SPENCER, IA — Clay County is moving forward with the next phase of the Des Moines Lobe Wetlands Initiative, a regional effort to enhance water quality and agricultural drainage. During the March 3 Board of Supervisors meeting, engineers from Bolton & Menk reported that three primary sites are ready.

The projects are part of a larger 11-county initiative focused on strategically placing wetlands to intercept tile drainage water, which can remove up to 90% of nitrates before they reach downstream waterways.

 Supervisors expressed hope that early success will encourage more local landowners to participate.

 The initiative is fully funded by the state through IDALS, ensuring no direct construction or engineering costs to the county or landowners.