Elfrink Wetland Dam #1, located in Van Buren, Iowa, is a privately owned structure designed by the NRCS and completed in 1994. This earth dam stands at a height of 8 feet and spans 1635 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 62 acre-feet. The dam serves a primary purpose of "Other" and is used for various purposes related to water resource management and conservation.

Managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Elfrink Wetland Dam #1 is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced to ensure safety and compliance with state guidelines. The dam has a low hazard potential rating and a moderate risk assessment, indicating a stable condition with some potential risks that are actively managed. Despite its uncontrolled spillway type and limited discharge capacity, the dam plays a crucial role in protecting the TR-FOX RIVER watershed and supporting the local ecosystem.

With its strategic location in the Kansas City District and proximity to WAYLAND, MO, Elfrink Wetland Dam #1 contributes to the overall water management efforts in the region. This structure not only provides flood control and water storage benefits but also serves as a habitat for wildlife and a key component of the local ecology. As an essential part of the water infrastructure, this dam is an important site for water resource and climate enthusiasts to study and appreciate the intersection of engineering, ecology, and sustainability.