Introduction

McLoud Run is unique in its status as the only urban trout stream in Iowa. The 3.9 mile long stream lies entirely within the boundaries of the Cedar Rapids metropolitan area. The stream, which derives its cold water from being spring-fed, runs over limestone bedrock, creating an excellent habitat for trout. While the current inhabitants are stocked by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, local residents recall catching trout in the stream prior to World War II. In addition to its importance as game fish habitat, the presence of a paved trail next to a significant fraction of the stream makes it an important recreational resource for the city.

The McLoud Run watershed is 4.5 square miles and is over 95% developed. Parks and open spaces make up 11% of the watershed; transportation takes up 13%; commercial and office areas constitute 24%; industrial about 2%; with the remaining 50% in residential and public use. The stream has three main branches. The longest rises in the Twin Pines golf course. The second longest emerges from Noelridge Park near Rockwell-Colllins. The third comes from an old Department of Transportation "borrow" area northwest of Collins Road and Interstate 380. In addition, the stream is fed by several storm sewers - the largest draining the Redbud Road area west of 380 between Glass Road and 42nd Street.

The urban nature of the watershed makes the stream particularly susceptible to thermal shock, siltation, and contamination by a variety of pollutants. Thermal shock occurs when a sudden rainfall strikes parking lots and streets in the summer and drains into the stream. Trout are particularly sensitive to sudden temperature increases, which have been implicated as the cause of previous fish kills in the stream. Siltation diminishes habitat necessary for the fish to reproduce and thrive. Sources of silt include sand used for traction in the winter and construction sites. Anything that enters storm sewers in the watershed - waste oil, antifreeze, solvents - can make its way to the stream and cause problems as well.

A major effort is underway to attempt to alleviate some of the problems found in the McLoud Run watershed and improve the habitat available to the fish. Find out more about these efforts on the Habitat Renovation Project page.

The site is maintained by Marty St. Clair and hosted by Coe College. It was created with Microsoft Front Page and best viewed with Internet Explorer. Photos were taken by Dick Tremain of the Natural Resources Conservation Service or by Marty St. Clair. The site was last updated on 05/24/2006.