Office of Environmental Services Surface Water Program
Water Quality Assessments | Importance of Wetlands | Educational Wetlands | Links | Contact
Water Quality Assessments
Water quality assessments have been completed on wetlands since 2001 and creeks since 2005. To determine the condition of the surface waters, creeks and wetlands are sampled for specific water parameters as indicated in the Iowa Tribe’s draft water quality standards. Some examples of parameters are as follows: temperature, dissolved oxygen, pesticides, macroinvertebrates, nitrates, ortho-phosphates.
Currently, the Office of Environmental Services samples 4 creeks: Dugout, Headquarters, Bear, and Sand Creeks. There are 2 sampling locations on each creek in order to determine water quality as the water enters Tribal property and as it exits Tribal property. This will allow us to determine if Tribal property is polluting the creeks. OES also samples approximately 9 ponds and wetlands located on Tribal property or surrounding properties. A Tribal Assessment Report detailing the condition of Tribal surface waters is written annually. To view the current Tribal Assessment Report click here
Some of the water parameters of concern are coliform and nutrients. Coliform is bacteria used to suggest the presence of harmful bacteria. Coliform and nutrients are common pollutants observed in agricultural areas. For this reason, the Office of Environmental Services has written a nonpoint source assessment report. The report identifies nonpoint sources of pollution and is used to develop a nonpoint source management plan. This will allow the Tribe to manager their property in order to prevent additional nonpoint source pollution.
Creeks/streams located in the Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma’s jurisdictional boundary.
Importance of Wetlands
Wetlands are an important component of Iowa natural resources because of the many functions they provides. The Iowa Tribal people have historically used wetland plants for construction, food, craft, medicinal and ceremonial purposes. Some other functions include:
- Wildlife habitat
- Groundwater recharge
- Flood and erosion control
- Water quality improvement
Another reason wetlands are important to the Tribe is because of the number of wetlands remaining in the area. Presently, the Tribe is aware of 7 natural wetlands on Tribal property. Some of these wetlands are at risk because of surrounding agricultural activities and the urban growth in the area. In the state of Oklahoma, approximately 66% of all wetlands have been lost since colonization.
Values during flooding and a dry period.
(from Wetlands 3rd Edition, Mitsch and Gosselink)
Educational Wetlands
Iowa Nature Center
Iowa Nature Center: The center is a demonstration site that illustrates the values and functions of wetlands. The plants found at the Nature Center are representatives of wetland vegetation. This includes water lilies, blue flag irises, and parrotfeather. Some of these plants have also been used by the Iowa people (examples: white sage, blue flag iris, and wintergreen mint). The center provides a haven for many different kinds of wildlife. The koi are thriving in this environment and are actively reproducing. Many bird species have been seen at the center: bell’s vireo, great egret, great blue heron, white-crowned sparrows. Bullfrogs, leopard frogs, insects, brown water snakes, and red-eared slider turtles also share this habitat. This area can be visited by any one during normal working hours.
Iowa Conservation Center
Iowa Conservation Center: The Conservation Center is located approximately 1 mile north of Tribal Headquarters. This is a demonstration area that illustrates the values and functions of both wetlands and prairies. The prairie with many natural wildflowers is burned on a rotational basis and mowed for hay annually. The restored wetland water level is regulated so that water is present year round and to prevent flooding. Many wildlife species also use this area: birds, snakes, bullfrogs, leopard frogs, cricket frogs, insects, sunfish, and red-eared slider turtles. There is a walking path that takes you along the edge of the wetland to a platform out into the wetland. The path then heads through the trees to see the natural spring and another smaller pond. This area is open for public viewing during daylight hours.
Links
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Surf Your Watershed (water quality in your area)
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds
- Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality Integrated Water Quality Assessment
- Oklahoma Conservation Commission Wetlands Program
- Society of Wetlands Scientists
Contact
Whitney Warrior, Water Quality Manager
wwarrior@iowanation.org
405-547-5433 ext. 351
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