Welcome to Water Resource, ISG's e-newsletter dedicated to water and natural resource solutions.
As creative problem solvers, ISG is committed to partnering with you. Our team of planners, architects, engineers, and scientists will help address your challenges and provide resources for solutions. Let's shape a future where your water quality goals align with a healthier community, economy, and
environment—together.
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Positive Imprint: ISG Case Studies |
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Spring Creek Stabilization
Carver, MN
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Spring Creek in Carver, Minnesota, has a long history of flooding driven by snowmelt and rainfall. Over time, local development has increased runoff volume and stress within the channel and its sandy streambanks, accelerating streambed migration and severe bank erosion. Landowners along this privately owned, dynamic channel have tried various solutions—retaining walls, riprap, erosion control blankets, and railroad ties—but these fixes have proven ineffective or even counterproductive as conditions have worsened.
The Lower Minnesota Watershed District engaged ISG to design a long-term solution to stabilize the channel, protect property and support private landowners in restoration and maintenance. Building on reports, models, and plans previously developed by the Carver Soil and Water Conservation District, Barr Engineering, and Young Environmental Consulting Group, ISG:
- Updated the HEC-RAS and HydroCAD models to evaluate sheer stress and velocities for design criteria
- Completed a vegetation survey to evaluate the extent of native versus invasive species, a tree survey to recommend tree removal to enhance outcome, and wetland delineation for permitting
- Delivered 60% design, 90% design, and construction documents along with specifications
- Led bidding, construction observation, and construction
management tasks - Developed vegetation maintenance and invasive species management plans for private landowners
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Will oversee spring vegetation planting and establishment
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Leveraging Applied Technology |
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| Asset Tracking With
GIS Maps
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Whether it's hydrants, stormwater ponds, or other assets that require ongoing management, ISG can help. Our customizable GIS applications adapt to your changing needs—eliminating the need to invest in new software. Click the link above to view a hydrant asset map ISG created using GIS for the City of Vadnais Heights, Minnesota.
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In The Know: Funding Opportunities |
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Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR)
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Projects and Practices
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Application period typically runs from late June through mid-August
- 10% match required
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Supports on-the-ground implementation projects focused on restoring or protecting water resources, including surface water, groundwater, and drinking water
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Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) |
Conservation Partners Legacy (CPL) Grant Program - Expedited Conservation Projects (ECP)
- Applications accepted year-round. Next deadline: May 12, 2025
- 10% match required
- Request range from $5,000–$50,000
- Total project costs may not exceed $575,000
- Funds projects focused on habitat enhancement, restoration,
or protection
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Lessard–Sams Outdoor Heritage Council (OHF)
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Outdoor Heritage Funds
- Applications due each May
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No match required, though providing a match strengthens applications
- Minimum request: $500,000
- Requires participation in a public hearing process
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Supports large-scale, habitat-focused efforts
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Let's Connect: Upcoming Events |
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June 24–26, 2025
2025 Minnesota Watersheds
Summer Tour
Roseau, MN
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| July 10, 2025
Iowa Rural Drainage Workshop
Mason City, IA
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| A Big Splash: 2025 Lakes Conference Recap
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The 2025 Lakes Conference brought together over 100 attendees representing 33 lakes across Minnesota, Iowa, and South Dakota. The Friday night social on March 21 welcomed 60 participants, offering valuable networking opportunities and featuring six expert-led discussions including watershed planning, shoreland restoration, stewardship programs, landowner collaboration, targeted watershed implementation, and aquatic invasive species management.
The full-day conference on Saturday included eight sessions covering lake ecology, lake management case studies, shoreline stewardship, and volunteer data collection. Attendees also engaged with an interactive shoreline management board game.
Attendee Evaluation Highlights
- Found value in hearing success stories from other lake associations
- Appreciated the diversity of topics and practical tips—from shoreline restoration to curlyleaf pondweed control
- Praised the networking opportunities at the Friday night social
- Enjoyed the interactive shoreline activity
- Expressed excitement about this year’s expansion to a two-day format
- "It was excellent!"
- "High quality conference—very well done!"
Mark your calendars! The 4th annual Lakes Conference is scheduled for
March 6–7, 2026.
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Join ISG for the 2025 Earth Day River Clean–Up!
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On April 25, ISG will once again roll up our sleeves for the annual Earth Day River Clean-Up along the Big Sioux River—this year in Canton, South Dakota, where ISG was recently appointed City Engineer.
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Spearheaded by Water/Wastewater Practice Group Leader Rachel Kloos, a longtime advocate for cleaner waterways and board member of Friends of the Big Sioux River, the clean-up reflects ISG’s commitment to environmental stewardship. Even in past years’ 40-degree temps and high winds, our team has stayed dedicated to protecting this vital resource.
We’re expecting a record turnout in 2025, with more than a dozen employee-owners planning to use their firm-sponsored volunteer day—Impact Day—to support the cause.
But this event isn’t just about cleaning up the river. It’s about raising awareness and coming together around a shared purpose. As ISG Civil Engineer Kyle Werning puts it:
“The river is a valuable natural resource that needs to be protected and preserved for future generations. This event brings amazing, selfless individuals together to serve a greater purpose, get their hands dirty, and enjoy a beer (made from the river’s water!) at the end of the day.”
That beer is Big Sioux Brew—a river-water recycling project Rachel is actively involved in, helping to creatively spotlight the importance of water quality. This year’s can design, created by ISG Senior Graphic Designer Beth DeJong, is sure to turn heads.
Stay tuned to ISG's socials for photos and highlights. To join cleanup efforts, sign up online.
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