Johnson County Soil & Water Conservation District"In the preservation of
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Clear Creek Archive:Notes from previous meetings: April 14, 2008 Bowers Conference Room, Coralville City Hall Attendees: Mary Somerville, Arnold Lindaman, Larry Wilson, James Martin, Kelly Swenson, Dave Parsons, Terry Dahms, Sherri Proud, Laura Hawks, Rachel Glaza, Maria Urice Mary called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m. March minutes were approved. Rachel Glaza introduced herself to the group. Rachel is one of two non-point source project officers with the DNR. She works with watershed projects and regional coordinators in the southern half of the state, helping with planning, reporting and contracts. As a part of her responsibilities to administer 319 funds in southern Iowa, Rachel also serves as a contact with the EPA. Various members of the group explained the history of the CCWEP to Rachel. Larry explained that one of reasons the group formed was to unite rural and urban efforts, which could include using resources from Coralville to assist with watershed projects in rural areas. Rachel noted that since Coralville’s storm water is officially “monitored,” the city is not eligible for certain funds. This lack of urban funding for water quality projects is of statewide concern and Rachel is working with both the EPA and the DNR to address the issue. The group discussed the DNR’s Use Assessment and Attainability Analysis for classifying streams. Field data was collected from Clear Creek last summer so the CCWEP is anxious to learn the creek’s official designation. Rachel explained that the process, which involves both the DNR and EPA, is slow. She’ll try to find out about Clear Creek’s status and let the group know. From what she saw on her tour of the watershed with James earlier in the day, Rachel is doubtful the creek will be listed as Class A1, but she advised Sherri to continue with the city’s plans for water trail landings and other recreation infrastructure, since streams can be reclassified and Coralville’s projects could help Clear Creek’s designation go up. Kelly reported on the positive response Coralville has received with its reimbursable BMP program. Pervious paving, rain gardens and rain barrels are among the projects that have been approved for funding. Kelly noted that two contractors/developers in Coralville have taken advantage of the program and implemented storm water BMPs in their building projects. He’ll e-mail the contractors’ names to Mary, who will send a letter of appreciation. At least two Coralville homes on the 2008 Parade of Homes have implemented BMPs. The CCWEP hopes to take advantage of the visibility provided by the Parade and have “Clark-Endorsed” signage and materials available on site. Kelly will contact Parade organizers to determine the best way to distribute materials, and Laura and James will assist Kelly in gathering materials and making signs. Mary noted that the name of the BMP practice should be the highlighted on the sign, not “Demonstration Site.” James wondered if there could be someone on site to explain the practice. The dates of the Parade are: June 7, 8, 10, 12, 14 and 15. Dave brought the Iowa Learning Farm conservation video discussed at last month’s meeting. The seven-minute video—one of a series of videos that will be distributed to SWCDs across the state—is very similar in format to the proposed Clear Creek video, and the group brainstormed ways to possibly partner with the Learning Farm, or use portions of its video, to help in the completion of the Clear Creek video. Larry is communicating with Lucretia, and the group will continue discussion of the video project after hearing back from Larry and Lucretia. April 15 note: Maria contacted Carol Brown, Communications Specialist at the Iowa Learning Farm. The ILF’s series of conservation videos is scheduled to be complete by November and will be shown at the Soil and Water Commissioners Conference then. Two of the videos in the series will focus on water quality and watersheds. The package of videos will be available to groups like the CCWEP after November. Watershed groups are among the ILF’s targeted audiences for distribution of the video series. Mary reported on the River Revival in Iowa Falls. She and James presented information at the conference about the CCWEP and its accomplishments. While at the River Revival, Mary learned there’s an active Streamkeepers program associated with the DNR. This prompted group discussion about organizing clean-up efforts on Clear Creek. Rachel agreed this would be a worthwhile effort and mentioned Project Aware. Kelly and Sherri noted Coralville has a CLEAR Grant to help with clean-up efforts. The group briefly discussed Clear Creek-Amana Schools’ involvement in clean-up work and also talked about possible target areas for this work. James noted that his assessments have focused on rural sites, so he’s unable to pinpoint urban target areas. Follow this link to the Conservation Districts of Iowa April newsletter to see an article James wrote about the CCWEP. The next IOWATER Snapshot is May 10. It will start at Kent Park’s Conservation Education Center at 8:30 a.m. with a “How to sample” session. Groups will disperse to begin sampling around 9 and will return to Kent Park around noon. Participants are welcome.
Clear Creek Watershed Enhancement Project Board Meeting March 10, 2008 Bowers Conference Room, Coralville City Hall Attendees: Mary Somerville, Arnold Lindaman, Larry Wilson, James Martin, Kelly Swenson, Dave Parsons, Terry Dahms, Sherri Proud, Harry Graves, Maria Urice Mary called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m. February minutes were approved. James Martin shared fliers and other information he’s received this month, including details about the National River Rally, May 2-5, in Huron, OH. James is eagerly awaiting snowmelt to begin a busy spring construction season. EQIP projects require activity within the first twelve months, so producers whose applications were approved last fall will need to get started this spring. James reported that mailings about CRP opportunities were recently sent out. The mailings focused on buffer strips and living snow fence practices. James continues to work with producers who have allowed livestock in streams and is beginning to make headway. One of these producers has agreed to remove livestock access to the creek and will be doing brush management. James is hopeful a second producer will be doing the same, pending CRP approval. James will be attending a nutrient management workshop in Washington, IA next week. The workshop will focus on late spring nitrate testing. The results of these simple, inexpensive tests, along with end-of-season cornstalk nitrate tests, will provide producers with data to fertilize more efficiently. Iowa County’s Price Creek Watershed Project may soon be partnering more closely with the Clear Creek Watershed Project. A vacancy exists with the Price Creek project and James may combine that position with his Clear Creek work. This arrangement could free up money for a new technician in Johnson Co. Harry Graves told the group about a meeting he, Terry, Mary and Laura had with the Amana Trails Committee to discuss the long-term goal of creating a trail from Tiffin to Kent Park to the Amana Colonies. Harry also led discussion about state legislation for sustainable funding for natural resources. Bill #SSB 3250 unanimously passed the Iowa Senate Natural Resources and Environmental Protection committee last week. If adopted and ratified, the constitutional amendment would guarantee a portion of the state’s sales tax revenue for the protection and enhancement of Iowa’s natural resources. Additional good news came out of Johnson County last week when the Board of Supervisors agreed that a $20 million bond issue presented by the county conservation board should go before voters next November. Before the bond issue can go on the ballot, official bond language will need to be approved by the supervisors. Sherri and Kelly shared more good news with the group. The City of Coralville has $25,000 in matching grants available to reimburse property owners for stormwater management practices including rain gardens, bio-retention, rain barrels, and pervious paving. Rain garden education classes are scheduled for this spring and will include the creation of a 500 sq. ft. rain garden on the south side of the Coralville City Hall. Sherri told the group about the Camp Cardinal Boulevard trailhead and talked about additional construction on the Clear Creek Trail. Larry reported on the video. Lucretia may have a draft available by the end of the week. James and Dave told the group about a short video created by the Iowa Learning Farm. Its conservation message is similar to the CCWEP message, and it may be something the group can use. The board selected www.clearcreekiowa.org for the CCWEP website domain. Dave will register that name and clearcreekiowa.com, and James will create a site template for the group to discuss next month. A preliminary written agenda to help focus the group’s efforts was briefly discussed. Sherri will look in to rain barrel efforts and will find out the cost of window clings. The latter are to be used as “seals of approval” for businesses selling creek-friendly products or incorporating creek-friendly practices. James and Mary will be presenting information about CCWEP activities at the Iowa Rivers Revival’s annual conference April 5 in Iowa Falls. February 11, 2008 Bowers Conference Room, Coralville City Hall Attendees: Mary Somerville, Arnold Lindaman, Laura Hawks, Lucretia Scott, Larry Wilson, James Martin, Kelly Swenson, Dave Parsons, Amy Bouska, Maria Urice Mary called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m. January minutes were approved. Amy Bouska was asked to describe her position as a regional urban conservationist. She explained that the newly created position does not have a specific job description which allows her to be flexible as she addresses urban conservation needs. Urban watershed management in Iowa City will be one of her first projects, and she is also hoping to help communities develop “green infrastructure,” emphasizing how natural systems tie in to storm water management. Because of the current flexibility of her position, Amy noted that now is the time for the CCWEP to identify ways she can help with the group’s goals. She can build on her efforts with the Lake MacBride watershed project, including tailoring educational programs for a variety of audiences. An audience she’d especially like to target is homeowner associations. Mary refreshed the Board’s memory about target groups the CCWEP hopes to reach with its message of watershed literacy and conservation. These groups include youth and service groups, as well as professional and business groups and sponsors. In addition to the learning component of the CCWEP message, the group hopes to convey an “action” component. Time was spent identifying service projects and action items for various target audiences. Some of the ideas discussed:
Mary noted a need for the board to consider ways the community can “celebrate” Clear Creek and its watershed. Some ideas:
It was noted that the CCWEP needs to piggy-back on existing community events. Some of those events might be Riverfest, Ralston Creek clean-ups, Prairie Preview and Coralville’s Wet and Muddy Day. Noting the success of the latter, Larry suggested the group try a similar event in a rural, upstream area in a continuing effort to develop upstream/downstream partnerships. Larry also initiated conversation about how mandates and incentives, zoning, “sensitive area” delineation, homebuilder certifications, and the upcoming county bond issue could affect Clear Creek and Clear Creek watershed efforts. He noted how a well-defined stream corridor—from Coralville in to Iowa County—could protect the stream infrastructure from the effects of both urban and ag development. Amy noted a recent poll showed Johnson County residents feel strongly about protecting watersheds. In fact, Johnson County had the highest poll numbers in the country in support of watershed protection. Larry provided a brief history of the CCWEP video effort and noted, again, the importance of a roll-out strategy. When the video is complete, who will present it? Will there be training session for presenters? How will the message be tailored for the varying groups to whom the video will be shown? To tailor the message, Mary suggested the group create individual PowerPoint presentations for specifics groups. Laura volunteered to work on this. Board members experienced with specific age/target groups may contribute to this effort. Referring audiences to a Clear Creek watershed website will be an important part of the presentations that accompany the video. Mary suggested James and Maria work toward creating a website, and the group agreed the site should have its own domain. Lucretia showed a rough draft of the video. The ten-minute draft version does not have audio, but includes some great footage of the watershed, issues within the watershed, and efforts to address those issues. Additional footage is available and will be added. After editing and layering, the final video will be approximately eight minutes. Lucretia is hopeful the board will receive copies of a version suitable for review and editing as soon as next month. At that point, it will be the Board’s responsibility to determine what to cut and what to strengthen, and to make arrangements with Roy Justice, the narrator. James handed out copies of the new Clear Creek newsletter which has been sent to producers in the watershed. Kelly updated the group about work in Coralville including NPDS storm water efforts and the reimbursable rain garden program. January 14, 2008 Bowers Conference Room, Coralville City Hall Attendees: Mary Somerville, Ross Stuedemann, Terry Dahms, Lucretia Scott, Larry Wilson, James Martin, Kelly Swenson, Harry Graves, Maria Urice Mary called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m. Attendees introduced themselves to Maria Urice, the Board’s new coordinator/consultant. VIDEO UPDATE The video project has suffered a setback due to the crash of Lucretia’s hard drive. Lucretia is now in the process of re-inputting and re-editing footage and credits. She is hesitant to commit to a timeline, but will distribute copies to the committee for review when she’s done. Review copies will likely be in DVD format, but she is willing to accommodate other needs. Due to the nature of the remaining work, format issues, and scheduling with PATV, there is little the committee can do to help Lucretia finish the project. Mary needs to finish her “action items” determined at the November 26 meeting. Permissions required to use footage of ECHO students was discussed and resolved as follows:
Larry introduced the subject of a “roll-out strategy” for the DVD. The DVD will tell the CCWEP story, but handouts or other materials will be necessary to tell service clubs how they can get involved. POST-DVD PLANNING Target groups and various post-DVD projects were identified at the April ’07 CCWEP board meeting. The board will revisit these project ideas at the February ’08 meeting and begin to implement the projects. Amy Bouska, in her new position as Urban Conservationist, is interested in working with the group as they brainstorm action items. The board hopes Wendell Jones and Kelly S. will also be involved in this brainstorming session. The creation of a handout to accompany the DVD will be a priority. Larry noted that other new projects are needed to encourage urban-rural cooperation. The group needs to identify ways Coralville can assist with upstream efforts. Coralville may not be able to fund these efforts, but their work within city limits needs to be united to work in rural parts of the watershed. It was noted that efforts to protect watersheds have become even harder as high grain prices – driven by the demand for ethanol – have encouraged farmers to plant more acres to row crops. OTHER ITEMS Mary described the Five Star Restoration Program, a National Fish and Wildlife Foundation grant program that funds community-based stream and wetland restoration efforts. (See http://www.epa.gov/wetlands/restore/5star/.) Application deadline is February 15. Kelly will contact Sherri Proud. James reported on the Iowa River Watershed Partnership meeting he recently attended, noting particularly the contributions of Rod Scott with the Iowa River Greenbelt program. James described last fall’s active construction season including nine new control basins, several new filter strips, 75 new no-till acres, and 55 acres of re-enrolled CRP. A total of 1500 tons of soil will be saved from these projects. Five more EQIP projects are on schedule for next fall. Future efforts will focus on the reduction of livestock in creeks, a primary cause of increasing bacteria levels in area streams. Minutes for September 17, 2007 Bowers Conference Room, Coralville City Hall Attendees: Larry Wilson, Harry Graves, Arnold Lindaman, Dave Parsons, Mary Somerville, Laura Hawks, Terry Daums, James Martin, Sherri Proud
MINUTES FROM MAY 15, 2007 MEETING, MEKONG RESTAURANT, CORALVILLE The Clear Creek Watershed Enhancement Project Board met May 15, 2007, in the Mekong Restaurant on the north bank of Clear Creek in Coralville. Chair Mary Somerville called the meeting to order about 4:40 P.M. Others present for some or all of the meeting were: Harry Graves, Ellen Hartz, Laura Hawks, Dave Parsons, Larry Wilson, James Martin and Dale Shires. MINUTES of the March meeting were approved as e-mailed. The
April meeting was cancelled. 319 UPDATE - James distributed his report for March and April
that included several projects for both counties. He shared that
our typical 3rd Tuesday meeting date is the same evening that both
the Iowa and Johnson Co. SWCD Commissioners meet. Obviously he
cannot attend all three every month. POST-VIDEO (DVD) PLANNING – TARGET GROUPS – Youth, i.e., Scouts, H.S. biology Sr. Center, Adult Ed. Rec. Center Service Groups Professional Groups, i.e., Landscape Arch. Lawn Care Services Farm Bureau Libraries – Display Sports/Nature/Habitat WHAT DO WE WANT THEM TO DO? 1. Leave with easy, go home & do now ideas. 2. Longer term, broader scale, such as: things to do as a group, i.e. a) sponsor a raingarden (public or private property) b) Rain barrel painting (Herky on Parade- type contest?) c) Service Club or Corporate Sponsors d) Soil Testing Expenses e) One-day clean-ups f) Storm sewer labeling g) Habitat Plantings h) Buy information videos, library materials, kiosk MATERIALS – Information for Website & Links – get a catchy name for our own site. Clark bookmarks w/seed packet Coloring Book Teachers’ Guide, Rain On Your Roof CD Handout including Immediate creek-friendly to-do’s. Listing of available resources, equipment SPECIAL IDEAS working with Coralville, Tiffin Clear Creek Environmental Center (Park Pavilion) near creek, along trail (relate to Coralville Master Plan?); Possible sources of funding: Riverside Casino,
Rockwell-Collins, REAP Raingarden incentive program from stormwater fees. New Development - Design for Infiltration Home Builders Certification Overlay Zone Ordinances for New Developments NEXT MEETING – The next meeting will be Tuesday, June 19 when
we join a Trees Forever Field Day at 5 PM at the Somerville’s,
with a Board meeting to follow. Details will be sent later. The meeting adjourned about 6:06 PM after sharing delicious appetizers throughout the meeting.
MINUTES FROM MARCH 20, 2007 MEETING, CORALVILLE CITY HALL
The Clear Creek Watershed Enhancement Project Board met March 20, 2007, in the Bowers Confer-ence Room of Coralville City Hall. Chair Mary Somerville called the meeting to order about 4:35 P.M. Others present for some or all of the meeting were: Ellen Hartz, Laura Hawks, Sherri Proud, Ross Stuedemann, Larry Wilson, James Martin, Thanos Papanicolaou, Dave Parsons, Dale Shires and Kelly Swenson.
Minutes of the February meeting were approved as e-mailed. No additions were made to the agenda.
VIDEO UPDATE – Larry distributed copies of a draft script he received this afternoon from Lucretia. Soon we will need to arrange for a narrator. Roy Justice would be a great choice. Dean Borg might be a possibility, or Steve Ford who did the Iowa River Trail video narration. Lucretia had asked about an accompanying brochure, but the Board wants to concentrate on the video first. She also wants to do a sunrise video shoot at Conroy April 3. She has the Corps of Engineers video, two minutes from Tiffin, and some from Oxford. At the end of this meeting Larry will work with the committee to set a date to work further with Lucretia.
319 UPDATE - James distributed his February report and was able to announce three upcoming projects in each county – one a joint venture in the Conroy area. He had participated in a 319 Coordinator meeting and told of urban BMP low-interest loans. He also reported the plans for 20 to 30 urban conservationists for Iowa, some serving more than one county. Work like we discussed last month with Stacie might be included.
IOWA RIVER CONFERENCE – Neither James nor Mary participated in this event, held near Madrid on a stormy weekend. It was held with a fair attendance.
CLEAR CREEK SNAPSHOT – Ellen and Dave have not yet met to outline volunteer needs. The next snapshot will be May 12.
UI HYDROSCIENCE/ENGINEERING UPDATE – Thanos reviewed the research that began three years ago in the Clear Creek North Branch near Conroy, with DNR support, using natural isotope markers which can identify sources of carbon and sediment, develop models, and evaluate BMP’s. The project has utilized 25 UI researchers and 18 collaborating universities, resulting in improved GIS tools, incorporating satellite, on site sensors. Tracers can help date erosion. Prediction Models have been historically compared with USGS sediment trap data gathered in the creek through 1982. James is eager to compare the “hot spots” identified from IDAL’s maps with those identified through the UI project.
NEXT MEETING – The next meeting was set for Thursday, 4 - 7 PM April 12, with the majority of time planned for a work session preparing for the next Snapshot. (Dave says he already has volunteers so we may use this time for a different use. Watch you e-mail for location and agenda!). Also circle June 19 on your calendars when we will have an opportunity to join a Trees Forever Field Day at 5 PM at the Somerville’s, with a Board meeting to follow.
The meeting adjourned about 5:45 PM
MINUTES FROM FEBRUARY 20, 2007 MEETING, CORALVILLE CITY HALL
The Clear Creek Watershed Enhancement Project Board met February 20, 2007, in the Bowers Conference Room of Coralville City Hall. Chair Mary Somerville called the meeting to order just after 4:30 PM. Others present for some or all of the meeting were: Harry Graves, Ellen Hartz, Larry Wilson, Terry Dahms, James Martin, Dave Parsons, Dave Ratliff, Lucretia Scott, Dale Shires and Kelly Swenson. Laura and Sherri both e-mailed they would be out of town.
Minutes of the January meeting were approved as further corrected, clarifying that Ellen had ridden her bike to her knee surgery, but not home. No additions were made to the agenda but Dave Ratliff was recognized for being featured in Iowa Outdoors.
VIDEO UPDATE –
Larry and Lucretia reported progress that will allow committee
review of a draft soon. Dave Ratliff is providing many pictures
of the creek KGAN will get back, likely only requiring credits.
The State Historical Society waived a fee for us as not-for-profit
– can copy taking our own camera. The KCRG helicopter footage was
flown in November 2001. Lucretia needs high resolution photos of
birds, bugs, etc., as found in Clear Creek. She also asked for
contacts regarding the Oxford Sale Barn. 319 - James distributed his January report and passed around some excellent maps (prepared with assistance from UI student volunteers) illustrating riparian zones and width and gullies, etc.
There was discussion of the changing economics as ethanol production increases demand for corn and how that may relate to conservation practices. James indicated the EQIP program has a cellulose fiber component. Current sign-up ends March 3 but there may be more involvement in future sign-ups.
CLEAR CREEK SNAPSHOT - Dave. R. distributed CD’s of the Fall ’06 Snapshot report. (For me this was very effective and saved a lot of paper. Among other things I noted how well the snapshots have reflected low, high and moderate flows. I will bring extra copies of the CD to the next meeting for those who didn’t get one but want one). The next snapshot will be the 14th, to be taken April 14. Dave will again have a kick-off meeting. Dave and Ellen will prepare a description of volunteer opportunities.
F.A.I.R. considerations for Johnson County – Upon our invitation, Stacie Johnson discussed the F.A.I.R. program in Linn County and distributed a flyer which desribes it. The first phase, working with developers and governmental planners, has been completed. The grassroots outreach is ahead.
There was some interest in a similar program in Johnson County, particularly in the urbanized and rapidly developing areas. Stacie has been discouraged by the inability to get adequate grants, both to continue to Linn County effort and to develop a similar program in Johnson County. The Linn program was initiated by EPA funding not likely available now. (EPA does have a SMARTGROWTH program, applications due March 14 for this year.) Other sources might include SWCD, if more money becomes available for urban; IDALS, featuring rural-urban interface; and Phase II Stormwater education funds. WIRB requires homeowners and landowners on the supervising board so may not be a good fit for F.A.I.R.-like efforts. Stacie and board members will continue looking for funding opportunities and program ideas.
NEXT MEETING – Again the third Tuesday, 4:30 - 5:30 PM in the Bowers Conference Room, March 20, ending in time for people to attend Prairie Preview which begins at 6:30 PM.
The meeting adjourned about 5:45 PM.
Corrected MINUTES FROM JANUARY 16, 2007 MEETING, CORALVILLE CITY HALL
The Clear Creek Watershed Enhancement Project Board met January 16, 2007, in the Bowers Conference Room of Coralville City Hall. Chair Mary Somerville called the meeting to order just after 4:30 PM. Others present for some or all of the meeting were: Harry Graves, Laura Hawks, Arnold Lindaman, Robert Meade, Sherri Proud, Tom Sandersfeld, Larry Wilson, Terry Dahms, James Martin, Dave Parsons, Dave Ratliff, Lucretia Scott, Dale Shires and Kelly Swenson. Ellen Hartz did not attend due to knee surgery. Reports she rode her bike both to and from the surgery were unconfirmed.
Minutes of the November meeting were approved as e-mailed. Possible participation in the River Revival Conference was added to the agenda.
NEXT MEETING – With the good attendance using the 3rd Tuesday, 4:30 - 5:30 PM time, the group decided our next meeting will be February 20, same time and again in the Bowers Conference Room.
UI HYDROSCIENCE/ENGINEERING PROGRESS REPORT was given briefly by James as staff from that department were unable to attend. James reported that department hosted a December meeting at Hilton Hall in Conroy to help current and potential cooperators and others gain a bigger picture of the goals of the research – in part to show Iowa is a small chunk of the total pollution of the Gulf. Three major current cooperators participated. Response was pretty good. They are looking for more grants. James recently met with Craig Just from the UI College of Engineering, also doing pollution prediction modeling, beyond erosion, in the North Fork . Larry suggested we encourage these partners to promote the CCWEP just as we (at least James) have provided them technical and informational support.
VIDEO UPDATE –
Larry reported for Lucretia that footage from various communities
has been sought. The State Historical Society waived the fee of
$150.00 that it charges per each 30 seconds of footage. They will
receive mention in the credits as is usual for any copyrighted
material. Footage from Tiffin may TRAIL – Laura showed photos and a map of a potential trail, reporting for the Creek walk group that also included Harry, Terry, James and Robert. They walked much of the potential trail area from Tiffin to Kent Park as permitted among the nine property owners along the four to five mile route. Several of those owners appeared to be receptive. Most of the trail could be adjacent to the south bank of the creek providing a nice setting very similar to the trail in Coralville, without major construction problems anticipated. Some of the trail might be in or next to the railroad right-of-way. Sherri suggested an estimate of $1m./mile including an average of one bridge per mile, with a 10’ path. Some trails are using bridges made from flatcars or logs. Our group was very pleased with this report. Terry and Harry will help encourage a priority ranking with the Board of Supervisors. A very scenic alternative was suggested for extending the trail from Kent Park to Homestead – following Rhine Creek through Oxford north to Homestead – rather than along Highway 6 or railroad right-of-way.
319 - James distributed his first quarterly report and indicated willingness to answer questions next month after we had a chance to read it. He has completed walking 24 miles in Deer Creek and the North Branch using the GPS viewer for stream bank analysis. DSC will provide some interpretation later this winter and UI Geography volunteers will provide further GIS analysis. He shared the fine new brochure with Sherri and Harry getting supplies for further distribution.
CLEAR CREEK SNAPSHOT - Dave. R. got the final data from the last snapshot yesterday and will make it available soon. The next snapshot will be the end of March or early April. Muddy Creek is going for quarterly snapshots. (Their IDALS grant ap just went in.) After a statistical study some sites may change. He and Ellen can work on assignments for our Board after the first week of March.
IOWA RIVER REVIVAL CONFERENCE MARCH 2 & 3 - James reported a call from Kent Newman (who worked with this Board in its development) who is organizing this conference and seeks participants who can share successes. It will be at the State 4-H Camp near Madrid. James and Mary will share our experiences.
The meeting adjourned about 5:40 PM.
MINUTES FROM NOVEMBER 21, 2006 MEETING, CORALVILLE CITY
HALL
The Clear Creek Watershed Enhancement Project Board met November
21, 2006, in the Bowers Conference Room of Coralville City
Hall. Chair Mary Somerville called the meeting to order just
after 4:30 PM. Others present for some or all of the meeting
were: Harry Graves, Laura Hawkes, Sherri Proud, Marty Reihman,
Ross Stuedemann, Larry Wilson, Terry Dahms, James Martin, Dave
Parsons, Dave Ratliff, Dale Shires and Kelly Swenson
(Coralville City Engineering Inspector in charge of stormwater,
introduced by Sherri).
TRAIL - Laura reported she has a sketchy trail
plan along-side Clear Creek. Harry, Terry, James and hopefully
Robert Meade will help with a ride-along to assess feasibility
Dec. 7, meeting at 9 AM at the Secondary Roads Shop in Tiffin.
There are nine properties from Coralville to Kent Park.
CLEAR CREEK SNAPSHOT - Dave. R. reported that,
as past snapshots had high chloride levels at the upper sites,
he visited with DOT about salt-pile drainage. The drainage goes
to a retention pond and overflows onto Amana-owned land. He
also reported that the Muddy Creek gauging station, paid for by
the cities involved, shows periodic peaks of bacteria. There
will be a public meeting about Muddy Creek December 6 at 6:30 PM
at the Kate Wickham School.
VIDEO UPDATE - Larry has distributed to the
committee a "direction" suggestion prior to developing a
script. Committee members who responded agreed she has used
good metaphors. She is now working on an outline. Dale will
verify her e-mail address to assure she gets copies of minutes
and meeting notices.
319 - DEER CREEK KICK-OFF - James announced it
will be held Monday, Dec. 4, beginning at 7 PM in the
Springmeyer Library (north end of Clear Creek Amana H.S. in
Tiffin). It will focus on Deer Creek farmland decision-makers
and state NRCS and DNR officials from Des Moines will be
included. The new brochure (excellent Board comments regarding
sample passed around) should arrive that day. He plans to
prepare a map showing potential structures including grade
stabilization ponds and other BMPs. Mary will represent the
Board with a presentation similar to the one made in Conroy.
James also reported plans to an advisory group developed for
each sub-shed this winter. He said the first 319 project is
complete - a waterway with Robert Meade, and will do a survey
for a grade stabilization structure tomorrow. A wetland in the
North Fork is scheduled this fall - a 500 A. drainage area into
an emergant wetland (likely 4 A.). He also noted he will be
doing a tillage survey this fall, likely showing more fall
tillage with farmers viewing that as a way to maximize yields
with the high corn prices. That led to a report of the BMP
challenge, a program designed to insure income, when using
BMP's, will at least equal that from other practices. Other
reports included plans for a Rapid Assessment of the Stream
Corridor (RAS), using GPS mapping of stream bank conditions
circulating a postcard sent for permission from landowners. He
also related that the Iowa Hydraulics Research group will hold a
meeting in Conroy with its cooperators Dec. 5 at noon. He
suggested we invite them to our January meeting for an update.
URBAN FOCUS - Mary will get the name of the
Lowe's contact from James to follow-up on a possible "Lowe
Impact" program this spring. Dale will contact Stacie to invite
cooperation on a F.A.I.R. type program.
CORALVILLE CITY LAND - Sherri shared a map
showing 380 A. of city-owned creekside land from the Rotary Camp
Park to the UI land. She said negotiations are underway on two
parcels that would complete continuous green space.
It was decided to skip a December meeting but continue with the
3rd Tuesday, 4:30 - 5:30 PM time. The next meeting, then, is
January 16 and again will be in the Bowers Conference Room.
The meeting adjourned about 5:35 PM.
MINUTES FROM OCTOBER 17, 2006 MEETING, CORALVILLE CITY HALL
The Clear Creek Watershed Enhancement Project Board met October
17, 2006, in the Bowers Conference Room of Coralville City
Hall. Chair Mary Somerville called the meeting to order at 4:38
PM. Others present for some or all of the meeting were: Ellen
Hartz, Sherri Proud, Ross Stuedemann, Larry Wilson, Lucretia Scott,
Terry Dahms, Dave Ratliff, Dave Parsons, James Martin and Dale
Shires.
Video - Lucretia Scott reported she had
e-mailed a script draft to Larry Wilson in a MAC version that he
has been unable to open. Larry will get a copy to the committee
for review before the next Board meeting.
Snapshot - Dave reported that the most recent
sampling included six new shots including four new sites on the
North Branch of Clear Creek and two new sites on Deer Creek. No
chloride on the first test on North Branch. Transparency was
good at all six of these sites. Dave also walked up to the Deer
Creek headwaters in a field on the North side of I-80. These
snapshots need more help and support from the Board. Over 400
man-hours went into the last snapshot. The next snapshots will
be in May and July. Sampling costs are $100 per site not
including man-hours.
319 Kick-Off for the Deer Creek Area -- James
plans this event for Tiffin in late November or early December.
Paul Valins wants to be a part of this meeting. Sites could be
the Clear Creek Amana School Library or possibly the Fire
Station.
UI Hydraulics Project - James has had contact
both with will Thanos and some of the farmers involved with his
project. He suggests the project leaders should have a public
meeting with the landowners they work with.
Priorities for 2007
1. Include support for the Snapshots. Ellen
will be lead person for relating volunteers with needed tasks.
2. Complete video and use to increase public
awareness of CCWEP efforts.
3. 319 support, assisting James with reporting
and planning ahead including next phase.
4. Pursue funding/grant opportunities,
following the success with Conroy and ag priorities on North
Branch and Deer Creek, now particularly an urban focus such as
Lowe's Impact Development support for urban practices; possible
F.A.I.R.-like project.
5. Work toward land development standards
including heritage considerations; possible overlay zone along
streams for setback (UI & Coralville partnership?).
6. Hook with Backyard Abundance, led by
Fred Meyers.
7. Concept plan for Clear Creek Trail
Development, assisted by Laura Hawkes.
After getting this much discussion in one hour, the Board set
the next meeting again for a Tuesday (November 21), 4:30 - 5:30
PM in the Bowers Conference Room. Ellen will bring treats.
Submitted by Dale Shires, Consultant to the CCWEP Board
MINUTES -
CLEAR CREEK WATERSHED ENHANCEMENT
PROJECT BOARD
At 5:10 PM Chair Mary Somerville called the meeting to order. Persons in attendance introduced themselves. Members present were: Arnold Lindaman, Sherri Proud, Mary S. and Larry Wilson. Other regulars included Dave Ratliff, James Martin, Ruth Izer, Terry Dahms and Dale Shires. The March minutes were accepted as e-mailed and no adjustments were made to the e-mailed agenda, except for an announcement by Mary that Dale will be recognized for conservation work by the Johnson County Heritage Trust at its annual meeting April 29.
Reactions to Supervisor’s Meeting Re: Trails – Those who attended agreed that the Supervisors’ leanings regarding a trail system was hard to read, but that they likely will accept the county trails plan. A trails advisory committee may be set up and could be very helpful. Although some funds from beyond the county can be available, a 20 – 25% match of local funds is needed. Linn County Supervisors budget accordingly for trails. Joe Bolkcom attended the session and indicated legislators have looked at a Linn/Johnson trail focus. Linn county’s planning toward Johnson County does not align with current planning northward in Johnson County. Although multi-use broadens interest, ATV’s are not compatible with hikers and leisurely bikers. Snowmobiles prefer crushed rock rather than paving.
319 Grant – Staffing Progress - Interviews will be held next week with four candidates, including James. Funding has not been received but the position should be able to begin in May. The Board believes this spring is an ideal time for a kick-off event for the program. With the naming of a Clear Creek Coordinator for the 319 Project, Dale wondered how duplication should be avoided between the work he has been doing and the new position. Several members expressed a view that Dale still has ways to be of unique support to the Board, but that it is appropriate to define his role as we seek continued support from the District(s).
Lowe Impact Development – No news to report.
Help w/Stump Speech – Larry Wilson reported our timing was wrong as most student projects begin in the fall semester so we may want to restart in August. E-mail can take a long time to cycle. Urban Regional Planning may have something to offer but the Journalism group may be the best to prepare the wording and video with facts and framework we provide. It was suggested that before August Larry’s committee outlines what we want and make contact with appropriate professors to see when they want our proposals. Some stipend could encourage participation.
Iowater Update – In keeping with his role helping educate us about our watershed, Dave asked us where the outlet from the Coralville Sewage Treatment Plant entered the stream. Most if not all of us were surprised that it is piped to the Iowa River near the tornado-destroyed Dairy Queen on Riverside Drive, a site with adequate water flow. Dave invited participation in the May 13 Snapshot and shared that the Clear Creek Monitoring story will be reported in California next month at a water monitoring conference. He also reported that Supt. Plugge had talked with him two hours about the Muddy Creek pollution. The North Liberty project to alleviate the problem is to be completed in 2008-2009. Dave also invited participation in the Project Aware Iowa River float the week of June 17. The river clean-up project will begin at the access across from the Iowa City Airport and end at the Mississippi. DNR and USGS will provide support with piloted barges to haul the debris. The volunteers will camp out and their only cost will be for the meals.
Next Meeting Date, Time and Place – Ruth will find a place to meet in Iowa County SWCD Commissioners to plan a 319 Kick-off, perhaps May 22 or 23.
At about 6:22 PM the meeting was adjourned.
Next Meeting – Thursday, April 20, 2006; 5:00-6:30 PM, Bowers Conf. Room, Coralville City Hall.
CLEAR CREEK WATERSHED
ENHANCEMENT PROJECT BOARD
At 5:05 PM Chair Mary Somerville called the meeting to order. Persons in attendance introduced themselves. Members present were: Harry Graves, Ellen Hartz, Laura Hawks, Arnold Lindaman, Robert Meade, Sherri Proud, Marty Reihman, Mary S. and Larry Wilson. Other regulars included Dave Ratliff, James Martin, and Dale Shires. Guests were John Yapp, Trails Planner with the Johnson County Council of Governments, and Terry Dahms, Trails Activist. He indicated his organization, FIRST, has been active for years supporting the system from Napoleon Park to the Reservoir and it is looking for a new mission. The extension to Kent Park could be one. The February minutes were accepted as e-mailed and no adjustments were made to the e-mailed agenda.
Brainstorming about a Trail from Coralville to Kent Park – Sherri distributed a map showing that the current trail along Clear Creek extends west to 25th avenue (south of Olive Garden), with plans for completion to the I-380 bridge over the Creek. Marty reported that the Tiffin City Park abuts I-380 and trail-building is funded from there west to Jasper Ave. (between 1.25 and 1.5 miles). A tentative route has been drawn on Highway 6 right-of-way from Tiffin to Kent Park. Harry expressed safety and aesthetic concerns with that route. At Harry’s request John has drawn an option along the south side of Clear Creek. John also reported that the Board of Supervisors will meet on March 30 at 9 AM to consider future trails in the County. Discussion began re: the interest of this Board in the potential trail to Kent Park. A major goal is to help connect people with Clear Creek. A second goal is to enhance the creek. The timing seems favorable due to some recent ownership transfers and the new 319 Grant. Some of the 319 practices with enhanced cost-share would fit well with a trail (dams for wetlands could support a trail; riparian buffer strips would enhance a trail but the trail easement would have to be pulled from the CRP practice). Trails typically are 8’ paved width on a 20’ wide long-term purchased easement and may cost $200,000 per mile. This segment would be a portion of a future trail to the Amanas and beyond. Mary, Ellen, Harry, Robert and Terry will meet to refine a message of our support for a trail to Kent Park. Harry and Robert both will be recovering from surgery but the other three will plan to meet and speak with the Supervisors March 30. So affected landowners are not surprised to hear of our Board’s interest in a trail along the Creek some members will make contacts as appropriate.
319 Grant – Staffing Progress - Applications are due March 31. We hope both hiring and funding to begin the three-year project can happen in April.
Lowe Impact Development – James reported Heidi, a Lowe’s employee with environmental enhancement experience, has talked to the local manager and he has encouraged a proposal. Mary and James will be getting one together.
Help w/Stump Speech – Larry Wilson reported many of the student projects carry over from the fall semester so we may want to restart in August. Larry still hopes to hear from the Journalism Dept.
Senior Design Projects – Dave and Ellen haven’t had further contact with the UI Hydroscience people – it appears no one has come up with funding.
Iowater Update – Dave reported that the Iowa County Board of Supervisors didn’t want to accept responsibility for the monies being made available for the Conroy Septic System. After an appearance by representatives from the funding agencies who indicated the $1.14 M. would be withdrawn if they didn’t assume responsibility (and violation clock would continue), that Board changed its position. He also reported the continuing monitoring of excessive pollution by N. Liberty sewage results in another community where he is on the MOST UNWANTED posters. But Dave is appreciated by many people -- example: Dave and Ellen will be teaching an environmental unit at TATE High School in Iowa City.
Next Meeting Date, Time and Place – To avoid Holy Week, the next meeting will be the following week, April 20, again Thursday from 5 – 6:30 PM, at Coralville City Hall (Sherri confirmed).
At about 6:40 PM the meeting was adjourned.
MINUTES
CLEAR CREEK WATERSHED
ENHANCEMENT PROJECT BOARD
At 5:05 PM Dale Shires called the meeting to order. Chair Mary Somerville had shared she would be unavailable due to her mother’s illness. Persons in attendance introduced themselves. Members present were: Cindy Asmussen, Ellen Hartz, Arnold Lindaman, Robert Meade, Sherri Proud, Ross Stuedemann and Larry Wilson. Others included Dave Ratliff, Ruth Izer, James Martin, and DI Reporter Jason Pullium. Hosts present were: Marian Muste, Thanos Papanicolaous, Mohamed Elhakeem and Larry Weber. The January minutes were accepted as e-mailed. The Hydroscience presentation and discussion were moved to last on the agenda.
319 Grant – Staffing Progress - Both the Johnson and Iowa County SWCD’s have approved the job description and the vacancy announcement should be out soon. The position will require a Bachelor’s degree and is patterned as an Environmental Specialist with a three-year contract that should begin when funding is finalized, likely between March 1 and May 31.
Lowe Impact Development – James reported he, Mary and Dale are preparing a grant application to discuss with the local manager of Lowes. It likely will include request for rainwater management displays, Saturday training sessions on raingardens, and some subsidies for raingardens in public areas.
Being Pro-Active re: Tiffin Development and Trail to Kent Park -- Robert reported that the Larry Ryan property on the south side of Clear Creek west of Tiffin has been sold to the Bravermans, Hawkeye Wholesale, and this could be a very appropriate time for pro-active efforts. The trail would be in the floodplain. It was decided this should be a major topic at our next meeting and we should make every effort to select a date acceptable for Sherri, Karin, Marty and Harry.
Next Meeting Date, Time and Place -- Ellen suggested the former ECHO building would be a good site for that meeting and offered to me arrangements. As most Tuesdays are a problem for Sherri (Council meetings), we will first try Wednesdays or Thursdays, March 8, 9, 22, 23 (the week between is UI Spring Break). Again we will meet from 5 – 6:30 PM.
Second Semester UI Student Help w/Stump Speech – Larry Wilson reported that the Urban Regional Planning students are in the midst of two-semester assignments. He hasn’t heard back from the Journalism Department – Jason may make a contact there. He did indicate Iowa City Public TV offered to help, along with Ryan from Coralvision. He will lead a work group and had offers of help from Ellen, James, Cindy and Robert.
UI Hydroscience/Engineering Senior Design Projects – Dave and Ellen developed a project that would follow EPA protocol assessments (including, among other things, width, slope, canopy, type of grass) for each of twenty transects (each of 17 bridges on Clear Creek and 3 on Deer Creek). Forty-five to 100 man hours were estimated. Costs and sources of funding have not been determined.
UI Hydroscience/Engineering Monitoring -- Larry Weber, head and professors Dr. Marian Muste and Thanos Papanicolaous gave an abbreviated but enlightening presentation concerning facilities and projects. The primary building, now 85 years old, was beautifully renovated 5 years ago. There are now 770 alumni from 55 countries. Work groups include Water and Air Resources; Fluid Mechanics and Environmental Hydraulics, with cooperation among the groups. They utilize the largest computer processor on campus (but small compared to some other Big 10 campuses). Facilities include buildings on the east side of the river and at Fairport on the Mississippi. Marian reviewed the Cyberinfrasture object-oriented efforts providing seamless connectivity, using remote site real-time monitoring combined with multi-level layers. He and Thanos showed photos of the site in Iowa County in the Clear Creek Watershed with its remote rainfall gauge and run-off sensors with over $30,000 invested by the Lab and $250,000 overall. They work closely with ISU and plan TDML models with P, overall nutrients and surface erosion maps. Thanos indicated that RUSLE2 is a model for site-specific use (the third generation soil erosion predictor: Universal Soil Loss Equation from the late ‘70’s, Revised in the early ‘90’s, now 2 with further revisions.). He finds the WEPP simulation models (Watershed Erosion Prediction Project) more accurate for larger areas.
A web site is being prepared to display information regarding this project. Dale may have written it down wrong as he hasn’t hit with: http://dhn.iihr.uiowa.edu/ccwo.
At 6:45 PM the meeting was adjourned.
CLEAR CREEK WATERSHED ENHANCEMENT
PROJECT BOARD First Trust & Savings Bank, Coralville.
At 5:00 PM Chair Mary Somerville called the meeting to order. Persons in attendance introduced themselves. Members present were: Mary, Laura Hawks (RDG Crose Gardner Shukert, Inc.), Ellen Hartz, Arnold Lindaman, Robert Meade and Ross Stuedemann. Others included Dave Ratliff, Ruth Izer, James Martin, Dale Shires, DI Reporter Jason Pullium and special guests from IU Larry Weber, Marian Muste and Thanos Papanicolaous. The December minutes were accepted as e-mailed. No adjustments were made to the agenda as e-mailed.
Water Improvement Review Board Grants – Ruth confirmed that the $500,000 application for Conroy has been approved. Jerry Neppl will gather with the “players” and grantee ICSWCD to assist going forward. Ruth also said IDALS has provided ICSWCD with a GPS-based rapid assessment tool. James reported that the application for the urban portion of the watershed was not submitted and he has been unable to contact Stacie to determine why. The Otter Creek application was submitted through the Linn Co. SWCD and was denied.
319 Grant – Staffing Progress - Mary reported that the job description and vacancy announcement was ready. Although the Johnson SWCD had offered to advance salary to allow the work to begin earlier, they would not be reimbursed from the grant. Therefore the position likely will not begin until funding is received (April?). The position will require a Bachelor’s degree and is patterned as an Environmental Specialist with a three-year contract. Contact the District Office for information.
Other Grant Options to try? James has provided some information relating to Lowe’s the looks hopeful. He even has suggested a great title – Lowe Impact. Mary, James and Dale will explore.
Second Semester UI Student Help w/Stump Speech – L. Wilson just got back from England and missed the meeting notice.
UI Hydroscience/Engineering Monitoring -- Larry Weber, head and professors Dr. Marian Muste and Thanos Papanicolaous reviewed current projects and goals. Within the Clear Creek Watershed they are studying sediment and phosphorous transport and other water quality issues including pathogens, bacteria and streambank stabilization. Relating to non-point source pollution, they are developing models to help predict solutions with large scale, multiple processes applications for both scientific and public use. Their group includes 25 multiple-discipline colleagues who work up and down the Mississippi and with several watersheds. They also work in parallel with the U.of Maryland. Test beds are needed for a base for larger grants for further studies.
Larry also said that this semester there will be 8 teams of 4-5 members involved in senior design projects. Ellen and Dave will work with Larry on a project or two to utilize some of these students. Larry also offered to have our Board meet at the Stanley Hydraulics Laboratory this winter and to visit some |
