For those that haven't seen it already, the October Squaw Creek
Snapshot data is at www.squawcreekwatershed.org/watershed.html#oct07.
Nothing seemed out of the ordinary other than especially high levels of
E coli bacteria, the highest being within Ames. The E coli data seems to
make a good case for rain gardens and other infiltration structures!

And a deadline is fast approaching - As part of the DNR's process of
assessing streams for possible reclassification they are requesting your
assistance in determining how Iowa's streams are currently used. You can
take a short online survey to document existing uses (swimmimng, wading,
fishing, canoeing/kayaking and tubing) of the streams you are familiar
with, and the DNR will consider those comments when determining the
appropriate level of protection for those streams. There are currently
292 streams proposed to be re-designated.

You'll find the online survey at
www.iowadnr.com/water/standards/index.html, and maps (state and county)
of the streams currently targeted for reclassification at
http://iowa.sierraclub.org. THE DEADLINE FOR COMMENTS IS JANUARY 2ND!


In Des Moines Register Monday December 24th:

> River fans fear Iowa will make waters less safe
> By PERRY BEEMAN • REGISTER STAFF WRITER • December 24, 2007
www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071224/NEWS/71224002



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www.skunkriverpaddlers.org
www.squawcreekwatershed.org