Detention basin creates new possibilities
To the Editor:
Progress came to NW Waukon this summer in the form of a construction project to manage water flow and prevent flood damage. This change has required some adjustment from nearby residents. While the need to manage water run-off was clear, it still took some time for this change to begin to show a positive side for me. During the first heavy rain storm the middle of July, I was able to see just how well the system worked and was impressed with the results.
As a resident of Waukon and a Master Gardener since 2008, I watched the process taking some digital photos. I decided to share what I know, realizing that others might be interested.
While valuable cropland was sacrificed there may be an opportunity to turn lemons into lemonade. Here are some thoughts…
A plan can be established to create a Prairie with walking trails and perhaps a dog park for this land. Periodic flooding will not be a problem for this type of use. In addition, it is low maintenance compared to the alternative of planting grass, which requires constant mowing and weed control. Bottom line, a well considered plan is always better than a quick and easy choice that results in ongoing maintenance costs from the city budget. Weekly mowing the four- to six-acre plot also causes grass clippings that will constantly go directly into the storm sewer system. There may also be a need for weed control, which is an additional and ongoing cost that is not healthy for man nor beast.
According to experts in prairie reclamation, any area that is returned to native prairie plantings is a good choice for all agriculture. This choice supports pollinators throughout the area; and pollinators are essential for crops. Native prairie plants also have very deep roots, some more than six feet deep. These root systems reduce water run-off from heavy rains very quickly. Another plus is that Prairies tend to re-establish a natural balance for surrounding lands. Prairies are important for birds, bees and a host of other beneficial life forms, which are proven to keep pests under control. Even a small area of prairie can restore balance, which is a better choice than the constant use of poisons to control pests in a mono culture environment of corn, soybeans or wheat.
It is a fact that establishing a prairie takes planning and effort over a period of at least three years, and requires occasional maintenance burns; but it has been done before. In fact there are many private lands in Wisconsin that are being restored or reclaimed as Prairies. There are Facebook pages that are dedicated to many of these groups. One page is known as “Prairie Enthusiasts” and is easy to find online to learn of their progress and join their walking tours. Their Facebook page is designed to educate and to increase tourism opportunities all over the Driftless Region in Wisconsin.
I can envision a Prairie Project in Waukon as something that can bring people in the community together to achieve a common vision/goal. If you are interested, let your alderman or the Mayor know if a Facebook page is something that would be useful to stay informed and perhaps find a way to contribute your time, energy or expertise.
A simple trail around the outside edge of this water retention project would make for about a quarter-mile hike. This alone will contribute value to the community as a whole. Additional trails can be created over time if advisable. It is also my experience that the sunset, visible from this area of town, is glorious. Again, I am willing to create a Facebook page to share news on this project and post pictures I have taken between June and August that show various stages of progress. Please let city officials know if there is an interest or community support of any kind, so that a way forward is clear.
Sincerely,
Janel Clarke
Waukon
