The Greenbelt Wetland Dam, located in Rathbun Reservoir, Iowa, is a key structure owned and regulated by the local government and designed by the USDA NRCS. Completed in 1994, this earth dam serves primarily for recreational purposes and has a low hazard potential. With a height of 7 feet and a length of 6000 feet, the dam provides storage capacity of 279 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 60.4 acres, impacting a drainage area of 0.47 square miles.

Managed by the Iowa DNR, the Greenbelt Wetland Dam plays a crucial role in controlling water flow along the TR-Chariton River and contributes to the overall ecosystem health in the area. Despite its moderate risk level and a lack of recent condition assessment, the dam continues to function effectively. Its spillway type is uncontrolled, and it does not have outlet gates or associated structures, indicating a simple yet essential structure for water resource management in the region.

Enthusiasts of water resources and climate management will find the Greenbelt Wetland Dam an intriguing example of local government-led infrastructure that balances recreational use with environmental considerations. With its strategic location and design, this dam showcases the importance of sustainable water management practices in maintaining a healthy and resilient ecosystem for both wildlife and human communities in Lucas County, Iowa.