CHAPTER 22
SOIL AND WATER RESOURCE CONSERVATION PLANS
27—22.1 to 22.9 Reserved.
27—22.10(161A) Authority and scope. This chapter establishes procedures and standards to be followed by the division of soil conservation, Iowa department of agriculture and land stewardship, in accordance with the policies of the state soil conservation committee in implementing the development of soil and water resource conservation plans in all soil and water conservation districts in Iowa and developing a comprehensive soil and water resource conservation plan for the state of Iowa. It establishes standards and guidelines which the soil and water conservation districts will use in fulfilling their responsibilities under this program.
27—22.11(161A) Rules or subrules are severable. If any provision of a rule or subrule or the application thereof to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the invalidity does not affect other provisions or application of the rule or subrule which can be given effect without invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of these rules or subrules are severable.
27—22.12 to 22.19 Reserved.
27—22.20(161A) Definition. In addition to the definitions in rule 27—10.20(161A), the following term is defined:
“Soil and water resource conservation plan” is a comprehensive long-range assessment of soil and surface water resources in the district consistent with rules approved by the committee under Iowa Code section 161A.4. The plan will assess the condition of soil and water in the district; evaluate the type, amount, and quality of soil and water, the threat of soil erosion, floodwater, and sediment damages, and necessary preventative and control measures; develop methods to maintain or improve soil and water condition; and cooperate with other state and federal agencies to carry out this plan.
27—22.21(161A) Soil and water resource conservation plan development. This rule establishes criteria for districts to develop a plan to preserve and protect the public interest in the soil and water resources of this state and for future generations.
	22.21(1) Plan development criteria. The soil and water conservation district commissioners will develop a soil and water resource conservation plan as required by Iowa Code section 161A.4 that will include the content items required by rule 22.30(161A).
The district commissioners will use the following planning process criteria:
	a. 	Examine and inventory the current resource situation.
	b. 	Identify current problems.
	c. 	List available resources—human and financial.
	d. 	Determine objectives and goals.
	e. 	Determine the best course of action to obtain those objectives and goals.
	f. 	Review the action periodically for progress and effectiveness.
	22.21(2) Plan development deadline. The soil and water resource conservation plan should be developed by May 31, 1991. The duration of the plan is five years. After five years, the plan should be revised and updated. It will go through the adoption and approval process again.
	22.21(3) Participation in the planning process. Each soil and water conservation district should enlist the support and input of public and private sector agencies and organizations, including the county board of supervisors, the USDA Soil Conservation Service, the Cooperative Extension Service, and the division.
27—22.22 to 22.29 Reserved.
27—22.30(161A) Soil and water resource conservation plan content. The plan will preserve and protect the public interest in the soil and water resources of this state for future generations. It will include the proper control of and use of the soil and water resources by measures including, but not limited to, the control of floods, the control of erosion by water or by wind, the preservation of the quality of water for its optimum use for agricultural, irrigation, recreational, industrial, and domestic purposes, all of which shall be presumed to be conducive to the public health, convenience, and welfare, both present and future.
	22.30(1) Plan content.
	a. 	Preface.
	(1)	Purpose of the soil and water resource conservation planning process.
	(2)	Credits to sources and those assisting in the planning.
	(3)	Credits to groups providing input for district objectives and goals.
	b. 	Organization and authorities.
	c. 	General description of soil and water conservation district.
	d. 	Inventory of soil, water, and related natural resources.
	(1)	Existing land use—general description.
	(2)	Soil resources.
	(3)	Water resources.
	(4)	Recreation and wildlife resources.
	(5)	Mining and mineral resources.
	(6)	Land management.
	(7)	Factors limiting practice application.
	(8)	Actions needed to overcome limiting factors.
	e. 	District objectives, goals, and priorities.
	f. 	District policies.
	g. 	Statement of adoption.
	h. 	Statement of approval.
	i. 	Maps.
	22.30(2) Annual review. There shall be an annual review of the plan by the district that will assist in developing the annual work plan. The plan may be amended as a part of the annual review.
27—22.31 to 22.39 Reserved.
27—22.40(161A) Soil and water resource conservation plan adoption, approval, filing, and distribution. The plan shall meet all of the requirements of Iowa Code chapter 161A and this chapter before final plan completion.
	22.40(1) Adoption. The district commissioners by a motion at their regularly scheduled meeting shall approve their completed plan or amendment.
	22.40(2) Approval. The district shall submit their completed plan or amendment to the state soil conservation committee for approval. If found to meet the content requirements of rule 22.30(161A), the state soil conservation committee shall approve the plan or amendment by motion at their regularly scheduled meeting. The approved plan will be signed by the administrator of the division.
	22.40(3) Filing. The approved district plan or amendment shall be filed with the recorder in the county in which the district is located and shall be filed with the division as part of the state soil and water resource conservation plan.
	22.40(4) Distribution. The commissioners shall provide notice of the filing and may provide a copy of the approved district plan to the county board of supervisors in the county where the district is located. The district may provide copies to all interested parties that have been a part of the planning process.
27—22.41 to 22.49 Reserved.
27—22.50(161A) State soil and water resource conservation plan. The division is responsible for developing a state plan according to Iowa Code section 161A.4(4)“h.”  The state plan shall contain on a statewide basis the information required for a district plan.
These rules are intended to implement Iowa Code chapter 161A.
[Filed 1/18/91, Notice 10/31/90—published 2/6/91, effective 3/13/91]