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Other Water Resources Efforts

Iowa Confluence Water Trails

With over 150 miles of water trails and over 86 access sites, Iowa Confluence (ICON) Water Trails looks to reconnect Iowans with our river roots. Activating our river corridors represents the greatest untapped potential of our community. From offering first-class quality of life for Iowans, to attracting visitors and revitalizing our riverfronts, ICON Water Trails will offer something for everyone.

https://www.iconwatertrails.com/

Easter Lake Watershed Project

Easter Lake is a popular 168-acre recreational lake on the South Side of Des Moines in Polk County. Over the past several decades, the lake has suffered from poor water clarity, algal blooms, high sedimentation rates, low oxygen concentrations, and a poor fishery. The Easter Lake Watershed Project is dedicated to addressing these water quality issues, improving recreational opportunities, and reconnecting local residents with the natural amenities of the area.

https://easterlake.org/

Central Iowa Priority Action Climate Plan

Central Iowa Priority Climate Action Plan

Recently, Polk County accepted a US EPA Climate Pollution Reduction Phase I Planning Grant. By doing so, they committed to leading a multi-county planning process to discuss, examine, and orient climate action in Central Iowa. Housed at Polk County Public Works (PCPW), the County’s new Sustainability Team will ask, “What’s Next, Central Iowa?” Answering this crucial question will help our region improve the interpretation of greenhouse gas emissions and climate impacts and comprehensively strategize actions and investments to reduce these emissions at both local and regional scales.

Like our watersheds, climate does not stop at jurisdictional boundaries. Therefore, partnership and collaboration are crucial for the success of this effort. Modeled after the Polk County Water Resources Team’s structure, the climate planning team will listen to and work with partners from all sectors and backgrounds across Central Iowa – including WMAs.