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DES MOINES – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey today invited the public to attend an “open house” for a newly restored wetland in Madison County. The ceremony will be held Monday, August 1st at 1:00 pm. The site is located approximately 4.5 miles south of Interstate 80 on Highway 169. Northey will speak at the event, which will be held rain or shine.
“We have seen that these wetlands can have a significant positive impact on the environment and this celebration is an opportunity for Iowans to come out and learn more about steps farmers are taking to better care of the water here in Iowa,” Northey said.
What: CREP Wetland “Open House
Who: Bill Northey, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture
Madison County Soil and Water Conservation District
USDA Farms Service Agency
When: Monday, Aug. 1, 1:00 p.m.
Where: CREP Wetland, 1218 Hwy 169, Winterset, IA
East side of Hwy 169 about 4.5 miles south of I-80 or 6.5 miles north of Winterset
(Signs will posted to direct visitors to the site)
The Madison Soil & Water Conservation District is hosting the event along with the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s Division of Soil Conservation and USDA Farm Service Agency. The newly restored wetland was built through the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP).
CREP is a state, federal and private partnership allowing landowners to voluntarily establish wetlands in the heavily tile-drained regions of Iowa. These highly targeted, strategically placed wetlands reduce nitrate loading by more than 50%.
Throughout Iowa, 72 CREP wetlands have been restored or are currently under development, providing water quality benefits to 86,000 acres of land by removing over 54,000 tons of nitrates over their lifetime. These 72 targeted restorations total over 700 acres of wetlands plus over 2,500 acres of surrounding native prairie buffers. In addition to improving water quality, these wetlands provide high quality wildlife habitat and recreational opportunities.
Madison is one of 37 counties available eligible for the program. For more information on the program, see www.iowaagriculture.gov or visit your local Soil and Water Conservation District or Farm Service Agency offices. |
