Consistent with the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy (INRS), Winneshiek sought to reduce phosphorus and nitrogen pollution from nonpoint sources. To achieve this goal, the County was interested in gaining information about land use and conservation practices in the area.

Winneshiek County requested research on the following four topics: the presence, dimensions/acreage, and composition of existing vegetation types along stream side buffers in Winneshiek County; the locations of structural conservation practices that exist throughout the county or the Upper Iowa Watershed, including terraces, ponds, detention ponds, and grade-stabilization structures; the classifications and locations of different land cover types throughout the county; and the classification and locations of vegetation along rights-of-way throughout the county.