Conservation and Natural Resources
Maurer-Stutz helps landowners, producers, drainage districts, local governments, and developers implement effective conservation practices. Our team combines agricultural and conservation engineering expertise with strong experience navigating federal and state regulations, funding programs, and permitting processes.
We focus on practical, constructible solutions that address real resource concerns—water quality, soil erosion, drainage, flooding, and habitat—while fitting the operational and financial realities of the people who manage the land. As an NRCS Certified Technical Service Provider, we are well-positioned to support both the technical design and the funding pathway for many conservation practices.
Nutrient Reduction Practices
We design edge-of-field and in-field practices that reduce nutrient loss and improve water quality. These practices are often eligible for NRCS cost-share and can be integrated with existing livestock or crop operations, and include:
- Drainage Water Management
Control structures and management strategies that retain water in the soil profile longer, reducing nitrate transport. - Saturated Buffers
Divert a portion of tile flow into a vegetated buffer where nutrients can be removed before reaching surface waters. - Denitrifying Bioreactors
Woodchip-filled systems that treat tile drainage water and convert nitrate to nitrogen gas. - Constructed Wetlands
Designed wetlands that provide treatment, habitat, and additional water-quality benefits.
Erosion and Sediment Control / Land Treatment
We plan and design practices that stabilize soil and reduce erosion across agricultural and rural landscapes. Designs are tailored to site topography, soil conditions, and long-term maintenance needs.
- Ephemeral erosion control
Grassed waterways, diversions, and surface drains - Grade control structures
Toe walls, block chutes, and drop structures - Sheet and gully erosion solutions
Terraces, dry dams, and ponds - Critical area treatment and soil stabilization measures
Drainage and Stormwater Management
Effective drainage and stormwater control protect both productivity and water quality. We focus on solutions that work with the land rather than against it.
- Agricultural drainage studies and system design
- Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPP)
- Practical stormwater management for rural and developing sites
- Coordination of drainage improvements with conservation and nutrient-reduction goals
Dams, Flood Control and Floodplain Services
Maurer-Stutz provides engineering support for small dams, flood-control structures, and floodplain-related work. Our team helps owners and agencies address safety, regulatory, and performance issues on existing structures and plan new ones where needed.
- Design and rehabilitation of earthen dams and impoundments
- Spillway, outlet, and emergency drawdown design
- Dam safety permits, inspections, and compliance support
- Operation and Maintenance and Emergency Action Plans
- Floodplain studies, FEMA mapping support (LOMAs / LOMRs), and related hydraulic analysis
Permitting and Funding Assistance
Navigating permits and funding is often as important as the engineering itself. Because we handle both the technical design and the regulatory package, clients gain a coordinated path from concept to implementation. We assist clients with:
- NRCS Technical Service Provider (TSP) services, including CAP-CNMPs and practice design
- USACE Section 404 permits
- State DNR, EPA, and local stormwater/erosion-control permits
- Dam safety permitting and inspections
- Guidance on EQIP and other cost-share or grant opportunities