Creston's Parks & Recreation department initiated a project in 2005 to restore McKinley Lake to a condition suitable for recreation. Water testing throughout 2006 showed that Hurley Creek and therefore, the lake had some serious water quality problems.

The City is experiencing growth/development in the northwest corner of the Watershed. The completion of this development will increase the percentage of the Watershed considered urban. This development is also expected to increase storm water flow levels.

The northern border of the Watershed drains into the Hurley Creek Lake. The Hurley Creek Lake drainage is considered the beginning location of Hurley Creek. This creek meanders in a southwesterly direction through Creston and empties into Lake McKinley. The water from Lake McKinley ultimately drains into the Platte River.

Barker Lemar used stream visual assessment protocol (SVAP) to perform an assessment of Hurley Creek in November 2006 and the spring of 2007. The assessment identified specific locations of erosion, discharge pipes, illegal dumping locations, and areas of animal access. This information was collected using geographic information systems (GIS) and global position system (GPS) technologies.

Barker Lemar met with several key stakeholders to discuss the project and what services they may be able to provide towards the improvement of the water quality. These key stakeholders are listed below in alphabetical order:

• Creston Iowa Park Board
• Creston Livestock Auction, Inc.
• Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship
• Iowa Department of Natural Resources
• Iowa State University Extension Office
• National Resources Conservation Services
• Southern Iowa Council of Governments
• United States Department of Agriculture

Barker Lemar also received water quality data that was collected in 2006 by IOWATER volunteers to assist with the assessment. A total of 92 samples were collected at eight (8) locations from April to November 2006.

Barker Lemar presented the results of the performed assessment, water quality samples, and results of the stakeholder meetings during the April 24, 2007 meeting. These results identified three main categories of concern:

1. High E. coli levels;
2. Severe erosion; and
3. Storm water flow management

These findings lead Barker Lemar to develop recommendations to improve the condition of the identified categories of concern. The recommendations were categorized by five (5) types:

• Erosion & Sediment Control
• Animal Access
• Storm Water Management
• Education Programs
• Miscellaneous Activities