2024 - Hudson Wetland Restoration Project

NEED NEW PHOTO & CAPTION

NEED NEW PHOTO & CAPTION

 

Project Partners

  • CITY OF HUDSON

  • JHJS Holdings, LLC

  • Hudson Hardware Plumbing and Heating

  • Black Hawk County Conservation

  • AECOM

  • Black Hawk Soil and Water Conservation District

  • Black Hawk Creek Implementation Project

Grant award: $190,900 - WQI  

Total project: $381,800          

Applicant/Partner Contributions: $190,900 

Summary
The City of Hudson will restore an oxbow wetland and create two stormwater wetlands within the Black Hawk Creek Watershed, adjacent to a new urban development. These practices will improve water quality, reduce localized flooding, and create beneficial stream and wildlife habitats for many creatures.  This area is in a highly visible area and has been a known eyesore and headache for the Hudson community for years. This project will serve as a demonstration site to educate and encourage further adoption of stormwater management by outdoor recreators, paddlers, landowners, developers, and municipalities.

Description
The City of Hudson is a progressive, growing community with several developments underway. According to the 2020 census, the population of Hudson is 2546.

This project lies in the floodplain adjacent to Black Hawk Creek which is a popular route for paddling enthusiasts.  It is located within the Wilson Creek section of the Black Hawk Creek Watershed. Both Wilson Creek and Black Hawk Creek are recognized state priorities and face water quality impairments.  Nutrient and bacteria improvements are a key focus as well as improving the number and diversity of benthic macroinvertebrates. Reducing flooding in Hudson is another goal. This project will complement existing watershed efforts in Black Hawk Creek and Middle Cedar River.

This project has previously been issued many Iowa Department of Natural Resources violations.   The violations date back to as early as 1967 and consist of zoning code violations, nuisance violations, and dumping debris in the floodplain.  The oxbow was filled in years ago by a previous landowner.  Partnerships with new and existing private landowners are instrumental in setting aside the land for oxbow and wetland construction and and making the property something the community can be proud of.  The drainage area for the two wetlands and oxbow is 25 acres.

Project Status
Under design (Feb. 2026)

Practices
1350 linear feet of oxbow, 2 stormwater wetlands, 2 pre-treatment sediment forebays, and native landscaping.