1246-022 Middle Buffalo Creek Watershed Project Final Report

(2018) 1246-022 Middle Buffalo Creek Watershed Project Final Report. Agriculture and Land Stewardship

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Abstract

The main channel of Middle Buffalo Creek has been identified on Iowa's 303(d) List of impaired waters as having a biological impairment (i.e., greater than 50% decrease in mussel species) due to habitat modification, stream alteration, nutrients, and/or siltation. The District identified this as a priority watershed because the presence of a diverse and reproducing mussel population indicates a healthy aquatic ecosystem, resulting in good fishing, good water quality for wildlife, and assurance water is safe for recreation. Dan Cohen, Buchanan Conservation Board, stated "should water quality conditions improve, and fishing holes and habitat be enhanced, there is no doubt that many people would take advantage of the renewed recreational opportunities." The District believes this project will replicate the success of the WIRE-sponsored, Upper Buffalo Creek project which has implemented 76 BMPs within identified priority areas. The District believes this is possible since the first effort already created a positive watershed identity and forged relationships with producers and landowners in the watershed. The objectives and goals of this effort are similar to the current effort by focusing on reducing sediment derived from ephemeral gully erosion & corridor protection by 30%, and reducing nutrients derived from manure and fertilizer runoff by 30%, improving aquatic habitat, and water monitoring.