Grassed Waterways
A Grassed Waterway is used to direct and stabilize an area of concentrated flow where a gully would typically form. Once an area is surveyed, planned and designed, it is then graded and shaped to form a smooth, shallow channel and then planted to sod- forming grasses. The drainage way carries runoff water from the field and the grass prevents the water from forming a gully. In Vernon County, Grassed Waterways are essential for trapping sediment and nutrients.
It is very important to maintain waterways by:
- Mowing a few times per year
- Lift plows and shut off spray equipment when approaching and crossing Waterways
- Avoid using Waterway as a Road. It will cause rutting and channelize the water
- Follow good cropping practices, such as Contour Strips. Poor cropping will result in a very short lived Grassed Waterway.
Vernon County Land and Water Conservation Department
220 Airport Road
Viroqua, WI 54665
(608) 637-5480
Links:
NRCS Grass Waterway Link