In Washington County, where the conservation of open spaces is crucial for maintaining water quality, a new project demonstrates the power of coordinated environmental partnerships. The Cedar Lakes Conservation Foundation, Inc. (CLCF), an organization dedicated to conserving the natural environment in the Cedar Lakes region—a critical area encompassing Gilbert, Big Cedar, Little Cedar, Lucas, Silver and Quaas Lakes, which comprise the headwaters of Cedar Creek that flows ultimately to Lake Michigan. Since its founding, CLCF has established itself as a leading steward of this environment, having helped to protect over 70 properties totaling 3,096 acres, while actively working on its lands through initiatives like invasive species management and prairie restoration.

CLCF recently utilized a significant collaboration to protect Big Cedar Lake after securing a substantial investment. The foundation was awarded a $500,000 grant in 2024 from the Washington County Conservation & Heritage Grant Program. This program was launched to ensure the county invests in long-term environmental and economic health by finding a balance between development and the preservation of natural resources like surface water and groundwater. CLCF used this crucial funding to acquire a key property from the Weninger Family.

The newly acquired farm parcel presented both a challenge and an opportunity. It drains directly into Big Cedar Lake through a road ditch and culvert, so its slopes and proximity to the lake have a significant impact on water quality. CLCF worked closely with Washington County's Land Conservation staff and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to identify conservation practices that would most effectively improve water quality. “I was excited about the opportunity to partner with CLCF and NRCS on this site to implement a project that the community can see and understand the benefits,” said Paul Backhaus, Washington County Conservationist. 

After identifying three sub-watersheds within the property, the team determined that water and sediment control basins—known as WASCOBs—would provide the most effective solution. These engineered structures work by building berms that slow and store water during rainfall, allowing sediment to settle before water is gradually released through piped outlets. 

During the week of October 20, 2025, construction crews built three WASCOBs designed to slow runoff and filter out sediment before it reaches Big Cedar Lake. The strategically placed basins are projected to reduce 93 pounds of total phosphorus and 67 tons of sediment from entering the lake each year—a significant reduction in the nutrients that fuel harmful algae blooms and degrade water quality.

The benefits extend beyond the lake itself. Surrounding residents who have struggled with flooding after heavy rain events should see improvement as the basins slow the speed of water flowing through the watersheds. “We are so thankful to our supporters and our partners for this opportunity to protect the land and water that is so cherished by our community," said the CLCF. 

The project illustrates how multiple levels of conservation infrastructure—from local nonprofits to county programs to federal expertise—can align to address water quality challenges that no single entity could solve alone. Washington County Conservation Project Coordinator Katie Wilson summarized the essential role of inter-agency cooperation in achieving this tangible impact. “This project would not have been possible without the partnership and funding of a local non-profit (CLCF), the County, and partnering federal agency (NRCS) and is a great example of collaboration with the common goal of improving water quality."