Iowa’s rivers, lakes, streams, and wetlands are important for a host of reasons. Learn about how we depend on and interact with aquatic resources, both positively and negatively.
Iowa-Relevant Aquatic WILD Activities
Activities with supplemental information are linked below.
Alice in Waterland (3-5, 6-8) |
Aquatic Roots (6-8, 9-12) |
Aquatic Times (3-5, 6-8, 9-12) |
Blue Ribbon Niche (3-5, 6-8) |
Designing a Habitat 3-5, 6-8) |
Dragonfly Pond (3-5, 6-8) |
Migration Headache (6-8) |
Plastic Voyages (3-5) |
Riparian Retreat (3-5) |
Something’s Fishy Here! (6-8) |
The Glass Menagerie (9-12) |
To Dam or Not to Dam (6-8) |
Water Canaries (6-8, 9-12) |
Water We Eating? (3-5) |
Water Wings (3-5, 6-8) |
Wetland Metaphors (3-5) |
What’s in the Air? (6-8) |
What’s in the Water? (6-8) |
Where Does Water Run? (6-8, 9-12) |
Supplemental Resources
Water Supply
Millions of residents rely on water from impoundments and rivers for public use, industrial supplies, power plant cooling, and wastewater treatment. In Iowa, surface water supplies about 20 percent of the state’s drinking water.
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Iowa Drinking Water – General information about Iowa’s water supply. Links to more state and region specific information.
Recreation
Iowa’s aquatic resources are important to many of the outdoor activities we enjoy. Two of the most popular outdoor recreational activities are swimming and fishing. Boating, waterfowl hunting, and a host of other recreational pursuits also are dependent on our waters.
Pollution and Flood Control
Wet soils of riparian areas and other wetlands help maintain and improve water quality in streams, rivers, and lakes. Water quality is greatly impacted by land use practices. Runoff carrying potential pollutants such as silt, fertilizer, and animal waste, can be absorbed and used by aquatic plants before it enters the water system. Pollutants may be retained by wet soils long enough for bacteria to break them down into harmless compounds. Wet soils store excess water, releasing it slowly over time into streams, lakes, and groundwater to prevent downstream flooding.
- EPA: Why are Wetlands Important – Wetlands provide numerous benefits for people, fish, and wildlife including flood protection and filtering pollutants.
Navigation
The Missouri and Mississippi, like most large rivers in the U.S, are major modes of transportation. The Mississippi is very important to commercial navigation.
- History of Transportation on the Mississippi River – A detailed history of the navigation of the Mississippi River.
- Iowa Public TV Pathways: River Transportation – The importance, past and present, of river transportation in Iowa.
Commercial Harvest
Commercial fishing in Iowa is done almost exclusively on the Mississippi. A few other products harvested from aquatic habitats and associated riparian or wetland areas include timber (e.g., oaks, black walnut, cottonwood); nuts (e.g., walnut, hazelnut); and even wild rice from the backwaters of the Mississippi.
- Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR): Commercial Fishing licenses – PDF forms and other information about commercial fishing, turtle fishing, and more in Iowa.
Electrical Generation
The dam at Keokuk is currently the only one on an Iowa river used to generate electricity, but dams in the upper reaches of the Missouri (upstream from Iowa) are used for this purpose. In 2016, construction continues on a hydroelectric generation plant at the dam on Lake Red Rock, on the Des Moines River. The Cordova nuclear power plant upstream from the Quad Cities, uses river water for cooling. The electricity generated is used by many homes, businesses, and industries.
- Keokuk Energy Center: Harnessing the Power of the Mississippi – Basic information about Keokuk’s electricity generating dam.
- Red Rock Hydroelectric Project: A Model for the Future of Clean Energy
Biodiversity
Aquatic ecosystems are among the most diverse in the world. The Mississippi River corridor is home to a wide array of fish and wildlife species and is a migration corridor for 40 percent of North America’s waterfowl and shorebirds. Many species of waterfowl, amphibians, and other wildlife depend on wetlands for food, shelter, and to raise their young. In the United States, 190 amphibian species, 5,000 plant species, and one-third of all native bird species depend on aquatic habitats. In Iowa, approximately 700 plant and animal species use aquatic habitats. Water sources also are essential for terrestrial animals.
- Iowa’s Nature Series – Vertebrates – From city sewers to pristine prairies, the reptiles, amphibians, birds, mammals, fish, and lamprey found within Iowa’s borders are as diverse and fascinating as the people found there.
- Iowa’s Nature Series – Invertebrates – Features the stories of a few of the thousands of insects, spiders, crustaceans, butterflies, moths, worms, snails, mussels, and leeches found in Iowa, everywhere from our border rivers to our homes.
Culture
People always have been closely associated with water sources for drinking, food, and transportation. Iowa waters are no exception. Portions of the Upper Mississippi River are thought to have the highest density of cultural sites in North America–a study by the Great River Environmental Action Team identified over 1,000 anthropological and nearly 4,000 historic sites in the Rock Island District. The Missouri was used by the Dakota, Iowa, Oto, Winnebago, Fox, and Pottawatomie Indian tribes as well as early Euro-American explorers. The natural lakes of northwest Iowa also were centers of cultural activity for native and prehistoric Americans.
- Native American Tribes of Iowa – Information and history about the Native American tribes that inhabited Iowa.
Issues Facing Our Aquatic Resources
Water quality in all surface waters has been affected greatly by alterations in the landscape–largely brought about by agriculture. Changes to land draining to lakes and streams (watersheds) often occur far from the affected body of water, thus cause and effects are not readily apparent. Nonpoint pollution is the greatest factor impacting the quality of Iowa’s waters.
- Iowa DNR: Watershed Pollution – Information about water pollution sources in Iowa. Includes links to more information.
- Understanding Iowa’s Impaired Waters List – What the “Iowa’s Impaired Waters List” means and how water bodies are classified as impaired waters.
Erosion and Sedimentation
The number one water pollutant in Iowa is silt (very fine soil). Soil is carried to bodies of water by surface runoff, wind, or stream bank erosion.
- Resources Conservation Practices: Soil Erosion and Water Quality – Iowa State University Extension publication about the effects of soil erosion on water quality.
Fertilizers (nitrogen)
Manufactured fertilizers containing nitrogen and phosphorous are used for crop production. Nitrogen is by far the most prevalent nutrient and most recognized contaminant in Iowa’s groundwater.
- Iowa DNR: Groundwater Monitoring – Detailed information about groundwater monitoring in Iowa.
Animal Waste
Besides acting as nutrients, large amounts of animal wastes entering a body of water can be toxic to fish and other aquatic animals. Over 1 million fish died in kills caused by manure discharge between 1997 and 2001 in Iowa. Fish kills have increased dramatically in the past few years.
Contaminants
Pesticides (herbicides, insecticides, etc.) are an important part of Iowa’s agriculture but heavy use can negatively impact aquatic ecosystems. The greatest threat to aquatic systems is from aerial applications because of overspray and drift.
- Iowa DNR: Watershed Pollution – Information about water pollution sources in Iowa. Includes links to more information.
Destruction of Habitat
Iowa has lost much of its original habitats. Within 100 years of Euro-American settlement, ninety-five percent of Iowa’s wetlands were drained or filled. Seventy percent of the forests were cleared, and more than ninety-nine percent of the prairies were plowed. Soils were exposed and natural vegetation along rivers and streams was removed. The result was a drastic increase in erosion in the watershed and sediments entering our waters.
Wetlands
Historically, the Prairie Pothole Region provided an important stopover site for over thirty species of shorebirds that arrive to eat aquatic life in shallow ponds, temporarily flooded by spring runoff. To date, the Prairie Pothole Region has lost about 50 percent of its wetlands, with some areas having lost as much as 90 percent. Iowa has lost 98 percent of its prairie potholes. Related to this loss is the decline in shorebird populations over the last two decades; a decline of 60-80 percent in some species. Without adequate food at their stopover sites the birds cannot reach the breeding grounds to reproduce. Wetlands (including near shore areas in lakes and river backwaters) also are important nurseries for fish.
- EPA: Wetlands – General information about wetlands.
- United States Geological Survey (USGS): Wetland and Aquatic Research Center – Wetlands information with data and research for professionals and the public.
- EPA: Prairie Potholes – General information about prairie potholes.
- US Department of Agriculture (USDA): Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) – Wetlands – General information about wetlands.
- Iowa DNR: Wetlands – Information about wetlands in Iowa and wetland monitoring.
Riparian Zones
Loss of riparian zones has impacted Iowa streams and rivers. Urban development, highways, cropland, etc., are squeezing wildlife into smaller areas. Sections of rivers that are bare, unshaded, sediment-laden channels are poor habitat for fish and other aquatic organisms. Areas void of a vegetative zone provide insufficient cover and food for upland game, songbirds, and other wildlife, especially in winter.
- Utah State University Extension: Riparian Zones – What is a Riparian Zone?
Lakes, Rivers, and Streams
When large amounts of sediment are deposited in a lake, stream, or river, it is called sedimentation. The result of erosion and deposition of Iowa’s valuable topsoil into lakes and streams is very damaging. Sedimentation reduces the depth of lakes and streams. Deposited soils cover valuable habitat and choke out many essential parts of the ecosystem. They kill aquatic plants because sunlight cannot reach them and reduce fish habitat by filling holes and crevices where fish seek shelter. Excessive amounts of sediment in rivers cover rock and gravel substrates so invertebrates can’t cling to the rocks, eliminating food for fish. In both lakes and rivers, sedimentation smothers fish spawning sites for species like walleye and trout.
- Resources Conservation Practices: Soil Erosion and Water Quality – Iowa State University Extension publication about the effects of soil erosion on water quality.
Navigation
Dams have cut the Mississippi River into sections, creating a series of deep pools preventing the migration of fish. Unable to ascend the river to spawn, the skipjack herring has all but disappeared from the river above Keokuk, Iowa. The ebony shell, once the upper Mississippi’s dominant mussel, has nearly disappeared because the larval form needs a ride on the gills of the skipjack herring to complete its life cycle. Navigation dams also worsen sedimentation problems.
- History of Transportation on the Mississippi River – A detailed history of the navigation of the Mississippi River.
- Iowa Public TV Pathways: River Transportation – The importance, past and present, of river transportation in Iowa.
Introduction of Exotic Species
Organisms introduced into habitats where they are not native are exotic species. Although their impacts are not nearly as profound in Iowa as in more southern areas of the United States, a few species have had impacts worthy of note.
- Iowa DNR: Invasive Fish – Links to PDFs and USGS websites for specific invasive fish species details. Includes photographs of invasive fish species.
- Iowa DNR: Invasive Aquatic Plants – Photographs of invasive aquatic plants and links to PDFs for more detailed information on each plant.
- Iowa DNR: Invasive Aquatic Invertebrates – Photographs of aquatic invasive invertebrates and PDFs and links to more information about each species.
Improving Our Aquatic Resources
People can have positive impacts on aquatic resources. Following are some ways human actions are helping to protect or enhance aquatic ecosystems:
Watershed Improvements
Funds through the U.S. EPA Clean Lakes Program combined with local grants and private donations have funded water quality projects to improve, protect, and restore water bodies and watersheds. Practices being used include terracing, grass waterways, contouring, strip cropping, rotational grazing, and minimum tilling.
- Iowa DNR: Watershed Improvement – Includes basic information about watersheds and watershed improvement.
Fisheries Management and Research
Fisheries management personnel work with all stakeholders to help assure the quality of Iowa’s aquatic resources aren’t compromised. Six fisheries research teams are involved in over 20 long term projects designed to solve major problems impacting Iowa’s aquatic resources.
- Iowa DNR: Fisheries Management Offices – Map of IDNR Fisheries management offices, contact information and link to web site for each Fisheries management office.
Monitoring
Iowa DNR biologists and other agency personnel monitor our resources to assess long term changes in fish and wildlife populations from changes in habitat. Monitoring also is used to assess how management activities benefit resources where they are applied.
Long Term Monitoring
The Long Term Resource Monitoring Program (LTRMP) on the Mississippi River was authorized by Congress and initiated in 1987. It was designed to address resource problems such as navigation impacts, sedimentation, water level fluctuations and quality, lack of aquatic vegetation, and reduced fish populations in addition to monitoring invertebrate populations and land cover / use.
- USGS: The Long Term Resources Monitoring Program – Includes information about monitoring of the Upper Mississippi River System. Includes detailed information about the monitoring of fish, vegetation, water quality, and other factors.
Wetlands are monitored through the National Wetlands Inventory which began in 1974. This project was established through the Emergency Wetlands Resources Act, which directed the FWS to generate information about the characteristics, extent, and status of the nation’s wetlands. These maps are sold through the USGS (1-800-USA-MAPS).
- U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS): National Wetlands Inventory – Contains wetlands data, status, trends, maps, downloadable information and more.
Monitoring Safety of Fish for Consumption
Fish tissue monitoring is conducted in Iowa by the DNR as part of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Regional Ambient Fish Tissue Program (RAFT). Some contaminants not in use anymore still persist in the environment, but levels are decreasing each year.
Water Quality
Monitoring water quality can provide information about how to sustain or improve aquatic ecosystems. Fisheries biologists also collect water quality data because these indicate whether or not fish (and other animals) can live in a body of water.
- Iowa DNR: Water Quality – Information about IDNR water quality programs.
Volunteerism
Volunteers can be instrumental in monitoring aquatic resources. Several Iowa DNR Wildlife Diversity Program surveys are conducted largely by volunteers. Individuals wanting to go beyond monitoring can get involved in the DNR’s Adopt-a-Program. Individuals or groups can adopt a body of water, park, or other natural area and monitor, maintain, or improve it!
- Iowa DNR: Volunteer with the DNR – Learn more about volunteering with IDNR.
- Iowa DNR: Volunteer Wildlife Monitoring – Links to specific volunteer wildlife surveys and information for individuals interested in volunteering.
- Iowa DNR: Volunteer Water Monitoring– Following the IOWATER program, the DNR is launching a new locally-led volunteer water quality monitoring program. Volunteers monitor several water quality parameters. Volunteers are trained in workshops statewide.
General Conservation Practices
General conservation practices improve our resources. Waste of materials which require water for their manufacture or waste of water processed for drinking, increases demands put on our lakes and rivers both when water is drawn from the source, and when waste water is processed and added to a system.
Federal Regulations and Programs
The Sport Fish Restoration Fund was established to provide funding for the maintenance and improvement of the nation’s fisheries resources.
- USFWS: Wildlife & Sport Fish Restoration Program – Sport fish restoration program overview.
The Clean Water Act is the primary federal law, enacted in 1972, that protects our nation’s waters, including lakes, rivers, aquifers, and coastal areas. Its primary objective is to restore and maintain the integrity of the nation’s waters. Its goals are to eliminate the discharge of pollutants and achieve water quality levels safe for fishing and swimming.
- EPA: Summary of the Clean Water Act – An overview of the Clean Water Act.
Left out of the Clean Water Act were many activities that affect waters through agricultural production. The 1985 Farm Bill helped fill this gap by providing two federal programs–the Swampbuster Provision and Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). Both of these programs have helped reduce silt in Iowa rivers and streams by reducing erosion from farm land.
- EPA: Section 404 and Swampbuster: Wetlands on Agricultural Land – Information about the federal swampbuster provision.
The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) is a voluntary effort that allows producers to retire highly erodible land from annual production for 10 years (or more in some instances) either via competitive bid during specific periods or can be enrolled at any time under continuous signup efforts that target specified environmental goals. In return, producers get annual rental payments and cost-share and technical assistance to install approved conservation practices on those acres. However, the program is nearing the legislated maximum limit of acres allowed in the program.
- USDA NRCS: Conservation Reserve Program – Information about the Conservation Reserve Program.
The Wetland Reserve Enhancement Partnership (WREP) is a voluntary program through which NRCS enters into agreements with eligible partners to leverage resources to carry out high priority wetland protection, restoration, and enhancement and to improve wildlife habitat.
- USDA NRCS: Wetland Reserve Enhancement Partnership – Information on a voluntary program.
A wetland easement is a perpetual agreement by a landowner and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). The Iowa DNR assists the USFWS with this program. The landowner receives a single lump sum payment not to drain, burn, level, or fill wetlands covered by the easement.
- USFWS: Wetland Easements – Information about conservation easements, including wetland easements.
The Prairie Pothole Joint Venture (PPJV) is a cooperative effort between state, federal, and county agencies and conservation organizations. The goal in Iowa is to raise two million dollars each year to protect 2,700 acres of wetlands and surrounding uplands through acquisition and easements.
- Prairie Pothole Joint Venture – Information about the PPJV, prairie conservation, resources, news, and more.
The Partners for Wildlife Program (PWP) improves and protects wildlife habitat on private lands through alliances between the FWS, IDNR, and other organizations and individuals, while leaving the land in private ownership.
- USFWS: Partners for Fish & Wildlife – Mission statement, background information, how to get involved, and news about the latest in conservation across the Midwest.
North American Wetlands Conservation Act Grant applications are submitted through the North American Wetlands Council for projects which: 1) protect, enhance, restore, and manage an appropriate distribution and diversity of wetland ecosystems and other habitats for migratory birds and other fish and wildlife; 2) maintain or improve migratory bird populations distributions; or 3) sustain an abundance of waterfowl and other migratory birds consistent with the international migratory bird treaties and agreements.
- Ducks Unlimited: North American Wetlands Conservation Act – Background information about the North American Wetlands Conservation Act.
The purpose of the Service Challenge Cost-Share Program (SCCSP) is to increase awareness and participation of local communities for conservation of important fish, plant, and wildlife resources on private and public lands. It also enhances public lands and their use, maintains USFWS lands, and is used for research.
- National Park Service (NPS): Challenge Cost Share Program – Information about the program, list of projects, and contact information.
State Legislation and Programs
A fishing license is required for Iowans 16 years of age and older and non- residents who are at least 14 who fish on land other than their own. Funds from fishing licenses are directed at efforts to maintain and improve the quality of Iowa’s sport fishing. Activities of the Fisheries Bureau of the DNR include lake construction and management, habitat restoration projects, fish stocking, research, and public education.
- Iowa DNR: Fishing Licenses & Laws – Current Iowa Fishing Regulations, fishing license information, and online license purchase system.
The Groundwater Protection Act was adopted by the Iowa legislature in 1987, and focused on reducing potential contamination from industrial and agricultural chemicals and preserving drinking water quality.
- EPA: Report on the Environment – Ground Water – The importance and condition of ground water.
Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) was enacted in Iowa in 1989, to enhance and protect Iowa’s natural environment. Funding is allocated for conservation education, land acquisition, soil and water conservation, park development, and other environmental projects.
- Iowa DNR: Resource Enhancement and Protection – Background information about REAP, links for list of projects by county, REAP grants, license plates, and how funding is used.
Private Programs
The Izaak Walton League is a non-profit conservation organization that works to protect America’s soil, woods, waters, and wildlife. The League heads the Save Our Streams
- The Izaak Walton League: Save Our Streams – Information about the Save Our Streams Program which teaches volunteers how to monitor, protect, and restore waterways in their community.