Navigating Drainage and Water Quality
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Welcome to Rural Waters, ISG's e-newsletter dedicated to supporting rural drainage, lakes, streams, rivers, agriculture, and the environment.
With a balanced approach, ISG designs surface water systems with current technology to mitigate flood damage, minimize maintenance costs, and enhance yields, efficiencies, and water quality—delivering multi-benefit solutions.
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Edge-of-Field Batch and Build Conservation in Iowa
West Des Moines, IA
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ISG partnered with Heartland Co-op and landowners across Iowa's Tama and Grundy Counties to deliver a batch-and-build program that installed edge-of-field conservation practices, including saturated buffers and denitrifying bioreactors, delivering multiple conservation projects efficiently at scale. Read more about the impactful project here.
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Issues Facing Rural Drainage |
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When Crop Prices Are Low, Every Acre Has to Work Harder
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With today’s tighter margins, it’s more important than ever to get the most out of every field. Low crop prices are pushing many growers to take a closer look at drainage because better water management can mean stronger yields, more consistent stands, and fewer preventable losses.
Why drainage matters more right now:
- Helps protect yield potential in wet or unpredictable seasons
- Reduces input waste from replanting, compaction, and delayed field work
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Improves field consistency so every acre pulls its weight
- Supports long-term profitability when margins are tight
Investing in the right drainage solutions now can help keep your operation competitive even when markets are challenging. Set yourself up for success with ISG's help.
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Let's Connect: Upcoming Conferences |
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| March 18–19, 2026
2026 Minnesota Association of Drainage Inspectors Spring Conference
Willmar, MN
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Funding + Grant 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!
Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR)
Multipurpose Drainage Management Grant Program
- The current application period closes February 26, 2026
- The next application period opens March 2, 2026
- The next application period closes May 29, 2026
Projects and Practices
- Applications due on March 25, 2026
- Invests in on-the-ground projects and practices that will protect or restore water quality in lakes, rivers or streams, or will protect groundwater or drinking water
Drinking Water Projects and Practices
- Applications due on March 25, 2026
- Emphasizes land treatment projects and practices that will protect or improve drinking water sources.
Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR)
Minnesota’s Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF)
- A proposal response is due by March 18, 2026
- Approximately $121 million is anticipated to be available for projects beginning July 1, 2027
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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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Association of
Minnesota Counties (AMC)
Drainage Conference
Alexandria, MN
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Chuck Brandel, PE took part in the AMC Drainage Conference focused on maintaining drainage systems, as well as the challenges and opportunities in drainage law, policy, and administration. "It was a privilege to help guide the program, facilitate discussions, and collaborate with a strong group of experts and practitioners who perform critical work for counties and communities across Minnesota," Chuck said.
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| Iowa County Conservation System (ICCS) Winterfest
Coralville, IA
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ISG's Emily Perrott and Luke Carpenter were among the 500+ attendees at ICCS Winterfest, where they had the opportunity to learn about County Conservation Boards managing extensive parks, trails, campgrounds, wildlife areas, and water resources across the state. The boards create ongoing needs for master planning, facility design and construction, habitat and wildlife management, and land and water stewardship. "Their close ties to local communities and frequent collaboration through professional organizations make them key partners in delivering high-quality outdoor recreation and conservation services in Iowa," Emily said.
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Minnesota Erosion Control Association (MECA) Conference & Trade Show
Mankato, MN
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At the regional, multi-day conference, Julie Blackburn, CFM, Kelly Herfendal, William Stencel, Dalton Grose, Drew Kollos, and Jared VanRyswyk focused on advancing the science and practice of erosion control and stormwater management through educational presentations and industry engagement. They attended technical sessions on real-world erosion and stormwater challenges, while also observing tools, technology, and products that can bolster ISG practices. They also took first place in the conference's bean bag tournament!
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Building Connections in Conservation: A Professional Development Event with SWCS
Des Moines, IA
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ISG hosted the first in a series of professional development and networking events in partnership with the Soil and Water Conservation Society, welcoming participants from all career stages. The event kicked off with performance coach Kinzee Miest, who shared strategies for confident communication and helped set the tone for meaningful connections and discussion around current topics in water conservation. Be on the lookout for the next event in the spring!
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| Make an Impact with ISG’s Rural Surface Water Team
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Interested in careers in rural surface water? ISG water engineers and scientists are entrusted early, supported by collaborative teams, and encouraged to grow specialized expertise. Learn more about how we make a real impact on communities, water quality, and resilient landscapes firsthand.
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| New Columbus Office Expands ISG's Water Footprint
Columbus, OH
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Rural Surface Water Civil Engineer Spencer Pech, PE, has opened the new ISG office in Columbus, Ohio. With more than 50 projects already completed across the state, this strategic move strengthens ISG’s ability to serve existing clients while creating opportunities to reach new clients. This location positions ISG to accelerate across key market sectors, including water infrastructure, while leveraging its multidisciplinary expertise in 12 practice groups.
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Architecture + Engineering + Environmental + Planning
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