The Upper Iowa Watershed, located in northeastern Iowa, covers an area of approximately 1,746 square miles. The watershed is characterized by rolling hills and deeply dissected valleys, with the river flowing through a mix of agricultural and forested land. The hydrology of the watershed is largely influenced by precipitation, with snowpack contributing to spring runoff. The Upper Iowa River is a popular destination for outdoor recreation, including fishing, tubing, and kayaking, and supports a diverse fish community. The watershed contains several small reservoirs that serve as water supply sources and recreation areas. Interesting climatic facts include the area's humid continental climate with warm summers and cold winters, and a trend of increasing annual precipitation over the past few decades. Agricultural practices and urbanization have contributed to water quality issues in the watershed, including increased sedimentation and nutrient pollution.