Project Description
The Yellow River Headwaters are located in Winneshiek and Allamakee Counties. The watershed consists of row crops, pasture, timber, and the towns of Ossian and Castalia. The Yellow River Headwaters Watershed (YRHW) encompasses 26,119 acres and is composed of two main stream branches, the North Fork Yellow River and Yellow River.
The two branches join to form the Yellow River, which downstream becomes Iowa’s largest cold water trout stream and a high quality resource water, before emptying into the Upper Mississippi River. Sections of the Yellow River Headwaters and the Yellow River are listed on Iowa’s impaired waters list, or 303(d) list, due to a bacteria and sediment impairment.
Landowners and operators within the watershed are eligible to receive cost-share funding up to 75% of the total cost of implementing conservation practices. Funding has been made available by project partners and is administered by the Winneshiek and Allamakee Soil and Water Conservation Districts. Pre-approval is required. For more information, contact Sophia Campbell.
Available Cost Share
| Practice | Cost Share | Practice | Cost Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Terraces | 75% cost-share | Filter Strip | $300 per acre |
| Grassed Waterways | 75% cost-share | Livestock Paddock Fencing | 75% cost-share |
| Sediment Basin | 75% cost-share | Access Control Fencing | $250 per acre |
| Waste Storage Facility | 75% cost-share | Pasture/Hayland Planting | 75% cost-share |
| Grade Stabilization Structure | 75% cost-share | Streambank Stabilization | 75% cost-share |
| Nutrient Management Plan | $3,750 each | Septic System Replacement | 50% or $3,500 |
| Heavy Use Protection | 75% cost-share | Livestock Watering System | 75% cost-share |
| Cover Crops |
$30/acre $40/acre first time users |
No-Till |
$75 per acre 3 year commitment |
| Prescribed Grazing | $120 per acre | Summer Construction Incentive | $200 per acre |
Watershed Project Maps
Click on a map below to enlarge and zoom in
Contact Information
Watershed Coordinator: Sophia Campbell
Phone: 563-419-0091
Email: sophia.campbell@ia.nacdnet.net
Office:
Winneshiek County SWCD
2296 Oil Well Rd
Decorah, IA 52101
