ISG is leading the way in sustainable water management across the Midwest. Our experience in developing One Watershed, One Plan (1W1P) strategies and Multi-Purpose Drainage Management (MDM) Plans provides comprehensive solutions, including advanced flood control, water resource management, and environmental sustainability.
Beyond the planning process, we are experienced in implementing these plans, ensuring that watersheds achieve long-term success in reaching their goals. These targeted plans help secure the funding needed for drainage management initiatives and best management practices, balancing the needs of landowners and watershed managers.
Our team of water resource experts have developed eight 1W1P plans tailored to the unique needs of each watershed. Each plan serves as a blueprint for a healthier ecosystem and a thriving agricultural industry.
The 1W1P approach marks a significant departure from traditional water management planning. In collaboration with state funding, policies, and support from local governments, we work hand-in-hand with watershed stakeholders to develop a comprehensive watershed management plan that covers an array of priority areas, including soil health, water storage, and drainage. Each established goal must have at least one measurable outcome to track success and evaluate progress towards goals.
ISG prioritizes forward-thinking strategies and considers the needs of the watershed, balancing them with what is achievable when evaluating potential funding and staffing resource levels. We ensure our plans meet the 1W1P requirements and reflect the watershed’s values and goals.
Multi-Purpose Drainage Management (MDM) Plans are often an implementation strategy identified in the 1W1P. Our process for creating MDM Plans begins with a thorough review of priority areas outlined in the 1W1P, followed by implementation of prioritized best management practices (BMPs) on a local landscape through strategically siting practices. By incorporating BMPs into our plans, we help reduce sediment and nutrient loading, improve water quality, and provide benefits for landowners as part of the drainage system.
The watershed goals detailed in the 1W1P serve as our guiding framework, ensuring we align MDM plans with measurable goals. The design and implementation of MDM plans optimizes flood damage reduction, erosion control, and natural resource preservation, resulting in sustainable water management practices that benefit the environment, local communities, and landowners.
Chetomba Creek, Renville County, MN
The Chetomba Creek MDM plan is underway, funded by Watershed Based Implementation Funding (WBIF) from the Hawk Creek–Middle Minnesota River Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan. Identified as a priority area, the watershed plan for the Chetomba Creek watershed addresses environmental concerns such as impaired lakes, altered hydrology, and soil erosion. These priorities guided the focus areas of the MDM plan and a HSPF-SAM model was used to project water quality improvements and prioritize cost-effective sediment reduction practices. The plan positions the watershed partnership to apply for grant applications in 2025 and implementation in 2026.
ISG has been a longstanding partner of Watonwan County within the Greater Blue Earth River Basin Alliance (GBERBA) and is currently developing MDM plans for the Watonwan County portion of the Watonwan watershed. One MDM plan has been completed for Watonwan County Ditch 1 and another is in development for Brown–Watonwan County Judicial Ditch 13. Both drainage systems have been identified for potential future repairs. The MDM plans are designed to implement BMPs that address water quality, water storage, and natural resource conservation, while improving drainage systems. Funding for both plans is provided by the Watershed Based Implementation Funds from the Watonwan River Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan.
ISG’s water resources and environmental teams include in-house grant and funding specialists who leverage grant opportunities through strategic MDM plans. For this funding alignment to be effective, the MDM plan needs to establish clear goals, quantify water quality and hydraulic benefits, and outline project costs. ISG has a proven track record of assisting clients with funding, having secured over $33 million in grants and leveraged over $20 million in public and private dollars for water quality and BMP projects across the Midwest.
Recently, I had the opportunity to join inspiring women leaders from across architecture, engineering, and construction at the AIA WLS. I left feeling energized by the conversations about the history of women in AEC, where we are now, and where we are headed as an industry.
The trend of multi-purpose athletic fields is rapidly growing in K-12 and community sports. This surge is driven by the escalating costs of construction and the increasing need for flexible fields that accommodate multiple sports and extend outdoor seasons.
Is your internet company seeking to expand its high-speed services through Fiber to the Home (FTTH) funding? With 21.3 million Americans—6.5 percent of the population—lacking access to broadband, expanding your services is more crucial than ever in closing the digital divide. While securing funding can be a game-changer, the process is considered by many to be daunting and complex.
In the fast-paced world of telecommunications infrastructure, ISG has implemented an advantageous approach: pre-survey construction analysis. This method results in data-backed solutions that streamline projects while promoting safety and reliability for communities.
As water-based recreation gains popularity, the demand for well-designed river access points rises. Whether for kayaking, boating, or canoeing, properly designed access points provide safe, convenient, and accessible water trail experiences. ISG’s Sports + Recreation team excels at creating solutions that blend functionality, sustainability, and beauty within the natural environment.