New Water Quality Wetland Enhances Conservation on Winneshiek County Farm 11-5-2026
A newly completed water quality wetland in western Winneshiek County is improving water quality, enhancing wildlife habitat, and creating recreational opportunities for a local farm family
Landowner Kevin Knutson is a longtime steward of the land, water and wildlife resources on his family farm just east of Ridgeway. Between Kevin and his wife Kathy and their parents, Marlyn and Karen, they own 400 acres, where they raise corn and soybeans. Maryln is the 5th generation and Kevin is the 6th generation of Knutsons to proudly farm in Iowa, whose family roots date back to 1854.
For many years, the family has maintained 115 acres in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) at this farm, planting a variety of grasses to provide wildlife with year-round food, nesting areas and cover. They also conduct prescribed burns every three years to maintain healthy diverse vegetation.
A few years ago, Knutson was interested in further enhancing the conservation and recreational value of a parcel of land previously enrolled in CRP. He partnered with the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the Winneshiek County SWCD to bring his vision to life – adding a wetland and native vegetation to improve water quality, enhance wildlife habitat, and create additional recreational opportunities for his family.
Construction began in June of 2025 and wrapped up in the summer of 2026. The project features an 8.6-acre water quality wetland surrounded by a 14-acre buffer of diverse, native grasses and forbs. The project totals 23.51 acres which are protected by a permanent conservation easement held by the Winneshiek Soil and Water Conservation District.
The water quality wetland captures and treats runoff from the surrounding 500-acre watershed, helping improve water quality on the farm and downstream. The newly constructed wetland quickly filled with water from its large contributing watershed. The formation of algae mats indicates the presence of nutrients in the water, demonstrating the water quality wetland is doing its job of capturing and treating runoff. The wetland and surrounding vegetation also provide valuable wildlife habitat and create new opportunities for the Knutsons to enjoy outdoor activities, including fishing and hunting.
By transforming less-productive ground into a water quality wetland, the family is creating lasting environmental and recreational benefits while making better use of the land.
According to Knutson, the project is already delivering benefits for the environment and the farm. “The project is mutually beneficial. It’s great for clean water, it’s great for wildlife, and it’s great for us as the marshy bottom ground was not very productive,” he said. “Now the site is providing food and cover for wildlife, and we have already seen a significant reduction in nitrates, which is important to our family and everyone downstream.” The family has spotted pheasants, ducks and geese on the site and looks forward to seeing more deer in the area. For the Knutsons, the project connects their family’s farming heritage with their commitment to conservation for future generations.
“We are so blessed to have my 92-year-old father and also our son, who is part of the 7th generation of Knutsons to farm in Iowa, involved in the farm. And, we are happy to be restoring some of our land to the way Mother Nature had intended. I am confident that our 8th generation grandchildren and Knutsons to follow will also enjoy this wetland and all that it has to offer.”
Local Partner Support
Like many IDALS conservation projects, successful completion involved strong partnerships with multiple organizations, including the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Iowa Drainage District Association, Central Turkey River Watershed Project, Iowa State University, Bolton & Menk, and Mehmert Tiling Inc.
Knutson wetland
Knutson wetland