-------- Original Message --------
Subject: It's not too late...
Date: Fri, 24 Apr 2009 08:47:52 -0500
From: Iowa Rivers Revival <rlehman@...>


…to register for IRR’s 4th Annual Conference in Webster City. Register
today – late registration fee has been waived. <registration link>



IRR board and staff have developed a great conference for Saturday, May
2nd and a relaxing rendezvous on the Boone River for Sunday morning and
early afternoon.



Multiple Values of Rivers: Jon Stravers will welcome conference guests
with a program about the spiritual and emotional influence of the river
and mix stories of birds, beauty and wonder found along the river – Jon
will also include a touch of original music.



The Boone River Watershed Program-Empowering Constituents Through
Diverse Partnerships: The Nature Conservancy will provide a global
view of the watershed and touch on the watershed project and other
planning and assessment efforts completed in the area. The Iowa
Soybeans Association will talk about their programs and goals in the
watershed and how this unique partnership works. Prairie Rivers RC&D
and Prairie Winds RC&D will talk about the their role in the watershed
and the Boone River Watershed Association. It is rare to see a
successful partnership between conservation NGOs and commodities groups
and they will highlight this relationship. The goal of this successful
collaboration is to see all conservation action in the watershed to be
locally led!



Afternoon breakout sessions include a range of river related topics:
Landscape Architecture and the Statewide Water Trails Plan – The History
of the Boone River and its designation as a Protected Water Area –
Policy panel – How to organize a paddle trip/highlights of the Boone
River Trail – Economic Values of Rivers panel – IRR’s River Stewards
Program.



Keynote: David Faldet is keynote speaker for the conference. Faldet
recently published “Oneota Flow: The Upper Iowa River and Its People”
which is a reflection of the ways people depend on the river, the
environment, and the resources of the region. He will share excerpts
from this recent work and his experiences from his time exploring the
Upper Iowa River.
http://www.uiowapress.org/books/2009-spring/faldet.htm. David is an
Iowa author and has earned the distinguished recognition of Jones
Professor of English at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa.



‘I picked up a copy of David Faldet's new book, "Oneota Flow," and am
enjoying it immensely. For those of us who love the Upper Iowa River,
the book is a wonderful resource, poetic yet full of good information.
Each of Iowa's rivers deserves such an expansive and caring review of
its natural history and value and concerns.’ – Robin Fortney, IRR
Board of Directors



Annual Banquet: Who will be IRR’s next River Town of the Year? The
Annual Banquet includes the keynote speaker, presentation of the River
Town of the Year Award, and a live auction with items that are sure to
interest anyone connected to rivers and the outdoors (overnight outings
across the state, local raised beef, handmade furniture, books, music
and much, much more!



Boone River Tour: Join us Sunday for a stroll or paddle along the
scenic Boone River Trail. The tour includes highlights along the scenic
Boone River trail and will end at Briggs Woods Park for lunch and,
depending on river conditions, the Iowa Whitewater Coalition may be able
do a whitewater demonstration nearby on the beautiful Baptismal Falls.



Enjoy Boone River Country and celebrate the early days of spring in
Webster City, Iowa for Iowa Rivers Revival’s, 4th Annual Conference:
Embracing Our Rivers - Meet new friends or visit old as we unite to
celebrate, improve and preserve Iowa’s rivers so we can benefit and use
them for years to come. Registration information: www.iowarivers.org
or rlehman@....



Conference Sponsors: Central Iowa Paddlers, Hamilton County
Conservation Board, Robin Fortney, Hawkeye Fly Fishing Association,
Susan Heathcote, Hy-Vee, Iowa DNR – IOWATER, Iowa DNR – Streamkeepers,
Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, Iowa Soybean Association, Jerry
Peckumn, Raccoon River Watershed Association, Mary Skopec, Luke Wright

--
www.skunkriverpaddlers.org
www.squawcreekwatershed.org