Request for Proposal: Enhancing Iowa’s Lakes Through Community Supported Innovative Water Quality Solutions

The Nature Conservancy in Iowa is seeking to contract a vendor to provide services to model the impact of various in-field and edge-of field conservation practices on water quality in support of its Enhancing Iowa’s Lakes Through Community Supported Innovative Water Quality Solutions project. The Iowa Great Lakes Region boasts some of Iowa’s most scenic lakes, providing important habitat for aquatic and terrestrial species, as well as recreational opportunities. However, lake quality is threatened by excess nutrient runoff from a variety of sources, including agriculture.

A new effort led by The Nature Conservancy, with both public and private support, aims to mobilize the formation of a farmer-led peer learning group to promote and support the adoption of agricultural conservation practices that benefit both area wildlife and the farmers’ bottom line, and ensure Iowans and other visitors can continue to enjoy the region’s lakes. The project will specifically target the Big Spirit Lake Watershed in Dickinson County and Five Island Lake in Palo Alto County. The project has a goal of influencing 30,000 acres in the respective project area shown below by June 2027 Request for Proposal for Enhancing Iowa’s Lakes Through Community Supported Innovative Water Quality Solutions.

To implement best management practices to address nutrient run-off, it is imperative to understand the existing conditions and practices within the watershed and model the impacts of various in-field and edge-of field conservation practices on water quality. Watershed models that can model the impact of various practices can guide decision-making when implementing BMPs in the region.

The project is funded by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Conservation Partnership Program, The Mosaic Company and the Wright Foundation for Sustainability and Innovation. Project activities and goals are to be set and achieved over a period of 3 years, currently ending in July 2027.