Central Iowa Clean Water Partnership
Working as a team to secure private funding for wetlands construction and restoration.
The Central Iowa Clean Water Partnership is a unique group of five organizations working together to secure private funding for large wetlands projects that all central Iowans can enjoy.
Project Leadership
Ducks Unlimited, Prairie Meadows Casino & Hotel
Funding
$140,000 (Phase I), $470,000 (Phase II), $290,000
Summary
The Central Iowa Clean Water Partnership, led by Ducks Unlimited, seeks to strategically place water quality wetlands that remove up to 90% of nitrates from farmland drainage – a key component of the Iowa’s Nutrient Reduction Strategy. Prairie Meadows Casino has generously donated $900,000 for the efforts through their Legacy Grant program.
Phase III of the project, awarded in 2025, is underway.
Phase II of the partnership, awarded in 2024, supports four Central Iowa wetland projects – each of which enhances water quality, provides wildlife habitat, reduces flood risk, and offers conservation education opportunities.
Phase I, awarded in 2022, supported 52 saturated buffer installations in Polk County and a six-acre wetland restoration at DMACC’s Dallas County Campus.
