Turkey River Watershed

The Turkey River Watershed unites local, state, federal, and community partners across more than one million acres in northeast Iowa to reduce flood risk and improve water quality. Working through two complementary bodies—the Turkey River Watershed Alliance (technical and resource partners) and the Watershed Management Authority (city, county, and SWCD leaders)—the watershed coordinates rigorous research, collects monthly water-quality samples at 50 locations, and helps secure funding for targeted sub-watershed projects. Modeled on the successful Upper Iowa River approach, this data-driven collaboration supports 40+ communities and over 30,000 residents, keeping families safer, farmland productive, and rivers healthier.