Gardner Dam, located in Wayne County, Iowa, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 2001 by the NRCS for fire protection, stock, and small fish pond purposes. Standing at a height of 33 feet and spanning 461 feet in length, the dam has a storage capacity of 104 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 7.8 acres. The dam is situated on TR- Caleb Creek, under the jurisdiction of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, with a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating.

Despite being a relatively young structure, Gardner Dam has not been rated for its condition assessment. However, it is regularly inspected, permitted, and enforced by the Iowa DNR, ensuring its safety and compliance with regulatory standards. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, with a width of 1 foot, and it does not have locks or outlet gates. With its strategic location and purposeful design, Gardner Dam serves as an essential water resource for the surrounding area, contributing to fire protection and wildlife conservation efforts.

In the realm of water resource and climate enthusiasts, Gardner Dam stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts between private ownership and state regulatory agencies in managing and maintaining vital infrastructure. Its completion in 2001 marked a milestone in enhancing water storage capacity and supporting ecological diversity in the region. As climate change poses increasing challenges to water management, the role of dams like Gardner Dam becomes ever more crucial in ensuring sustainable use and conservation of precious water resources.