Sustainable rivers rely on sustainable watersheds. The quality of water and the quality of soil within a watershed are intimately connected. Similar to the paradigm shift in managing dams for environmental purposes, our concept of what soils are and how they function could also have a dramatic effect on meeting the needs of humans and nature. The Corps is exploring this connection because erosion results in sedimentation within reservoirs that reduces flood control capacity and water supply volumes. Land management decisions can affect water quality in the lakes and streams that support aquatic life and community drinking water supplies. The Corps is a water resource agency and the Natural Resources Conservation Service is focused on soils and other natural resource concerns. Both agencies have worked together to develop this public resource tool. 

We encourage you to explore and learn as you navigate through the information and interactive maps. The series of apps introduces examples of resource concerns in the Des Moines River and then builds on concepts that address those concerns. We thank you for taking the time to explore and learn as you navigate through the information and interactive maps.