A Watershed Management Authority, also known as a WMA, is a mechanism for cities, counties, Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) and stakeholders to cooperatively engage in watershed planning and management. A WMA is formed by a Chapter 28E Agreement, does not have taxing authority and may not acquire property through eminent domain.
Six watershed management authorities have been established within the Greater Des Moines region, including:
Four Mile Creek WMA
Mud, Camp and Spring Creeks WMA
Walnut Creek WMA
North Raccoon River Watershed Management Coalition
Beaver Creek WMA
North and Middle Rivers WMA (28E signed, not yet formally meeting)
Other watersheds in the region do not yet have watershed authorities.
Click here for a map of all watersheds in Central Iowa (PDF)
For information on regional watershed management authorities or the Greater Des Moines Council of Watershed Management Authorities, please contact Allison van Pelt.