIES

The following are the policies of the Polk County Soil and Water Conservation District.

1. The District will use a variety of activities and media to promote the district and our programs to increase the public awareness of natural resource issues and our services available to all county residents.

2. In the administration of the District programs, priority will be given to provide assistance and implement practices on land in district designated watersheds or areas.

3. We will not deny access to any programs and assistance from the district due to race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, gender identity, religion, reprisal, political beliefs, marital status, familial or parental status, and sexual orientation.

4. We will encourage all eligible people regardless of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, gender identity, religion, reprisal, political beliefs, marital status, familial or parental status, and sexual orientation to participate as SWCD Board members and serve on SWCD committees.

5. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment regardless of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, gender identity, religion, reprisal, political beliefs, marital status, familial or parental status, and sexual orientation.

6. All technical and financial assistance provided on soil and water conservation practices will conform to the Natural Resources Conservation Service Technical Guide and urban practices will follow the Iowa Stormwater Management Manual and any other federal and/or state regulation.

7. The following conservation practices are listed in the order of high priority to low priority for technical assistance.a) No-till, Strip-tillb) Cover Crops

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c) Grassed Waterwaysd) Buffer Stripse) Grade Stabilization Structures – may or may not impound waterf) Water and Sediment Control Basinsg) Terracesh) Tree Planting and establishment of permanent grass coveri) Streambank Stabilization

6. The soil loss limit levels used by the district are listed in the Natural Resources Conservation Service Technical Guide.

7. The cost-share funds allocated to the district from Iowa Financial Incentive Program (IFIP) will be used to control soil erosion on cropland. The following conservation practices are listed in order of high priority to low priority for cost-share funds. a) Soil Health: Currently up to 30% of the IFIP funds can be allocated to

management practices. The District will give priority to management practices such as no-till/strip-till and cover crops to promote the improvement of soil health and quality.

b) Grassed Waterways: To be eligible, 75% of the watershed above must have erosion rates at or less than ‘T’ and 85% of the watershed area controlled by the applying landowner must have soil loss at or below ‘T’.

c) Grade Stabilization Structure that may pond water1. 75% of the watershed must have soil losses at or below ‘T’.2. 85% of the applying landowner’s watershed area must have soil losses

at or below ‘T’.d) Water and Sediment Control Basins: includes underground outlets.e) Terraces: including necessary underground outlets. Equal consideration

to narrow-based, broad-based and grassed-back slope terraces. Lower priority will be given to systems where no-till or conservation tillage would reduce erosion to ‘T’ or less. Any application where the average ground slope within a system exceeds 11 (eleven) percent will be given a lower priority. If an application is for a continuation of a terrace system, even though the average slope may exceed 11 (eleven) percent, the application will be considered more favorably than if it were to initiate the system construction.

f) Critical Area Planting: practice must be permanent seeding. Any failure will be corrected according to the terms of the maintenance agreement for the project.

g) Pasture and Hayland Planting

8. Cost-share applications will be approved based on the district policies and using a ranking sheet. The ranking sheet will include:a) Location: designated watershed areab) Practice: what practices is being plannedc) Project: multiple funding sources for projectd) Date: date the application was signed

See Appendix K for the ranking sheet.

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Cost-share is set at 50% of the cost estimate or final bill, whichever is less. Applicants can request additional funds with an amendment to the cost-share application. Increases in cost-share funds on a project will be considered if cost-share funds are available.

Cost-share funds will not be approved on land that is platted for development or non-agriculture uses, except for new stormwater practices allowed under the REAP practices funds.

Cost-share for special needs conservation projects will be considered by the commissioners on an individual basis.

Cost-share policy will be reviewed and changed as needed.

9. Private landowners with erosion problems in urban areas can request assistance. Rural and Urban areas are shown on the Zoning District Map. The Zoning Districts shown as the Agricultural Countryside District, Estates District, and Suburban District, even though considered as rural, will be give lower priority. All other areas will be considered as urban. Additional assistance could be provided to urban areas if the district receives additional staff. The district commissioners will encourage cities to establish and administer their own erosion control ordinances. The district commissioners will act on soil loss complaints filed in urban areas as well as rural areas, as required by Iowa law. See Appendix L for the districts Urban Policy adopted on October 18, 2005.

10.Landowners approved for cost-share projects that will assist with, or can arrange for someone to assist with layout work, will receive first priority for layout and design assistance.

11.Landowners who are approved for cost-share funds will be required to have an approved conservation plan for the fields where the cost-share funds will be used.

12.Landowners or their representative, NRCS technician, and contractor will meet prior to construction to review specifications.

13.Contractors will be expected to do their own checkout work on completed conservation practices that are approved with state cost-share funds. A copy of the checkout notes will be provided to the NRCS office prior to payments of state cost share-funds.

14.The district will publish an annual report each year to show the activities of the district and how state funds were spent.

15.The district will prepare an annual work plan each year. The annual work plan will show action items that will address limiting factors that are shown in the District Soil and Water Resource Plan. The District Soil and Water Resource Plan will be reviewed annually. This review will keep the plan up to date to meet the changing resource conditions. This review could include updating the limiting factors, adding or deleting action items, and modifying policy objectives.

16.The district commissioners will establish committees as needed to divide the workload. The membership on these committees is not limited to the commissioners or assistant commissioners. The commissioners will ask for

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assistance from other groups and agencies to carryout action items in the annual work plan.

17.The Polk Soil and Water Conservation District will enforce the terms of the Maintenance/Performance Agreements completed with state cost-share funds. Individuals (person or groups) wishing to amend a Maintenance/Performance Agreement to remove permanent soil conservation practices, will be reviewed by the soil and water conservation district commissioners, as follows:

NONCOMPLIANCE WITH MAINTENANCE/PERFORMANCE AGREEMENTS

Upon determinations by the district and the division that a landowner is not in compliance with a maintenance/performance agreement, the division shall assist the district in the issuance of an administrative order to the landowner requiring appropriate maintenance, repair or reconstruction of the practice, provided voluntary means have been exhausted. The district, in its sole discretion, may allow the landowner or the landowner’s successors to refund the division the entire amount of the financial incentive payment received by the landowner in lieu of maintaining, repairing, or reconstructing a practice.

a. Within 60 days from the date of issue of the administrative order, the landowner shall submit to the district a written and signed statement of intent to maintain, repair or reconstruct the practice.

b. The maintenance, repair or reconstruction work shall be initiated within 180 days from the date of issue of the administrative order and shall be satisfactorily completed within one year of the date of issue of the administrative order.

Agricultural land converted to nonagricultural land. If land subject to a maintenance/performance agreement is converted to a nonagricultural use that does not require a permanent soil and water conservation practice which has been established with financial incentives, the practice shall not be removed until the owner refunds the appropriate amount of the payment received.

a. Amount of refund. The amount of refund will be the amount of the financial incentive payment received less 5 percent for each year the practice was in place.

b. Districts will notify the division when such refunds are collected.c. Refunds will be made to the division. The division will deposit refunds to the

appropriate district account. Use of the refunds will be limited to providing financial incentives under this Chapter 10 of the Iowa Administrative Code.

DISTRICT OBJECTIVES, GOALS, AND PRIORITIES

District Mission: To provide leadership to help people improve, conserve, and sustain our natural resources while educating them about the importance and practicality of maintaining our environment and quality of life.

OBJECTIVE I

DISTRICT MANAGEMENT: Self-promotion and office administration.

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GOAL 1: Increase the public awareness of the Polk SWCD and the services available.Action Items:a) Develop social media outlets such as website and facebook page.b) Develop a quarterly newsletter and send to an electronic list to provide

current activity and program information.c) Use the district logo and name on various media to promote the district.d) Promote the district at shows, workshops, and events.

GOAL 2: Increase district program delivery capabilities.Action Items:a) Pursue local funding sources to expand district staff.b) Pursue projects and funding to expand the staff and program availability.c) Develop partnerships with other agencies, groups, and entities to expand

programs and staff.

GOAL 3: Fulfill all office and program administration responsibilities.Action Items:a) Prepare and review office working plans regularly.b) Administer all programs efficiently and equitably.c) Attend commissioner meetings and training sessions to stay abreast of

current issues and activities.

OBJECTIVE II

SOIL RESOURCE OBJECTIVE: Protect and conserve soil resources for future generations.GOAL 1: Protect and conserve soil resources on cropland and pastureland.

Action Items:a) Give priority to educating producers and promoting the benefits of installing

practices that focus on improving soil health.b) Promote the use of cover crops to improve soil health and quality as well as

improved nutrient management.c) Promote prescribed pasture management practices and incentives.d) Review cost-share policy annually to be sure that cost-share funds are used

to achieve the most conservation with priority in designated project areas.e) Inform the public on the new incentives such as the no interest loan program.f) Give priority to cost-share projects that will be constructed during the

summer.g) Investigate the possibilities of county funds for conservation practices.h) Find new ways to show landowners the importance of controlling soil erosion.i) Continue to require contractor checkout. Consider policy that only projects

completed with contractor checkout will be approved for cost share funds.j) Encourage contractors to perform layout of practices.k) Provide information to landowners on the benefits of conservation tillage.

Look into tours, field demonstrations, and other means to get this message across.

l) Poll local landowners as to what type of information program would be most effective.

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m) Work with Co-ops or chemical representatives to incorporate common actions that achieve their goals while protecting soil.

n) Demonstrate how grass buffer strips could be used to control soil loss and reduce point rows.

o) Publicize how to properly shape, seed, and maintain grass waterways.p) Send landowners information on how to maintain cost shared practices such

as terraces and basins after they have been completed.q) Offer informational and educational workshops to the public.r) Respond to soil loss complaints in a timely manner.

GOAL 2: Control soil loss on urban land.Action Items:a) Give priority to educating producers and promoting the benefits of installing

practices that focus on improving soil health.b) Support efforts being made by Iowa legislators to require cities to have

erosion control standards.c) Inform all cities and towns in the county about the Land Disturbing Activity

Regulations pursuant to Chapter 161A.64, Code of Iowa. d) Conduct training sessions for developers, contractors and city officials on

erosion control practices that could be used to control soil loss in urban areas e) Encourage cities to establish erosion control standards that would be

included in the zoning ordinances.f) Enter into 28E agreements with cities that establish more restrictive

standards than what is required by the Land Disturbing Activity Regulations.g) Continue to review proposed plats that are being developed and comment on

the erosion control practices that are being planned.h) Provide information to the public through various media and demonstration

of new stormwater management practices.i) Respond to soil loss complaints in a timely manner.j) Promote and utilize incentive funds to install practices with priority in

designated project areas.

GOAL 3: Reduce soil loss caused by streambank erosion.Action Items:a) Collect all existing information available on controlling streambank erosion

and which agencies need to be notified for permits. Streambank Stabilization book and Riparian Zone information available.

b) Inform the public that streambank stabilization information is available.c) Follow up on streambank stabilization projects that are completed and check

to see if they were effective. d) Conduct assessments of streams and use RASCAL to document streambank

erosion areas.e) Pursue additional funding incentives to implement streambank stabilization

practices.f) Promote practices that limit livestock access to steams.

GOAL 4: Protect fields from soil loss as they come out of CRP.Action Items:a) Give priority to educating producers and promoting the benefits of installing

practices that focus on improving soil health.

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b) Promote the benefits of CRP and encourage re-enrollment.c) Inform Conservation Reserve Program participants on what assistance is

available. If not re-enrolling, develop a conservation plan that protects the resources.

OBJECTIVE III

WATER RESOURCE OBJECTIVE: Protect the quality of surface waters of Polk County.

GOAL 1: Reduce the use or make better use of chemicals and nutrients on urban and rural land.

Action Items:a) Contact Extension on what information programs currently exist on chemical

and nutrient use on urban land.b) Work with lawn care services to incorporate common actions that achieve

their goals while protecting water resources.c) If the above items warrant it, request more controls by the legislature on

lawn care companies.d) Inform the public to test soils and to monitor more closely what chemicals

and nutrients are put on their land.e) Encourage landowners to scout their property and apply what chemicals are

needed, similar to Integrated Pest Management Programs.f) Promote the use of incentive funds for nutrient management on agricultural

land.g) Assist communities in the proper disposal of sludge from wastewater

treatment plants on agricultural land.h) Promote installation of practices that reduce nutrient loss and focuses on

meeting the mission of the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy.

GOAL 2: Protect surface waters from pollution caused by runoff from rural and developing urban areas.

Action Areas:a) After water sources and problems are identified, look at the best

management practices that are available to solve the problems.b) Conduct resource assessments on watersheds throughout the county and

prioritize them for watershed project funding requests.c) Submit watersheds for project funding.d) Identify livestock operations that are located along rivers and streams that

could create water quality problems.e) Use available programs for funding livestock management and stream access

practices.f) Continue to promote urban conservation programs.g) Contact DNR on urban development water quality problems.

OBJECTIVE IV

WILDLIFE AND RECREATION OBJECTIVES: Conserve, Enhance, and Protect Wildlife Habitat.

GOAL 1: Identify existing wetlands and encourage their protection.

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Action Items:a) Complete wetland determinations as requested.b) Inform landowners what incentives are available to protect wetlands.c) Keep abreast of wetland preservation conservation agencies and groups on

what wetland preservation programs are available.d) Encourage landowners to use the Slough Bill for tax exemption on wetlands.e) Inform the public on successful wetland restoration projects and the benefits

of wetlands.f) Inform developers on the requirements of FSA, DNR and the Army Corp. of

Engineers on the development of wetland areas.

GOAL 2: Expand the acres of land planted to trees.Action Items:

a) Inform landowners on the benefits of planting trees.b) Inform landowners on programs with available incentive funds for tree

planting projects.c) Publicize successful tree planting projects. d) Work with partners and other entities that promote and offer incentives for

tree planting.

GOAL 3: Encourage the development of habitat.Action Items:a) Inform landowners of opportunities that promote the benefits of habitat.b) Promote using incentive programs to implement more tree and prairie

plantings.c) Publicize the benefits of successful habitat development.d) Inform land users on habitat programs offered by other groups.

OBJECTIVE V

LANDUSE AND LAND MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVE: Assist decision makers on using soil and water resources according to land capabilities.

GOAL 1: Preserve prime farmland for agricultural uses in rural areas.Action Items:a) Monitor land development plats to insure that prime farmland is protected.b) Speak out at public hearings where public facilities such as airports, new

highways etc. threaten the preservation of prime farmland.c) Keep current on systems such as Land Evaluation Site Assessment (LESA)

currently used to evaluate sites that use federal funds.

GOAL 2: Encourage the use of soil information in the planning and development of areas for urban uses.

Action Items:a) Request that communities use soil information in developing their Master

Plans.b) Refer to soil information on plat reviews

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GOAL 3: Provide county jurisdictions and residents with information on abandoned mines to reduce the potential for land subsidence problems.

Action Items:a) Remind jurisdictions to review the abandon mine map when reviewing

proposed development site plans to alert the developer of the potential subsidence issues.

b) Refer landowners with subsidence issues to the Mines and Minerals Bureau of the DSC-IDALS and provide assistance as needed.

STATEMENT OF ADOPTION

We, the Commissioners of Polk County Soil and Water Conservation District, adopt this program on the ________ day of _________, __________.

________________________________ ________________________________Chairperson

________________________________ ________________________________

________________________________

STATEMENT OF APPROVAL

This plan of the Polk Soil and Water Conservation District was reviewed and approved by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Division of Soil Conservation on the ______ day of _____________, ____________.

________________________________DirectorDivision of Soil Conservation

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