Sustainable Environment

Sustainable Environment includes 11 recommendations across 5 sub-categories: Clean Water, Clean air + Energy, Neighborhoods, Land Conservation, and Eco Education. The chart below highlights the status of the 11 recommendations. Scroll down to the Recommendation Tracker for details. Status information reflects the community's work toward each recommendation.

Recommendation Highlight - Continue the efforts of the Bee Branch Watershed Flood Mitigation Project to mitigate health and environmental hazards in Washington, Point, and North End neighborhoods. #B1a

Click the image to learn about progress on the Bee Branch.

The Collective Impact Model is the vehicle we use to implement the plan. It relies on organizations working together in a structured way, to achieve social change. The model relies on:

A Common Agenda
Shared Measurements
Mutually Reinforcing Activities
Continuous Communication
A Strong Backbone Organization

Each of the seven categories has a Connector and every recommendation has a Coordinator, which is the subject expert. Champions are the boots-on-the-ground; they are the programs, organizations, people, projects, events and initiatives doing the work of the plan. Click here for an infographic illustrating the model.

Recommendation Identification

Connect With Us

A dedicated team of Dubuque residents and community partners are helping turn our city's comprehensive plan, into a reality. These coordinators, connectors, and champions are tracking progress across each of the 7 categories, 32 subcategories and 110 recommendations of Imagine Dubuque.

For information on the Sustainable Environment Category, contact Connector Gina Bell, Sustainable Community Coordinator at the City of Dubuque, 563-690-6038 or gbell@cityofdubuque.org.

For additional information on Imagine Dubuque, contact Assistant Planner Jason Duba at the City of Dubuque, 563-589-4223 or jduba@cityofdubuque.org.

Tracking Definitions

At Risk: Recommendation implementation has not yet begun, has a roadblock or made little progress. Needs will vary and may include funding, coordination, time, and staffing.

Off Track: Recommendation implementation is in the early stages of moving forward by way of active organizing, connecting with partners, planning and data collection, and/or a few early action items.

On Track: Recommendation implementation is moving forward, with multiple actions in motion and steady progress being made towards realizing the recommendation, or recommendation implementation is ongoing with continuity and growth in progress.

Achieved: Recommendation has been completed and work on it has ended.

City Council Priority Alignment 2021-2023

City Council Priorities reflect recommendations throughout Imagine Dubuque. Annually Council sets goals that contain Top and High Priorities. Thirteen priorities align with the 110 recommendations, some identifying with more than one. Additionally, the implementation of Imagine Dubuque was also identified as a High Priority.

To see a list of 2021-2023 City Council Priorities, click here. Additionally, look for language in the progress section for each recommendation to see if a priority aligns with it.

- Data will be updated bi-annually to align with Council Reports -

Recommendation tracker

Sustainable Environment: 11 recommendations

• At Risk • Off Track • On Track • Achieved

Clean Water Clean Air + Energy Neighborhoods Land Conservation Eco-Education

Clean Water

RECOMMENDATIONS - AT A GLANCE

► Complete and monitor Bee Branch Watershed Flood Mitigation - 2.1.1
► Implement the Catfish Creek Watershed Management Plan - 2.1.2

RECOMMENDATIONS - DETAILS & STATUS

Continue the efforts of the Bee Branch Watershed Flood Mitigation Project to mitigate health and environmental hazards in Washington, Point, and North End neighborhoods. 2.1.1 - Coordinator: Deron Muehring, dmuehrin@cityofdubuque.org

► Status: On Track

Lower and Upper Branches of Bee Branch Creek Complete. See the December 2020 Update newsletter.
Connection of two branches was completed in 2021.
National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium (NMRMA) Mussel Drop in 2020 to improve health of the creek.
Multicultural Family Center's Summer Teen Employment Program (STEP) Program engaging youth in stewardship days, in partnership with the City and NRMRA.
City Council Priority Alignment 2021-2023:
- Bee Branch Watershed Project: Next Steps

Continue to implement the Catfish Creek Watershed Management Plan to protect creeks, sensitive ecological habitats, and promote conservation-minded development. 2.1.2 - Coordinator: Eric Schmechel, eric.schmechel@dubuquecounty.us

► Status: On Track

Dubuque County, the City of Dubuque, and the Dubuque County Soil & Water Conservation district, collaborating as Dubuque County Watersheds, have invested nearly $1 million through several programs and partnerships to incentivize local landowners to implement practices reducing soil runoff. In the first year, 35 farms covering 3,447 acres participated.
In September of 2020, the City of Dubuque, Dubuque County, and the Dubuque Soil and Water Conservation District entered into a 28e agreement which runs through June 2027 to create a County-wide watershed program that intended to address both urban and agricultural land use activities. This program staffs three full time employees with the intent to build relationships with farmers throughout Dubuque County. This agreement also provides for the manner in which parties shall cooperate with one another to successfully implement and fund water quality and quantity projects throughout Dubuque County, including a localized performance-based conservation program.
Plan implementation continues and has evolved to include a Nutrient Reduction Program, a partnership of the City, County (under the Soil & Water Conservation District) and Iowa Department of Natural Resources. It serves as the first of its kind in Iowa and a model for other communities.
In August 2020, a collaboration between Dubuque County, the City of Dubuque and Dubuque Soil and Water Conservation District hosted a Farmer Field Day. Check out the videos created about the Nutrient Reduction Program:
- by Iowa Public Television
- produced for Iowa Corn Stewardship
In 2022, the Farmer Field Day morphed into a Farm Brew Social, which plans to feature a day of educational talks from regenerative agriculture experts and a local brewery owner, a free lunch, a tour of a malthouse and farm fields, live music, beer and food trucks. Organizers said they hope the event helps broaden the reach of local water quality efforts. (August 2022)
The City of Dubuque was awarded an Iowa Partners for Conservation grant and has contracted with two conservation agronomists to help write conservation plans for landowners.
Five Watershed Field days have been completed during 2021 and 2022. Several additional field days are being planned.
A Dubuque County water quality monitoring plan has been completed and water quality monitoring is being done every month.
For more information, see the Dubuque County Watershed website.
Get the downstream view with the Mississippi River Watershed Report Cards:
- 2020's report card
- 2015's report card
City Council Priority Alignment 2021-2023:
- - Sewer System Infrastructure Upgrade (including Catfish Creek Sanitary Sewer System)

Clean Air + Energy

RECOMMENDATIONS - AT A GLANCE

► Implement the Climate Action + Resiliency Plan - 2.2.1
► Support mobile air quality monitoring - 2.2.2

RECOMMENDATIONS - DETAILS & STATUS

Continue to implement the 50% by 2030 Climate Action Resiliency Plan by focusing on waste reduction, transportation improvements, and energy efficiency of homes and businesses to achieve climate goals and renewables. 2.2.1 - Coordinator: Gina Bell, gbell@cityofdubuque.org

► Status: On Track

More about the 50% by 2030 Plan is available here. Green Dubuque and community members were engaged to update the plan in 2019.
In 2023, the City Sustainability office will create a new position to focus on implementation of the Climate Action Plan, with funding to help implement the plan. An update to the greenhouse gas inventory is planned along with outreach efforts to educate and empower the community to participate in reaching the goal. (June 2022)
The Landfill Gas Capture project meets the 50% BY 2030 Community Climate Action and Resiliency Plan's goal to achieve 100% beneficial use of landfill gas by diverting methane captured at landfill cells to natural gas supply network in lieu of flaring on site. Goal of achieving 100% diversion of methane captured to beneficial use. (June 2022)
A 2019 update reports a 27% reduction in GHG emissions since 2003.
A 2014 update revealed that the community had reduced their GHG emissions 11% since 2003.
City Council Priority Alignment 2022-2024:
- Climate Action Plan Implementation

Support mobile air quality monitoring to increase citizen awareness and identify and target toxic hot spots. 2.2.2 - Mary Rose Corrigan, mcorriga@cityofdubuque.org

► Status: Off Track

A half dozen units of an air quality monitoring system and equipment was supplied by CLE4R (Clean Air in the River Valley) in 2017. The system still needs a local Champion to administer monitoring. (June 2022)
A 2017 study toward improved air quality for Dubuque was created by the City, Greater Dubuque Development Corporation (GDDC) and the East Central Intergovernmental Associate (ECIA).

Neighborhoods

RECOMMENDATIONS - AT A GLANCE

► Continue Healthy Homes strategies - 2.3.1
► Implement the Emerald Ash Borer Readiness Plan - 2.3.2
► Increase native plant, pollinator, and edible landscaping - 2.3.3

RECOMMENDATIONS - DETAILS & STATUS

Continue Healthy Homes strategy as part of the CHANGE and Bee Branch revitalization efforts. 2.3.1 - Coordinator: Angela Ventris, aventris@cityofdubuque.org

► Status: On Track

The Bee Branch Healthy Homes Resiliency Program, which concluded in 2022, made lasting impacts to housing, families and the neighborhood
- Affecting 307 housing units (mix of single family, and multi-unit structures), exceeding the program's initial goal of 275 units
- Program positively impacted lives of 950 people
- Work included $5,420,000 worth of improvements that helped remediate mold/mildew; replace aged and inefficient water heaters, furnaces and electrical panels; waterproofed basements; and made homes resilient to run off and flooding
- Program Partner the Visiting Nurses Association helped track over 30 measurements for households served
- Watch the story of Cletus, a resident positively affected by this program
The Housing & Community Development Department has a number of programs that are available to help improve the quality of older homes and that are available to income-qualifying people living in the Bee Branch area, as well as other parts of the City. These programs include:
- Healthy Homes
- Lead Hazard Control
- Older Adult Home Modification
- Housing Rehabilitation
City Council Priority Alignment 2021-2023:
- Bee Branch Watershed Project: Next Steps

Continue to implement the Emerald Ash Borer Readiness Plan to maintain safe and healthy neighborhoods. 2.3.2 - Coordinator: Steve Fehsal, sfehsal@cityofdubuque.org

► Status: On Track

A GIS StoryMap is a dashboard for Ash Tree removal and treatments city-wide.
Since the destructive insect emerged in Dubuque in 2015, over 1100 ash trees have been cut down from city properties, while another 350 have been treated with a chemical injection that kills the larvae that typically kill the trees. All of the City's street trees that are ash have been removed. (June 2022)
229 trees were replanted in 2021 and another 117 trees have been replanted as of June 2022.
The replanting of trees, which has been supported with a partnership from Dubuque Trees Forever, allows for community members to get engaged in their neighborhoods. (June 2021)
An regional experiment led by Forest Health Collaborative in Galena is working to propagate ash trees that thrived during the ash borer infestation, in the hopes of creating a local stock that can sustain infestation. (September 2022)

Seek partnership opportunities to increase localized native plant, pollinator habitat, and edible landscaping in public spaces. 2.3.3 - Coordinator: Brian Preston, brian.preston@dubuquecountyiowa.gov

► Status: On Track

Mowing to Monarchs grant programs started in 2020 for creating installations across Dubuque County. The program provides native pollinator plants (typically $250 worth per site) direct to individual homeowners and cities to develop native landscaping, converting turf grass to pollinator-friendly habitat.
Dubuque County ISU Extension Master Conservationist program helping to build capacity.
Dubuque County Conservation Board is exploring the option for planting fruit trees and edible planting in parks. (June 2022)
Installations of edible landscaping in public locations like the Bee Branch Creek and City Hall.
Non-profits Convivium Urban Farmstead, Salvation Army and Dubuque Rescue Mission are models for teaching citizens about growing and utilizing fresh fruits and vegetables.
Alliant Energy's plan to plant a million trees in the communities they serve will help eliminate carbon, improve water quality and provide wildlife habitat.
National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium's conservation program installed a new greenhouse on the museum grounds to engage community visiting the museum and outreach and partner in the community to help encourage native plantings.

Land Conservation

RECOMMENDATION - AT A GLANCE

► Conserve natural areas - 2.4.1

RECOMMENDATION - DETAILS & STATUS

Conserve areas near water trails and canoe launches, serene places to escape the city, and viewpoints to watch migratory birds, shown on the Environmental Factors Map. 2.4.1 - Coordinator: Brian Preston, brian.preston@dubuquecounty.us

► Status: On Track

Dubuque County Conservation Board is undertaking a Watertrail Plan, funded in 2021 through the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. A final plan is anticipated in late 2022. The Paddle Driftless Dubuque County StoryMap and the Paddle App associated with this project are live online.
- Paddle Driftless Dubuque County StoryMap
- Link directly to the Paddle App
REAP Program funded conservation projects ongoing at Eagle Point Park and the Four Mounds Site.
Other conservation programs are ongoing at Bee Branch Creek and Valentine Park.
Dubuque County recently resurfaced trails at the John Deere Marsh.
Dubuque County is working with Flexsteel and ECIA on brownfield grant for the old Flexsteel site in the City of Dubuque, with intention of the donation of wetlands and improved Heritage Trail access and safety. Brownfield testing is nearly completing. An agreement is anticipated in Fall 2022.
The City of Dubuque highlights 11 miles of water trail through the Mississippi River and the City limits. The water trail brochure provides a map for Dubuquers and visitors to explore our waterways.

Eco-Education

RECOMMENDATIONS - AT A GLANCE

► Promote children’s environmental education - 2.5.1
► Improve backyard and curbside composting - 2.5.2
► Explore a community-wide Zero Waste Policy - 2.5.3

RECOMMENDATIONS - DETAILS & STATUS

Promote educational programming and partnerships that enable children to experience nature. 2.5.1 - Coordinator: Brian Preston, brian.preston@dubuquecounty.us

► Status: On Track

A shared Naturalist position created between the Dubuque County Conservation Board and Dubuque Community School Districts will support both pre-K and elementary education. The $60,000 cost is shared equally and supports experiential education in astronomy, conservation (wetlands, prairie, woodlands) and biology, with excursions to both City and County parks. (June 2021)
National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium's variety of programming is available for all age groups, including pollinator education with a newly erected greenhouse; river and wetland history and ecology; and a variety of animal, fish, birds and insect programs. (June 2021)
Dubuque County Conservation, in partnership with ISU Extension & Outreach, host all elementary students from preschool through 5^th grade (4,700 students) at Dubuque Community Schools in Outdoor Adventures. It's an outdoor setting and students have new experiences that connect with their science curriculum. A 4^th grade teacher voiced, "Just getting outside and experiencing things that we have talked about in the classroom and making the real-world connections was fantastic!" DCC's programs are highlighted in their newsletter.
Programming through Swiss Valley Nature Center and Mines of Spain serve thousands of children and school groups through year-round programming. (June 2021)
City of Dubuque/Four Mounds/Dream Center partner for the Adventure Day Camp, bringing engaging outdoor activities to urban youth. (June 2021)
Dubuque County Conservation (DCC) partners with City of Dubuque, Iowa DNR, and Friends of the Mines of Spain have a partnership to manage E.B. Lyons Interpretive Center, with DCC in the lead.
The City of Dubuque and Iowa Department of Natural Resources have an agreement in development for natural playscape.
Story Trails engage children in nature through literacy, at the Bee Branch Creek, Swiss Valley and the Heritage Trail.

Explore incentives for backyard and curbside composting that reduce the proportion of landfilled food waste. 2.5.2 - Coordinator: Bev Wagner, beverly.wagner@loras.edu

► Status: On Track

Dubuque Metropolitan Area Solid Waste Agency’s (DMASWA) grant program has supported classes at Convivium Urban Farmstead on composting and urban gardens.
DMASWA and Green Iowa AmeriCorps members are working with schools and community partners to offer composting and worm composting presentations and workshops. Community partners have included Carnegie Stout Public Library, Dubuque County Conservation Board, Four Mounds Foundation, Girl Scouts of Northeast Iowa, Mt. St. Francis Canticle of Creation and St. Mark’s Community Center. (June 2022)
DMASWA supports four locations county-wide for residents to pick up finished compost at no cost. (May 2022)
DMASWA's staff is available to speak to groups about composting and other waste reduction issues.
Curbside service pickup for food composting continues year-round.

Explore a community-wide Zero Waste Policy that creates a closed-circuit economy of low-impact or reduced consumption lifestyle and marketplace for post-consumer products. 2.5.3 - Coordinator: Jake Jansen, jjansen@cityofdubuque.org

► Status: On Track

The City's Performance Analyses of Solid Waste Operation outline the following issues, followed individually by their updates:
- Reduce the per capita annually waste disposal rate by 1% annually through 2037 - This work is ongoing.
- Develop a community engagement and education campaign - This work is ongoing.
- Appoint a Paths Toward Zero Waste Implementation Team - Not yet implemented.
- Eliminate extra solid waste services to improve program efficiency - Scheduled completion in FY 2023.
- Implement glass drop-off program - Project completed in 2020 at multiple locations.
- Deliver new carts to residents to provide more collection capacity and reduce contamination - This work is ongoing.
Implementation of the Climate Action & Resiliency Plan helps address zero-waste.
Seven local higher-education institutions are members of the Dubuque Colleges Sustainability Coalition. The group aims to help school leaders share with one another their existing sustainability initiatives and to collaborate on future efforts. (June 2022)