Iowa NRCS releases watershed plan supplement for public review

The Iowa Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is requesting public comment for the East Fork of the Grand River Draft Supplemental Plan-Environmental Assessment (Plan-EA) by May 10. The Draft Supplemental Plan-EA involves a subwatershed that is located entirely in Ringgold County, Iowa. The original plan and the Draft Supplemental Plan-EA were developed under the authority of the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act, PL-566.

“At the request of the sponsors this plan was prepared to slightly relocate and enlarge the multipurpose site GB-3 or Gooseberry Lake from 350 to 565 acres,” said Leroy Brown, state conservationist for Iowa NRCS.

According to Brown this change is to meet additional other agricultural water management and recreation needs. The Gooseberry Lake site is located in approximately the same area as the original GB-3 site. The dam was moved downstream about one-half mile, but the pool will occupy most of the same land that was originally planned for GB-3. The new dam location increases the drainage area from 6,050 acres to 6,210 acres.

Gooseberry Lake sponsors include the City of Mount Ayr, Ringgold County Conservation Board, Ringgold County Board of Supervisors, Southern Iowa Rural Water Association, Ringgold County Soil and Water Conservation District, Ringgold County Development Corporation and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. The group, referred to as Gooseberry Lake Agency, formed a 28E organization, which serves as the sponsor to install Gooseberry Lake.

Questions about the Draft Supplemental Plan-EA should be directed to David Beck, Iowa NRCS Planning Leader at 515-323-2232. Comments may be submitted to Beck at Iowa NRCS, 693 Federal Building, 210 Walnut Street, Des Moines, IA 50309.

The Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act PL-566 allows USDA-NRCS to provide financial and technical assistance for planning and installing watershed projects. Eligible project purposes include flood damage reduction, ag water management, habitat development, public recreation, water supply, water quality improvement and soil and water conservation.

NRCS provides technical assistance to farmers and other private landowners to help them conserve and protect our nation’s natural resources.

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Contact:
Dave Beck
NRCS Planning Leader
515-323-2232

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