From the lake’s shoreline to the broader watershed, smart planning plays a vital role in protecting our water resources. Read on to learn about real-world experience and ideas guiding that work.
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Positive Imprint: ISG Case Studies |
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IDALS Sioux County
Aquifer-Recharging
Wetland Complex
Sioux County, Iowa
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The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) and ISG developed an aquifer-recharging wetland complex in northwest Iowa to support Rural Water System #1. In the shallow-aquifer region, the system:
- Improves drinking water quality
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Reduces treatment needs
- Increases climate resilience
Located within a regulated floodplain, the project also enhances ecological and floodplain functions while serving as a scalable model for rural water systems.
Want to learn more about this rare Iowa example of a nature-based water solution? Explore the full project by clicking the green button above.
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Lake Washington Water Quality Management Plan
Kasota, MN
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ISG partnered with the Lake Washington Improvement Association (LWIA) and local organizations to develop the Lake Washington Water Quality Management Plan, a science-based road map to protect and improve the lake’s water quality. By identifying pollution sources and guiding practical solutions, the plan helps safeguard aquatic habitat, recreation, and the lake’s long-term health.
Thoughtful lake management planning is critical to:
- Preserve clean, high-quality water
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Build resilient lake ecosystems
- Protect recreation, wildlife, and community resources
Interested in making waves in your lake management planning process? Register today for ISG's Lake Management Planning Workshop on March 6, 2026, to
learn more.
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Leveraging Applied Technology |
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Using ArcGIS StoryMaps
for Watershed
Management Planning
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Using ArcGIS, ISG created the North Middle Watershed Management Plan StoryMap, which is a central planning tool that helps the North and Middle Rivers Watershed Management Authority clearly understand watershed conditions, priorities, and recommended actions in one accessible platform. By integrating data, maps, and public input, it supports informed decision making, aligns project partners, and provides transparency throughout the planning and implementation process for any watershed management authority.
Key Highlights
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Supports Effective Planning: Brings together watershed conditions, prioritization results, and proposed strategies to guide data-driven
planning decisions. - Single Source of Truth: Keeps clients, stakeholders, and project partners on the same page with consistent, up-to-date information and progress tracking.
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Engagement + Input Integration: Communicates survey results and stakeholder feedback, demonstrating how community input informs watershed priorities and actions.
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In The Know: Funding Opportunities |
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ISG's funding specialists excel in securing grants, having obtained over $45 million in public and private funding across our geographies. Our connections with local, state, and federal agencies ensure swift, tailored grant applications that meet criteria and boost acceptance rates. Continuously updated on federal and state funding, our team navigates evolving programs, guiding clients toward optimal opportunities. With a focus on legislative awareness, we maximize funding, leveraging every available dollar for impactful projects.
Check here for upcoming funding opportunities, success stories, and resources on navigating the complexities of grant applications for your drainage and water
quality initiatives. If you have a grant opportunity that you would like support in pursuing, reach out!
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Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR)
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Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota
Resources (LCCMR)
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Minnesota’s Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF)
- A proposal response is due by March 18, 2026
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Approximately $121 million is anticipated to be available for projects beginning July 1, 2027
- The funding will go to projects that aim to protect, conserve, preserve, and enhance Minnesota’s air, water, land, fish, wildlife, and other natural resources
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Let's Connect: Upcoming Conferences |
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| February 24–26
2026 Wetland Science Conference
Baraboo, WI
February 25–26
2026 Leadership for
Midwestern Watersheds
Baraboo, WI
Presenting: Chuck Brandel, PE and Erin Dwenger
March 3–4
2026 Annual Fox-Wolf
Watershed Conference
Green Bay, WI
Presenting: Emma Dorn and
Logan Mahoney
March 6
Lake Management
Planning Workshop
Mankato, MN
Presenting: Julie Blackburn, CFM and Sarah Boser
March 7
The Future of Southern Minnesota Lakes Conference
Mankato, MN
Presenting: Julie Blackburn, CFM, Paul Marston, CFM, and
Sarah Boser
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The Future of the Southern Minnesota Lakes Conference Returns To Offer Expert
Lake Insights
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Back by popular demand, ISG’s The Future of the Southern Minnesota Lakes Conference returns on March 6 with its Friday night social and table topic conversations, providing an informal opportunity to connect with fellow lake leaders and practitioners.
The Saturday conference on March 7 remains the centerpiece of the event, featuring highly requested sessions on topics such as wake boat research, agricultural and lakeshore resident partnerships, and how modeling and data influence communication and decision making.
New this year, ISG is offering a Lake Management Planning Workshop on March 6 that will give participants the opportunity to develop their own lake management plans with guidance from subject-matter experts, leaving with plan outlines and clear next steps for implementation.
Interested in attending? Register here.
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| Make an Impact with ISG’s Water Business Unit
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ISG employees are empowered to grow their careers, make a real impact, and take ownership of their work. As an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) firm, every team member is an owner, sharing in the firm’s success and helping shape its future while benefiting from a culture built on accountability, engagement, and trust.
ISG invests in employee success through:
- Internship Programs
- Mentorship + Coaching
- Annual Workshops
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Firm-Sponsored Training + Licensure
- Leadership Acceleration Program (LeAP)
- ISG University
Explore exciting opportunities with ISG’s Water Business Unit and see how you can make a difference—check out our careers today!
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Architecture + Engineering + Environmental + Planning
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