2021 | Boone River Watershed

FY21 | Restoring Habitat, Scaling Impact

Location: Boone River Watershed, Iowa (Humboldt, Wright Counties)
Partners: The Nature Conservancy, NRCS (RCPP), Iowa DNR, Iowa Soybean Association, USFWS
Project Lead: Karen Wilke, The Nature Conservancy 

Oxbow Restoration Project

This project aimed to restore five oxbows in partnership with the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP)—and exceeded expectations by restoring seven oxbows: 

1. Humboldt County Conservation Oxbow – Fully funded by this award, this site created 0.96 acres of wetland and 1 acre of prairie habitat, treating runoff from 20 acres. 
2. Legler Oxbow Complex – Three oxbows restored on private land, creating 2.81 acres of wetland and 3 acres of prairie habitat, treating 20+ acres of drainage. 
3. Stevenson Oxbows – Two oxbows restored along Otter Creek, creating 0.58 acres of wetland and 2 acres of prairie habitat, treating 12 acres of runoff. 
4. Macha Oxbow – Restored in July 2023, this site added 0.42 acres of wetland and 1 acre of prairie habitat, treating 18 acres of drainage. 

Each site is located near known Topeka shiner populations and was designed to improve habitat connectivity, water quality, and flood resilience. 

Project Outcomes

The FY21 project delivered measurable ecological and strategic benefits: 

• Restored 7 oxbows, surpassing the original goal of 5. 
• Created over 4.77 acres of wetland habitat and 7 acres of prairie pollinator habitat. 
• Treated runoff from 70+ acres of agricultural land. 
• Confirmed habitat improvements in areas with known Topeka shiner populations. 
• Contributed technical assistance to RCPP-funded restorations, helping scale impact across the watershed. 
• Expanded the total to 39 restored oxbows in the Boone River Watershed. 

These outcomes support the Mississippi River Basin Initiative, Iowa’s Nutrient Reduction Strategy, and recovery efforts for Species of Greatest Conservation Need. 

Outreach & Engagement

• Maintained the Boone River Watershed website and social media presence. 
• Presented at a partner field day, promoting oxbow restoration and conservation practices. 
• Collaborated with NRCS, ISA, and local conservation districts to align funding and outreach. 
• Engaged landowners through personalized outreach, site visits, and technical support. 

Monitoring & Research 

• Iowa Geological Survey and Iowa Soybean Association continued monitoring nitrate reduction and water quality benefits. 
• USGS, IIHR, and Iowa DNR provided long-term water quality data. 
• Monitoring results will inform future restoration design and prioritization. 

“This project shows how strategic partnerships and technical support can scale conservation impact across a watershed.”
— Karen Wilke, The Nature Conservancy