05002-001 Little Pony Creek Watershed Final Report

Farmers Creek is a moderately flowing stream that winds through seventeen miles of central Jackson County, encompassing a watershed area of 30,590 acres. Due to nutrient loading and sedimentation, the stream was placed on Iowa’s 303(d) List of Impaired Waters in 2002. A three year grant project was initiated in January 2005 to reduce both sediment delivery and phosphorus levels by 40% in critical areas along the stream corridor. Over thirty-five BMP’s were started in the first nine months of this project. Funding through WIRB is being requested specifically for streambank stabilization and protection projects not covered by other cost-share programs. Innovative project designs and techniques will be installed and act as demonstration sites. Projects may include jetties, weirs, cedar revetments, cattle crossings, and fencing. To assist in excluding cattle from the stream, watering systems such as slingpumps, pasture pumps, or water rams will be installed, in conjunction with filter strips and riparian buffers.