Iowa Administrative Code Agency 27 - Soil Conservation and Water Quality Division
📌 Iowa Administrative Code – Agency 27: Soil Conservation and Water Quality Division
Agency 27 governs the Soil Conservation and Water Quality Division within Iowa’s Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS).
The Division’s mission is to protect soil and water resources across Iowa by promoting soil conservation practices, nutrient management, and water quality protection programs.
🔑 Major Areas Covered in IAC 27
1. Division Organization & Authority
Defines the structure, roles, and responsibilities of the Soil Conservation and Water Quality Division.
Establishes authority to develop rules, provide technical assistance, and administer state and federal programs.
2. Soil Conservation Programs
Rules for soil erosion control practices, including:
Contour farming
Terracing
Cover crops
Guidelines for cost-share programs to help farmers implement conservation measures.
Standards for measuring effectiveness of soil conservation practices.
3. Water Quality Protection
Establishes rules for reducing nutrient runoff, sedimentation, and contamination of water bodies.
Guidelines for buffer strips, wetlands, and conservation drainage practices.
Programs to encourage sustainable use of fertilizers and chemicals.
4. Local Conservation Districts
Rules governing Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) at the county level.
Roles and responsibilities of district boards and staff.
Coordination between local districts and the state division.
5. Cost-Share and Incentive Programs
Procedures for applying for financial assistance to implement conservation practices.
Eligibility criteria, project approval process, and repayment requirements (if applicable).
Monitoring and reporting requirements to verify program compliance.
6. Technical Assistance and Education
Providing guidance to landowners and farmers on best practices.
Outreach programs to promote soil health, water quality, and sustainable agriculture.
7. Monitoring, Reporting & Compliance
Procedures for tracking project outcomes and water quality improvements.
Reporting requirements for both local districts and program participants.
Enforcement measures if conservation or water quality standards are not met.
8. Public Accountability
Ensures transparency in program funding, rulemaking, and technical assistance.
Public access to reports, plans, and data regarding soil and water conservation efforts.
🎯 Purpose of IAC 27
The main goals of these rules are to:
Prevent soil erosion and degradation in Iowa.
Protect water quality in streams, rivers, lakes, and groundwater.
Provide technical and financial support to landowners for sustainable practices.
Coordinate statewide conservation efforts through local districts and state programs.
✅ In short:
Iowa Administrative Code, Agency 27 sets rules for the Soil Conservation and Water Quality Division, covering organization, soil conservation practices, water quality protection, local conservation districts, cost-share programs, technical assistance, monitoring, and public accountability. Its mission is to ensure sustainable land and water management in Iowa.
RELATED Blog
0 comments