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#895 From: Michael Lazere <zoey@...>
Date: Tue Mar 16, 2010 1:34 pm
Subject: Meeting Room Change 		lynnmikezoey
Send Email Send Email
  
The SCWC meeting will be held in the Farwell Brown auditorium, not the
Founder's Suite.  The time and date are still 7pm, Weds 3/17.

Mike

Reply | Messages in this Topic (1)
#896 From: Gaylan Crim <gbcrim@...>
Date: Thu Apr 1, 2010 3:52 pm
Subject: Fw: april event for iowa wildlife center 		gbcrim
Send Email Send Email
 

More details on the Iowa Wildlife Center's Spring Fling  on April 23 and April 24.  Click on the link below and then at the bottom of the page will be a link to a more detailed schedule.

 


Reply | Messages in this Topic (1)
#897 From: Rick Dietz <rsdietz@...>
Date: Sat Apr 3, 2010 5:14 pm
Subject: Your Comments Needed on Squaw Creek! 		rsdietz
Send Email Send Email
 
The DNR is requesting comments from the public on a third round of stream assessments (see forwarded email below). 

Eighteen miles of Squaw Creek are affected.  The portion of Squaw Creek within Ames would remain designated for A1 Primary Contact use, but a rural section, from our "Glacial Creek" (a tributary in Boone County south of 110th), has been recommended for the A2 Secondary Contact Recreational Use designation.  Indian Creek and Bear Creek (tributaries of the South Skunk) are also on the list.

Here's what I've gleaned from the DNR's Use Assessments and Use Attainability Analysis of Squaw Creek:
  • The field assessments were based on a single visit to six sites in September 2005. Very little evidence of recreational use was observed at the three in-town sites at that time, and no evidence of recreational use was found at the three rural sites (120th, 170th and R38).
  • Thirteen recreational use surveys were submitted for Squaw Creek. Those public comments indicated that the stream does support Primary Contact Recreational uses WITHIN Ames, but only two surveys specifically noted recreational uses OUTSIDE of the city limits (wading at Cameron School Road).
  • Stream depth is another criteria that the DNR uses to help determine if Primary Contact Recreational use is attainable, and only one site (near 6th Street in Ames) met their depth criteria at the time of assessment. The recommendation also noted the lack of of public access to the creek outside of Ames as limiting its potential for recreational use.
I know that public comments have successfully influenced past recommendations, and we know from our own experiences (including many hours of  IOWATER assessments) that recreational uses do occur outside of Ames. 

From http://www.iaenvironment.org/waterQuality/waterquality.php -

DEADLINE FOR PUBLIC COMMENTS IS APRIL 30, 2010
It is important for anyone who has knowledge of the types of recreational activities that take place on any of these 408 streams provide comments to the DNR, especially if they are aware of any primary contact recreational activities on these streams including swimming, children’s play (including wading), canoeing or kayaking. Public comments are critical to ensure the recreational standards will not be lowered for waters that are being used for recreation and children’s play.

Any person may submit written suggestions or comments on the proposed amendment through April 30, 2010. The comment must specify:
1) type of water recreational activity(s) (e.g. canoeing, children’s play, minnow seining, etc.)
2) where the activity(s) took place (e.g. bridge crossing, park, etc.) using Section/Township/Range, latitude/longitude, or map; and
3) frequency the activity(s) occurred and when (e.g. 1/month in the summer of 2002).

Submit Comments by April 30 to:
Lori McDaniel, Iowa
Department of Natural Resources, Wallace State Office Building,
 502 East 9th Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50319
 fax (515)281–8895
or E–mail lori.mcdaniel@...  


-------- Original Message --------
Date: Fri, 2 Apr 2010 11:51:26 -0500
From: Laws, Lynn <LynnLaws@...>

Public Comments Needed!

…on third round of Iowa stream assessments

 

The third round of stream assessments has been completed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR.) As a result, they are proposing to downgrade protections for 408 stream segments!  The DNR is requesting comments from the public on their recommendations to exempt 408 stream segments from recreational use protections. When a stream segment is designated for recreational use, the water is protected from pollution that would be harmful for persons swimming, children’s play and other full body contact.

 

Please go to our website at http://www.iaenvironment.org/waterQuality/waterquality.php to learn how you can help.

 

Thank you!

 

Lynn Laws

Communications Director

Iowa Environmental Council

515-244-1194, ext 210

www.iaenvironment.org

Celebrating 15 Years of Progress

 


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

Reply | Messages in this Topic (2)
#898 From: Rick Dietz <rsdietz@...>
Date: Sat Apr 3, 2010 6:41 pm
Subject: Re: Do you know when your IOWATER equipment expires? (Snapshot info) 		rsdietz
Send Email Send Email
 
Hello again!

I hope you will all consider submitting your comments regarding the recreational uses of Squaw Creek to the DNR. The section being considered for the A2 designation is between "Glacial Creek" (near 120th in Boone County) and Onion Creek (above Moore Park near Ames).

I'm forwarding this reminder for our IOWATER Snapshot Volunteers. The Squaw Creek Watershed Coalition will be participating again in the Statewide IOWATER Snapshot on Saturday May 15. Please check the expiration dates of your chemicals and/or consider whether it might be better to borrow a complete IOWATER kit for the day. If you plan to participate, it is very helpful for us to know that in advance.
  • The Fall 2009 IOWATER Newsletter contains a summary of reports by IOWATER staff including biological and bacteria assessments. Thanks to our many dedicated volunteers the Squaw Creek Watershed is well represented. There's also an article by Mike Todd about monitoring the impact of the the high school area on the water quality of Squaw Creek. See www.iowater.net/Publications/Newsletter.htm.


Gautsch, Jackie [DNR] wrote:

Dear IOWATER Volunteers,

 

The following announcements might be of interest to you:

1)      IOWATER and The Iowa Nature Conservancy Team up for Snapshot Events in the Boone River Watershed

2)      United States EPA wants your ideas for solving the nation’s water-pollution problems.

3)      It is spring! Do you know when your IOWATER equipment expires?

 

1) Two snapshot sampling events are currently being planned by the Iowa Chapter of the Nature Conservancy (TNC) in partnership with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) to take place in the Boone River Watershed as part of TNC’s Boone River Watershed Project.  The two events are scheduled for September 11 & October 2, 2010 and sampling sites will be located in tributaries of the Boone River in Hamilton and Wright Counties.  During these events, biological, chemical, and habitat data will be collected by volunteers in an effort to gather a large amount of data in a short period of time.  Regularly collected data are essential for identifying trends and changes in water quality, but often resources to collect this data are limited.  This is an opportunity for volunteers to play an essential role in water quality monitoring for the Boone River Watershed Project.  Goals of this project include: the development of sustainable long-term biological monitoring in the Boone River, enhance volunteer participation in data collection, and evaluate conditions of the Boone River Watershed and the effectiveness of implemented conservation practices.

 

We would like to invite IOWATER volunteers to participate in these events and to identify volunteers interested in serving as a team leader during snapshot events.  The team leader’s role would be to lead a team of 2-4 individuals in sampling an assigned location.  The team leader may be paired with other IOWATER volunteers or those with less experience.  Having IOWATER team leaders identified will help us ensure quality control during data collection. In addition, we are also seeking volunteers trained in Advanced Biological Monitoring to assist with benthic macroinvertebrate identification of preserved samples collected during snapshot events.  The preserved samples will contain approximately 100 organisms to be identified to family level; the samples can be identified at your own pace and returned to a central location when finished. 

 

We would like to get an estimate of the level of interest in this activity, so if you are interested in participating in one or both of the snapshot events, please contact Jackie Gautsch at 319-335-1761 or jackie.gautsch@... or Eileen Bader at 515-897-9953 or ebader@... and let us know.  Also, feel free to contact Eileen Bader if you’d like to learn more about the Boone River Watershed Project or visit: http://www.nature.org/wherewework/greatrivers/namerica/art21295.html

 

 

2) USEPA will be holding a one-day meeting April 15 that is being called "Coming Together for Clean Water".  The Administrator will be there as will other top officials.  There are about 100 invitees from State, Federal, and local governments; non-profits; academia; and industry.  In advance, EPA has launched a Web site to seek ideas for solving the nation's water-pollution problems. The online forum will be open for two weeks to get feedback on restoring watersheds and curbing nutrient loads and controlling stormwater runoff before the conference. Go to http://blog.epa.gov/waterforum/ to participate.

 

 

3) This is a reminder to all IOWATER volunteers; before you start your spring monitoring check the expiration dates of your IOWATER testing supplies. For information on where to look for expirations dates visit http://www.iowater.net/About/FAQs.htm#ExpirationDate.

 

If you have equipment not currently being used, please consider returning it to IOWATER so that we may re-issue it to other volunteers. We accept all IOWATER equipment including expired equipment as it can be re-issued to educators to use as training aids. To return your equipment, please contact Jackie at (319)335-1761 or jackie.gautsch@.... You can send the equipment to Jackie Gautsch Iowa DNR; 109 Trowbridge Hall; Iowa City, IA 52242.

 

 

If you receive duplicate messages, please reply with "DUPLICATE" in the subject line.

 

If you would no longer like to receive these informational e-mails from IOWATER please reply with "REMOVE" in the subject line. Or contact Jackie at (319) 335-1761.


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

Reply | Messages in this Topic (1)
#899 From: "Veysey, Stephen W [CHEM]" <sveysey@...>
Date: Mon Apr 5, 2010 2:15 pm
Subject: RE: Your Comments Needed on Squaw Creek! 		sveysey@...
Send Email Send Email
 

Hello,

 

Our experience with this process (round 1 and round 2) has been that as long as several specific and pertinent public comments are submitted regarding fishable  and swimmable uses, we have two chances of getting DNR’s downgrade rejected.  First is the monthly EPC hearing, usually in Des Moines.  The UAA’s have not been assigned to a specific meeting yet, but it will probably be in June or July.   It will be important for several people to speak at the meeting.  The second opportunity (assuming the EPC does not reject the downgrade) will be with EPA.  Once again, if several specific public comments meeting DNR’s requirements are submitted (see the three numbered content criteria from Lori McDaniel) then EPA may step in and reject the downgrade. 

 

Steve Veysey

 

From: squawcreek@yahoogroups.com [mailto:squawcreek@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Rick Dietz
Sent: Saturday, April 03, 2010 12:14 PM
To: squawcreek@yahoogroups.com
Cc: skunkriverpaddlers
Subject: [squawcreek] Your Comments Needed on Squaw Creek!

 

 

The DNR is requesting comments from the public on a third round of stream assessments (see forwarded email below). 

Eighteen miles of Squaw Creek are affected.  The portion of Squaw Creek within Ames would remain designated for A1 Primary Contact use, but a rural section, from our "Glacial Creek" (a tributary in Boone County south of 110th), has been recommended for the A2 Secondary Contact Recreational Use designation.  Indian Creek and Bear Creek (tributaries of the South Skunk) are also on the list.

Here's what I've gleaned from the DNR's Use Assessments and Use Attainability Analysis of Squaw Creek:

  • The field assessments were based on a single visit to six sites in September 2005. Very little evidence of recreational use was observed at the three in-town sites at that time, and no evidence of recreational use was found at the three rural sites (120th, 170th and R38).
  • Thirteen recreational use surveys were submitted for Squaw Creek. Those public comments indicated that the stream does support Primary Contact Recreational uses WITHIN Ames, but only two surveys specifically noted recreational uses OUTSIDE of the city limits (wading at Cameron School Road).
  • Stream depth is another criteria that the DNR uses to help determine if Primary Contact Recreational use is attainable, and only one site (near 6th Street in Ames) met their depth criteria at the time of assessment. The recommendation also noted the lack of of public access to the creek outside of Ames as limiting its potential for recreational use.

I know that public comments have successfully influenced past recommendations, and we know from our own experiences (including many hours of  IOWATER assessments) that recreational uses do occur outside of Ames. 

From http://www.iaenvironment.org/waterQuality/waterquality.php -

DEADLINE FOR PUBLIC COMMENTS IS APRIL 30, 2010
It is important for anyone who has knowledge of the types of recreational activities that take place on any of these 408 streams provide comments to the DNR, especially if they are aware of any primary contact recreational activities on these streams including swimming, children’s play (including wading), canoeing or kayaking. Public comments are critical to ensure the recreational standards will not be lowered for waters that are being used for recreation and children’s play.

Any person may submit written suggestions or comments on the proposed amendment through April 30, 2010. The comment must specify:
1) type of water recreational activity(s) (e.g. canoeing, children’s play, minnow seining, etc.)
2) where the activity(s) took place (e.g. bridge crossing, park, etc.) using Section/Township/Range, latitude/longitude, or map; and
3) frequency the activity(s) occurred and when (e.g. 1/month in the summer of 2002).

Submit Comments by April 30 to:
Lori McDaniel, Iowa
Department of Natural Resources, Wallace State Office Building,
 502 East 9th Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50319
 fax (515)281–8895
or E–mail lori.mcdaniel@...  


-------- Original Message --------

Date:

Fri, 2 Apr 2010 11:51:26 -0500

From:

Laws, Lynn <LynnLaws@...>



Public Comments Needed!

…on third round of Iowa stream assessments

 

The third round of stream assessments has been completed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR.) As a result, they are proposing to downgrade protections for 408 stream segments!  The DNR is requesting comments from the public on their recommendations to exempt 408 stream segments from recreational use protections. When a stream segment is designated for recreational use, the water is protected from pollution that would be harmful for persons swimming, children’s play and other full body contact.

 

Please go to our website at http://www.iaenvironment.org/waterQuality/waterquality.php to learn how you can help.

 

Thank you!

 

Lynn Laws

Communications Director

Iowa Environmental Council

515-244-1194, ext 210

www.iaenvironment.org

Celebrating 15 Years of Progress

 



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


Reply | Messages in this Topic (2)
#900 From: Gaylan Crim <gbcrim@...>
Date: Tue Apr 13, 2010 5:23 pm
Subject: Fw: Please post IWC e-news announcement! 		gbcrim
Send Email Send Email
 
Iowa Wildlife Center e-announcement

The time is finally here! You are invited to help the new Iowa Wildlife Center (www.iowawildlifecenter.org) take flight as we introduce our organization and mission to the public. Domestic animals have veterinarians and "safe havens", right? IWC will provide these same services to native Iowa wildlife with rescue, rehabilitation and release, and provide Iowans much-needed assistance with this unique form of conservation service, plus offering skills training and environmental education.

How can you help? 1) Join IWC and friends at "In Our Hands" -- two related family events that will celebrate the 40th anniversary of Earth Day and IWC's public launch. Join us in Ames Friday evening, April 23rd, for a concert by the award-winning author and musician, Douglas Wood, plus see some representatives of the wild patients we will be seeing. Then on Saturday, April 24th, enjoy spring at WildWay, the 75-acre site near Ledges State Park where we will build our wildlife hospital and education center, while participating in fun and educational activities (Wildlife CSI or a hike, anyone?).

Here are two more ways you can help: 2) Pass the word at IWC’s In Our Hands events and encourage your friends and family to attend and/or 3) making a donation to help defray the cost of the events. Proceeds benefit the Iowa Wildlife Center. Visit our "Events" section on the IWC homepage for complete itinerary, directions and flyer to download (and POST). Thanks so very much!

 

 

Marlene Ehresman, Executive Director

Iowa Wildlife Center

PO Box 2309

Ames, IA 50010

515/233-1379

http://www.iowawildlifecenter.org/

 

healing lives, healing land & healing the human spirit

 



Reply | Messages in this Topic (1)
#901 From: Rick Dietz <rsdietz@...>
Date: Tue Apr 20, 2010 2:20 am
Subject: April 24 Clean Water and Wild & Scenic Film Festivals... 		rsdietz
Send Email Send Email
 
Ames Clean Water Festival
Saturday April 24, 10 am - 2 pm
Ames Community Center, 515 Clark Avenue
The Ames Public Works Department, in partnership with the Ames Water and Pollution Control Department, is co-hosting this FREE event which offers a variety of attractions.

The Ames Clean Water Festival emphasizes the importance of water in everyday life and encourages the preservation of this precious resource.   "It is a great place to discover ways to be more water conscious," said John Dunn, Water and Pollution Control Department Director.  "There are small steps everyone can do to improve the quality of water in Ames.  This festival provides area residents with the information and tools needed to take action," said Jake Moore, Stormwater Specialist with the Public Works Department. 

Find more information and a speaker schedule at www.cityofames.org/WaterWeb/WaterPlant/CleanWaterFestival.htm


JAX Wild and Scenic Film Festival
Saturday April 24, 7 pm - 11 pm
Sun Room, ISU Memorial Union
JAX Outdoor Gear will host the Wild & Scenic Environmental Film Festival at 7 pm Saturday April 24 in the Sun Room of the ISU Memorial Union. The film festival features a variety of prize-winning environmentally based short films (see www.jaxmercantile.com/product.php?productid=454733&cat=4765&page=1). An Enviro Fair will be held prior to the film fest at 6 pm and refreshments will be served. Tickets are $6 with proceeds to benefit the Squaw Creek Watershed Coalition.   For more information, call Stacy at JAX, 292-2276, or visit www.wildandscenicfilmfestival.org
  


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

Reply | Messages in this Topic (2)
#902 From: Rick Dietz <rsdietz@...>
Date: Thu Apr 22, 2010 3:19 am
Subject: Iowa Rivers Revival Annual Conference 		rsdietz
Send Email Send Email
 

From: Iowa Rivers Revival [mailto:rlehman@...]
Sent: Thursday, April 15, 2010 7:51 AM
To: Iowa Rivers Revival
Subject: IRR e-News

 
IRR Annual Conference – early Registration Deadline April 23

Beyond the River Banks: Celebrating Iowa’s Cedar Valley – April 30-May 2, 2010

 
The Iowa Cedar Valley will be the focus during Iowa Rivers Revival's 5th annual conference in Cedar Falls and Waterloo April 30 – May 2. The conference theme, Beyond the River Banks: Celebrating Iowa's Cedar Valley emphasizes a watershed approach that recognizes that rivers and streams need space to expand and recede, coexisting in harmony with the communities and habitats they shape.  The floods of 2008 and threats of future flooding have many Iowans talking about a new vision for Iowa’s waterways to ensure the safety of river communities and to preserve and enhance Iowa’s natural heritage.  Registrations received after April 23rd are an additional $10.  Early registrations help keep costs down so we can plan and organize materials and meals accordingly. 

 

Friday: 4:30-6:30; The Brown Bottle, 1111 Center St, Cedar Falls

Saturday: Black Hawk County Conservation Board, Airline Community Rm, 1346 West Airline Hwy in Waterloo

Sunday: George Wyth State Park

 

Agenda • On-line Registration (deadline Apr 23) • Registration (deadline Apr 23) • Sponsorship Brochure (deadline Apr 20)- sponsorships can be made on-line at Paypal.com to: rlehman@... • Exhibit Application • River Town of the Year Application

 




Ames Clean Water Festival
Saturday April 24, 10 am - 2 pm
Ames Community Center, 515 Clark Avenue
The Ames Public Works Department, in partnership with the Ames Water and Pollution Control Department, is co-hosting this FREE event which offers a variety of attractions.

The Ames Clean Water Festival emphasizes the importance of water in everyday life and encourages the preservation of this precious resource.   "It is a great place to discover ways to be more water conscious," said John Dunn, Water and Pollution Control Department Director.  "There are small steps everyone can do to improve the quality of water in Ames.  This festival provides area residents with the information and tools needed to take action," said Jake Moore, Stormwater Specialist with the Public Works Department. 

Find more information and a speaker schedule at www.cityofames.org/WaterWeb/WaterPlant/CleanWaterFestival.htm


JAX Wild and Scenic Film Festival
Saturday April 24, 7 pm - 11 pm
Sun Room, ISU Memorial Union
JAX Outdoor Gear will host the Wild & Scenic Environmental Film Festival at 7 pm Saturday April 24 in the Sun Room of the ISU Memorial Union. The film festival features a variety of prize-winning environmentally based short films (see www.jaxmercantile.com/product.php?productid=454733&cat=4765&page=1). An Enviro Fair will be held prior to the film fest at 6 pm and refreshments will be served. Tickets are $6 with proceeds to benefit the Squaw Creek Watershed Coalition.   For more information, call Stacy at JAX, 292-2276, or visit www.wildandscenicfilmfestival.org
  

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

Reply | Messages in this Topic (2)
#903 From: Michael Lazere <mlazere@...>
Date: Thu Apr 22, 2010 3:12 am
Subject: Annual Meeting - Weds 4/28 		mplazere
Send Email Send Email
  
Mark your calendars!

The Squaw Creek Watershed Coalition will hold it's annual meeting on
Weds, April 28th at 7pm in the Community Room at the Ames Public
Library. Rick Cruse,from the Iowa Water Center, will give a talk about
"The Impact of Plant-based Biofuels on Soil and Water Quality" and Erv
Klaas will share information about bacteria levels in Squaw Creek.
The event is free and open to the public.

Reply | Messages in this Topic (1)
#904 From: Michael Lazere <mlazere@...>
Date: Tue Apr 27, 2010 8:39 am
Subject: SCWC Upcoming Events! 		mplazere
Send Email Send Email
 
First of all,I want to welcome the new members to our Squaw Creek Coalition yahoo-groups list.  Thank you for signing up.  We are a small volunteer group who would like to grow.  Please feel free to get involved in any way that you can.  

Speaking of involvement.....

1.  Please come to our Annual Meeting this Weds (4/28) at 7 pm in the Community Room at the Ames Public Library.  Rick Cruse,from the Iowa Water Center, will give a talk about "The Impact of Plant-based Biofuels on Soil and Water Quality" and Erv Klaas will share information about bacteria levels in Squaw Creek. 

2. On Saturday, May 15th we will be coordinating the IOWATER snapshot in the watershed.  There are about 50 sites for which we will do the standard physical/chemical testing, and collect samples for lab analysis of bacteria.   Please feel free to join us whether or not you have done the IOWATER training.  We will meet at Brookside Park at 9 am, then venture out from there.  We generally finish by 1 pm, but you don't have to give up your whole morning if you want to take part.

Please e-mail Rick Dietz at:  rsdietz@...  if you want to take part.  If you are an IOWATER volunteer, check your supplies and expiration dates and let him know what you need.

Hope to see you soon!

Mike Lazere and the SCWC



Reply | Messages in this Topic (1)
#905 From: Rick Dietz <rsdietz@...>
Date: Fri Apr 30, 2010 6:00 pm
Subject: LAST CHANCE for comments regarding proposed stream reclassifications! 		rsdietz
Send Email Send Email
 
Today, April 30th, is your last opportunity to comment on the current list of stream segments being proposed for a lower standard of recreational and/or biological use.

It is extremely important that the DNR hear from the public during this review process. In many instances (pretty much every UAA that I've read) the use assessment was not thorough enough to accurately reflect actual and potential uses. Even when comments regarding existing uses and the potential for recreational use are noted in the UAA, they seem to be passed off without further investigation. I also question whether there has been adequate notification that a stream in your community,  neighborhood, or back yard is being being considered for a lower standard of protection.

Please send your comments to Lori today. Be specific when you can but please take the opportunity to voice your concerns no matter how broad.

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: [skunkriverpaddlers] Recreational Use comments needed for Indian Creek!
Date: Sun, 11 Apr 2010 11:20:47 -0500
From: Rick Dietz <rsdietz@...>
To: skunkriverpaddlers <skunkriverpaddlers@yahoogroups.com>


 

Indian Creek is also on the current list of streams to be downgraded from Primary to Secondary Contact Recreational Use. The section being reviewed is from the confluence of East and West Indian Creeks south past Maxwell and Mingo to the confluence with the South Skunk near Colfax. The City of Nevada discharges to West Indian Creek and the City of Maxwell discharges to Rock Creek, a small tributary of Indian Creek.   (See map at http://programs.iowadnr.gov/uaa/resources1/uaa/994/Indian%20Creek%20-%20Recommendation%20Map.pdf).

Very little evidence of recreational use was noted in the three Recreational Use Assessments so it's important that anyone and everyone who has knowledge of such uses submit their comments to the DNR!

Instructions for submitting comments (due April 30) are in this email or you can find them at http://www.iaenvironment.org/waterQuality/waterquality.php.  The allowable concentrations of  E. coli for each Recreational Use Designation can be found at http://www.iowadnr.gov/water/standards/criteria.html.


>From the DNR's Recreational Use Assessment and Attainability Analysis (UAA) of Indian Creek:

VI. CONCLUSION

Fieldwork for preparation of this UA/UAA was conducted on Indian Creek on March 24, 2006. Indian Creek, located in Story, Polk, and Jasper counties, is noted as a perennial stream along its entire length according to the 1:100,000 USGS DLG Data Set. The assessed segment of Indian Creek was from its mouth to the confluence with the East and West Indian creeks (S16, T82N, R22W, Story County). The communities of Nevada and Maxwell discharges treated wastewater indirectly into the creek via West Indian and Rock creeks, respectively. At its mouth, Indian Creek has a drainage area of 413.21 square miles while at the confluence of East and West Indian creeks, the combined drainage area of both streams is approximately 201.05 square miles.

Based on aerial photography, nearly all of the properties along Indian Creek appear to be in private ownership with very short segments flowing near the southern outskirts of the community of Maxwell and the eastern fringe area of the community of Mingo. Eighteen public roads cross the creek within the assessed reach along with four recreational areas in close proximity. From field observations and aerial photography, 23 rural-type residences were noted along or in close proximity to the assessed segment.

The creek’s widths range from 45 to 97 feet and average depths ranging from 6 to 15 inches with a maximum depth of 22 inches. The maximum depth of 22 inches was found in a run area at site (128-3). Moderately deep incised stream banks with steep to near vertical side slopes and bank heights up to approximately 20 feet are common features of the assessed segment. The banks are covered in a mixture of trees, shrubs, herbaceous material, grasses, and bare sandy soil resulting in a moderately open stream canopy. In many areas the large stream widths resulted in a significant portion of the water surface to be relatively open even with forested stream side vegetation.

Solicitation of public input on local recreational activities in Indian Creek noted the following responses;

1) Distributed Post cards – no written responses.

2) Comments via written or Website public response opportunities – no responses

3) Phone Interview – A staff member from the Jasper County Conservation Board indicated that at the Chichaqua Valley Trail, recreational canoeing and kayaking occurs on the creek as users have been seen floating and fishing past the public land, but on very rare occasions, likely during elevated water conditions from upstream private access locations. She noted that these activities may occur in the spring and summer, but that she has seen it maybe only once or twice a year. Fishing does occur, but she was not aware of any seining or kids playing in the creek, except that she has observed shoe prints and worn patches leading to the stream.

4) Phone Interview – A staff member from the DNR indicated that at the Colfax Wildlife Management Area he has never observed swimming, children playing near or in the stream, or canoeing/kayaking in the stream. He believes fishing occurs, but he has never personally observed it.

The relatively shallow water along the assessed creek length (range from 6 to 15 inches during normal flow conditions) was not capable of supporting normal primary recreational uses. No locations were found to have depths greater than 22 inches under normal flow regimes. The shallow water conditions appear to impede the reasonable attainment of primary contact recreation along the entire assessed reach. Primary Contact recreational uses are not considered attainable for Indian Creek due to the lack of flow (as per 40 CFR 131.10(g) (2)) throughout the reach to completely fulfill what is considered a Class A1 primary contact recreational use.

Frequent children’s recreation is not expected due the stream being located in primarily rural agricultural area with heavily vegetated, steep, and more difficult to traverse banks. Therefore, children’s recreation use is not recommended.

While the upper reach of Indian Creek is too shallow to support primary contact recreational uses, it does possess a remote potential of attracting Class A2 Secondary Contact recreational uses particularly associated with fishing, trapping or hunting. Therefore, the Department recommends assigning a Class A2 Secondary Contact recreational use designation for Indian Creek from it mouth (S32, T80N, R20W, Jasper Co.), the confluence with the East and West Indian creeks (S16, T82N, R22W, Story Co.). The Department considers Class A2 to be the highest attainable recreational use designation for this stream reach.

Waters designated as Secondary contact recreational use (Class A2) are;
‘Waters in which recreational or other uses may result in contact with the water that is either incidental or accidental.  During the recreational use, the probability of ingesting appreciable quantities of water is minimal.  Class A2 uses include fishing, commercial and recreational boating, any limited contact incidental to shoreline activities and activities in which users do not swim or float in the waterbody while on a boating activity.’  [567-61.3(1)b(2)]

Recommended Recreational Use Designation:

Primary Use

Secondary Use - See description above

Children’s Recreation

No Recreational Use



Rick Dietz wrote:
The DNR is requesting comments from the public on a third round of stream assessments (see forwarded email below). 

Eighteen miles of Squaw Creek are affected.  The portion of Squaw Creek within Ames would remain designated for A1 Primary Contact use, but a rural section, from our "Glacial Creek" (a tributary in Boone County south of 110th), has been recommended for the A2 Secondary Contact Recreational Use designation.  Indian Creek and Bear Creek (tributaries of the South Skunk) are also on the list.

Here's what I've gleaned from the DNR's Use Assessments and Use Attainability Analysis of Squaw Creek:
  • The field assessments were based on a single visit to six sites in September 2005. Very little evidence of recreational use was observed at the three in-town sites at that time, and no evidence of recreational use was found at the three rural sites (120th, 170th and R38).
  • Thirteen recreational use surveys were submitted for Squaw Creek. Those public comments indicated that the stream does support Primary Contact Recreational uses WITHIN Ames, but only two surveys specifically noted recreational uses OUTSIDE of the city limits (wading at Cameron School Road).
  • Stream depth is another criteria that the DNR uses to help determine if Primary Contact Recreational use is attainable, and only one site (near 6th Street in Ames) met their depth criteria at the time of assessment. The recommendation also noted the lack of of public access to the creek outside of Ames as limiting its potential for recreational use.
I know that public comments have successfully influenced past recommendations, and we know from our own experiences (including many hours of  IOWATER assessments) that recreational uses do occur outside of Ames. 

From http://www.iaenvironment.org/waterQuality/waterquality.php -

DEADLINE FOR PUBLIC COMMENTS IS APRIL 30, 2010
It is important for anyone who has knowledge of the types of recreational activities that take place on any of these 408 streams provide comments to the DNR, especially if they are aware of any primary contact recreational activities on these streams including swimming, children’s play (including wading), canoeing or kayaking. Public comments are critical to ensure the recreational standards will not be lowered for waters that are being used for recreation and children’s play.

Any person may submit written suggestions or comments on the proposed amendment through April 30, 2010. The comment must specify:
1) type of water recreational activity(s) (e.g. canoeing, children’s play, minnow seining, etc.)
2) where the activity(s) took place (e.g. bridge crossing, park, etc.) using Section/Township/Range, latitude/longitude, or map; and
3) frequency the activity(s) occurred and when (e.g. 1/month in the summer of 2002).

Submit Comments by April 30 to:
Lori McDaniel, Iowa
Department of Natural Resources, Wallace State Office Building,
 502 East 9th Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50319
 fax (515)281–8895
or E–mail lori.mcdaniel@dnr.iowa.gov  


-------- Original Message --------
Date: Fri, 2 Apr 2010 11:51:26 -0500
From: Laws, Lynn <LynnLaws@iaenvironment.org>

Public Comments Needed!

…on third round of Iowa stream assessments

 

The third round of stream assessments has been completed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR.) As a result, they are proposing to downgrade protections for 408 stream segments!  The DNR is requesting comments from the public on their recommendations to exempt 408 stream segments from recreational use protections. When a stream segment is designated for recreational use, the water is protected from pollution that would be harmful for persons swimming, children’s play and other full body contact.

 

Please go to our website at http://www.iaenvironment.org/waterQuality/waterquality.php to learn how you can help.

 

Thank you!

 

Lynn Laws

Communications Director

Iowa Environmental Council

515-244-1194, ext 210

www.iaenvironment.org

Celebrating 15 Years of Progress

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

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

Reply | Messages in this Topic (1)
#906 From: "Dayton" <heinsight@...>
Date: Wed May 5, 2010 3:18 am
Subject: water retention 		heinsight
Send Email Send Email
  
I wonder what is being done to increase water retention in the area.  Rain
gardens and retention ponds for parking lots can slow the water.  How much more
can we do to reduce flooding and bolster the water supply

Reply | Messages in this Topic (1)
#907 From: Michael Lazere <mlazere@...>
Date: Fri May 7, 2010 4:27 am
Subject: Upcoming IOWATER Workshops 		mplazere
Send Email Send Email
  
fyi


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#908 From: Michael Lazere <mlazere@...>
Date: Sun Jun 6, 2010 2:13 am
Subject: Fwd: College Creek Clean Up- Sat, June 19, 1-4pm 		mplazere
Send Email Send Email
 
fyi


Will you please forward to the Squaw Creek Watershed folks?
 
ISU College Creek Clean Up
The second annual ISU College Creek Clean Up will be held on Saturday, June 19 from 1-4pm.  Keep Iowa State Beautiful and the Live Green! Initiative are hosting a litter and debris pick up.  This event is open to anyone (note: children must be supervised by a parent/guardian).  Dress for the weather and bring work gloves if you have them.  Food and water will be provided. 

 

If you have questions, please contact Jennifer Garrett at garrett1@...

 

 

 

 


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Reply | Messages in this Topic (1)
#909 From: Rick Dietz <rsdietz@...>
Date: Tue Jun 15, 2010 2:51 am
Subject: Fw: Hickory Grove Watershed Field Day 		rsdietz
Send Email Send Email
 

--- On Mon, 6/14/10, Danaher, Rose - Nevada, IA <rose.danaher@...> wrote:

From: Danaher, Rose - Nevada, IA <rose.danaher@...>
Subject: Hickory Grove Watershed Field Day
Date: Monday, June 14, 2010, 10:24 AM

Please share with the Squaw Creek Watershed Coalition group!

 

Story County Conservation and the Soil Conservation District Commissioners invite interested citizens to a Hickory Grove Lake Watershed Field Day on June 23 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.  The event will be at Oriole Ridge Lodge on the north side of Hickory Grove Lake southwest of Colo.  There will be door prizes and a dinner served at 5:00 p.m (free will donation).  Learn about the latest in soil conservation agricultural equipment and practices.  Equipment will be on hand to inspect.  The Iowa Department of Natural Resources will be on hand to discuss the latest in fish management objectives for Hickory Grove Lake and the Iowa Lake Restoration Program.  ISU’s Iowa Learning Farm will be on hand with their educational Conservation Station.  Practical Farmers of Iowa will share the latest in sustainable agriculture practices.  Pedal boats and fishing poles will be available at the site for families to enjoy while attending the event.  Oriole Ridge offers plenty of covered space, so the event will be held rain or shine!

 

Thanks,

Rose

         Rose Danaher

                         Conservation Specialist

                            untitled   

 Story County Soil and Water Conservation District

                                510 S. 11th St.

                           Nevada, Iowa 50201

                               (515) 382-2217

                  rose.danaher@...

 


1 of 1 File(s)


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#910 From: Rick Dietz <rsdietz@...>
Date: Wed Jul 21, 2010 5:32 pm
Subject: Fw: INVITATION -- Campaign Kick-Off Party & Rally - Iowa's Water & Land Legacy 		rsdietz
Send Email Send Email
 
The Executive Boards of the Squaw Creek Watershed Coalition and the Skunk River Paddlers have elected to join the Iowa Water & Land Legacy Campaign. These folks have been actively promoting the proposed legislation and we need to show our support!

--- On Wed, 7/21/10, Iowa's Water & Land Legacy, a project of The Conservation Campaign <iowaswaterandlandlegacy@...> wrote:

From: Iowa's Water & Land Legacy, a project of The Conservation Campaign <iowaswaterandlandlegacy@...>
Subject: INVITATION -- Campaign Kick-Off Party & Rally - Iowa's Water & Land Legacy
Date: Wednesday, July 21, 2010, 10:15 AM

Contribute_Button
INVITATION - Campaign Kick-Off & Rally
August 6, 2010 - 5:30 PM
       
A Project of The Conservation Campaign

In This Issue
Campaign Kick-Off Party
Directions to the Event

Get Involved!
What you can do to make a difference for Iowa!

facebookfacebookfacebookfacebook
Join us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Visit our YouTube page
See our Flickr Gallery

Contribute to the campaign
 
Dear Rick,

It's almost August, the temperature is rising, and it's time to kick-off Iowa's Water IWiLL Logo& Land Legacy's "Vote Yes on Question #1" campaign the right way.  What's the best way to kick-off a campaign?  Free food & drink courtesy of The Nature Conservancy & Iowa's Water and Land Legacy.

Campaign Kick-Off Rally

Vote Yes Graphic
WHAT:Invite
IOWA'S WATER & LAND LEGACY
"CAMPAIGN KICK-OFF" PARTY
(FREE FOOD/DRINK)

WHEN:
5:30 PM - FRIDAY, AUGUST 6, 2010

WHERE:
EMBASSY SUITES HOTEL
101 E. LOCUST STREET  DES MOINES, IA

The Nature Conservancy has kindly invited the campaign to use their annual meeting as an opportunity to rally support for Iowa's Water and Land Legacy. TNC is hosting a party to thank all of our coalition partners and get everyone fired up for victory in November!  We have just over 3 months to go before Election Day and now's the time to come together and let Iowans know about the historic "once in a lifetime" opportunity we have to VOTE YES on QUESTION #1 this November.
 
Please forward this invitation to your membership lists.  We have over 120 members of the coalition and if every member were to get five (5) people to attendwe'd have a real party!  So, tell your members, neighbors, friends and co-workers to come out for free food & drinks on August 6th and celebrate our campaign kick-off!

Forward this email
 
So, please spread the word and RSVP to Mark Langgin/Campaign Manager @ iowaswaterandlandlegacy@...  or 515-707-0266.
Help us "Raise the Roof" for the Rally

We have a goal of raising $1000 online between now and August 6th to help offset the costs of the rally.  When you get 200+ people together it's a big party!

Please contribute $25, $50, or $100 today to help us "Raise the Roof" for our Campaign Kick-Off party. 

Contribute_Button

Find us on Facebook

Thank you in advance for your help and please contact me, or Rosalyn Lehman (rlehman@...), if you have any questions!

Sincerely,

Mark Langgin - Campaign Manager
 
PO Box 93176
Des Moines, Iowa 50393-3176
Iowa's Water & Land Legacy, a project of The Conservation Campaign

Paid for by Iowa's Water and Land Legacy, a project of The Conservation Campaign.
PO BOX 93176 · Des Moines, IA 50393-3176
©Copyright 2010 Iowa's Water and Land Legacy. All Rights Reserved.


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Iowa's Water & Land Legacy, a project of The Conservation Campaign | PO Box 93176 | Des Moines | IA | 50393-3176

Reply | Messages in this Topic (1)
#911 From: Rick Dietz <rsdietz@...>
Date: Tue Aug 3, 2010 9:19 pm
Subject: Fw: IWILL Campaign Kick-Off Party, Friday, August 6th 		rsdietz
Send Email Send Email
 
--- On Tue, 8/3/10, Rosalyn Lehman <rlehman@...> wrote:

Good afternoon, IWILL friends,

 

Please help us pack the house for the IWILL Campaign Kick-Off Party, Friday, August 6th.  Please forward this invitation to your membership lists encouraging them to attend in support of this historical opportunity to help restore and preserve Iowa’s natural resources!  We have over 120 members of the coalition and if every member were to get five (5) people to attend we'd have a real party!  So, tell your members, neighbors, friends and co-workers to come out for free food & drinks on August 6th and celebrate our campaign kick-off!

 

Thanks,

Roz

_______________________________________

 

It's time to kick-off Iowa's Water & Land Legacy's "Vote Yes on Question #1" campaign the right way.  This is a chance to conserve Iowa's natural areas for future generations, reduce/mitigate future flooding, and grow our state.  Join us on Friday, August 6th at 5:30 PM at the Embassy Suites for Iowa’s Water and Land Legacy “Kick-Off Party!†

 

The Nature Conservancy has kindly invited the campaign to use their annual meeting as an opportunity to rally support for Iowa's Water and Land Legacy. TNC is hosting a party to thank all of our (120+) coalition organizations and get everyone fired up for victory in November!  We have just over 3 months to go before Election Day and now's the time to come together and let Iowans know about the historic "once in a lifetime" opportunity we have to VOTE YES on QUESTION #1 this November.
 
So, please spread the word and RSVP to Mark Langgin/Campaign Manager @ iowaswaterandlandlegacy@...  or 515-707-0266. You've heard about the Iowa Water & Land Legacy "Campaign Kick-Off Party" and now it's time to tell your friends, neighbors, co-workers & family!

 

How do we get the word out?  How can you help?  Send this email to a friend!

 

What's the best way to kick-off a campaign?  Free food & drink courtesy of The Nature Conservancy & Iowa's Water and Land Legacy - August 6, 2010 - 5:30 PM at Embassy Suites in Des Moines, IA.

 

Campaign Kick-Off Rally

 

WHAT:                 IOWA'S WATER & LAND LEGACY "CAMPAIGN KICK-OFF" PARTY (FREE FOOD/DRINK)

 

WHEN:                 5:30 PM - FRIDAY, AUGUST 6, 2010

 

WHERE:                EMBASSY SUITES HOTEL, 101 E. LOCUST STREET  DES MOINES, IA

 

RSVP:                    Mark Langgin/Campaign Manager @ iowaswaterandlandlegacy@...  or 515-707-0266


Reply | Messages in this Topic (1)
#912 From: Michael Sundberg <mikesund88@...>
Date: Fri Sep 10, 2010 2:07 am
Subject: college creek oil spill 		mikesund88
Send Email Send Email
 
College creek has a blue oily sheen at the location where it goes under Beach road on ISU campus. Does anyone know what the source of this might be?


2 of 2 Photo(s)


Reply | Messages in this Topic (1)
#913 From: Rick Dietz <rsdietz@...>
Date: Sat Oct 9, 2010 12:29 am
Subject: Fwd: Assist with River Protection/America's Great Outdoors publicity? 		rsdietz
Send Email Send Email
 
I'm forwarding a message from the American Rivers organization asking for someone to submit an Op-Ed to the DM Register in support of the President's American Great Outdoors Initiative. I've already sent a letter of personal support - from the American Rivers website I think. 

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Assist with River Protection/America's Great Outdoors publicity?
Date: Fri, 8 Oct 2010 21:10:58 +0000
From: Evan Manvel <EManvel@...>
To: 'execboard@...' <execboard@...>


Allies at the Skunk River Paddlers-
Sorry to send an email to y'all, but I've been having trouble finding someone in Iowa to submit an Op-Ed in support of river protection and recreation, and thought you might help.
Brief Background
We have a key chance to influence the Obama administration on river protection issues – and leave a legacy for our children.
The President's America's Great Outdoors Initiative is a critical opportunity to enhance stewardship of our nation's rivers and increase opportunities for the public to enjoy them. Echoing the efforts of Teddy Roosevelt’s administration over100 years ago, the Obama Administration is reaching out to the public to listen to our priorities in setting a strong conservation agenda.
Just as Roosevelt’s efforts led to the creation of five national parks and the protection of the Grand Canyon, as well as a host of national forests and monuments, we’re working to get the Obama Administration to take bold action. Specifically, we’re asking the Administration to launch a National Blueways Initiative to improve recreation and protect river corridors and to designate more places as wild and scenic rivers.
We need your help to convince our nation's leaders to act boldly to protect our outdoor heritage. Having a strong turnout of people who know and appreciate our rivers will be key to having the Administration take action.
More Background
President Obama established the America's Great Outdoors (AGO) initiative in April to develop a conservation and recreation agenda that will reconnect Americans with our great outdoors. The Administration's first step in the AGO initiative is to listen to those of us who are actually using public lands and waters. AGO events were organized across the nation this summer. Some events were officially held by the Administration, while others were held by organizations including river advocacy groups like ours, with Administration attendance.

This is a key opportunity to provide direct input from our community – canoeists and kayakers, hunters and fishers, hikers and backpackers – to decision makers in Washington. With your input we can better guide the decisions that affect your favorite rivers, routes, trails and wild places.
For additional background, see the American Rivers page here:
And the official administration page here:
YOUR HELP
We see public support of river protection and recreation as a key piece at this point in the campaign. We think final decisions about the Administration's direction will be taken by mid-to-late October, so we're looking to submit these op-eds ASAP. We've love it if you could submit an Op-Ed to the Des Moines Register talking about the importance of water trails and river protection in Iowa. I've drafted something and can work with you on language.
If you can let me know by Monday whether this is something you're interested in doing, that would be fabulous.
Thanks for your time - and sorry for the short notice.
Regards,
Evan


--
Evan Manvel
American Rivers

(503) 515-8548

 
 
Evan Manvel
America's Great Outdoors Grassroots Organizer
American Rivers
(503) 515-8548 (c)
 
Share your favorite river photos with us at www.AmericanRivers.org/photoupload
 
 

Reply | Messages in this Topic (1)
#914 From: Gaylan Crim <gbcrim@...>
Date: Wed Nov 3, 2010 3:42 am
Subject: Errington Lecture 		gbcrim
Send Email Send Email
 


Reply | Messages in this Topic (2)
#915 From: Rick Dietz <rsdietz@...>
Date: Sat Feb 26, 2011 8:47 pm
Subject: Fwd: 2011 Flood Outlook (Mar 2) and Ames Reads Leopold + ¡ÈGreen Fire¡É film (Mar 6) 		rsdietz
Send Email Send Email
 
Briefing on Spring Precipitation and Flooding Outlooks

Wednesday, March 2, 6:00-8:00 pm

Iowa State Historical Building, 600 E. Locust, Des Moines

Is the stage set for another wet spring?

What is the risk of flooding in Iowa this spring?

 

The ISU Climate Science Program and Iowa Flood Center will co¡¾host a public information briefing to discuss Iowa spring rainfall and flood outlooks. The program will present newly developed flood information services for communities, an update on recent legislative activities, and spring outlooks from national and local weather experts. The brief presentations will be followed by a question and answer session and reception to encourage further discussion.

 

Agenda

 

Welcoming Remarks

Dr. Richard Cruse

Director, Iowa Water Center

 

Connecting recent changes in Iowa precipitation to floods

Dr. Eugene S. Takle, Director, ISU Climate Science Program

 

Community centric flood information system

Dr. Witold Krajewski, Director, Iowa Flood Center

 

Midwest Spring Precipitation and Temperature Outlook

Ed O¡ÇLenic, Chief of Operations, NOAA Climate Prediction Center

 

Midwest Spring Flood Outlook

Steve Buan, Service Coordination Hydrologist, NOAA North Central River Forecast Center

 

Iowa Spring Flood Outlook

Jeff Zogg, Hydrologist National Weather Service Des Moines Weather Forecast Office

 

Update on Iowa Legislative Activities

Susan Judkins Josten, Rebuild Iowa Office

 

Question and answer session followed by reception

 

For more information, contact: Chris Anderson, 515¡¾294¡¾9948, cjames@...

And visit our website at http://www.biorenew.iastate.edu/events/cpas2011.html

 
(or try http://www.iowafloodcenter.org/events/2680/)

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++


Ames Tribune > Sports

Outdoors Notebook: ¡ÆAmes Reads Leopold¡Ç March 6

Published: Friday, February 25, 2011 5:40 PM CST
Curt Meine¡Çs documentary film about Aldo Leopold, ¡ÈGreen Fire,¡É will be shown for the first time in Iowa during ¡ÈAmes Reads Leopold¡É at 1 p.m. Sunday, March 6, at Ames Public Library, 515 Douglas Ave.

The film is a new documentary that details Leopold¡Çs life, including his view on land ethics and how he chose to implement those ideas into his everyday thinking. Excerpts from ¡ÈA Sand County Almanac¡É also will be read aloud in conjunction with the movie. The event is free and open to the public.

The Ames event joins similar celebrations in other communities during the first weekend in March when people gather to hear Leopold¡Çs writings read aloud and demonstrate their commitment to his vision.

To learn more about ¡ÈAldo Leopold Weekends,¡É visit www.aldoleopold.org.

Source: http://www.amestrib.com/articles/2011/02/26/ames_tribune/sports/outdoors/doc4d683d5143181280242744.prt

 

"We abuse land because we regard it as a commodity belonging to us. When we see land as a community to which we belong, we may begin to use it with love and respect. ~Aldo Leopold, A Sand County Almanac"
¡½ Aldo Leopold


+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++


And this -

2011 Iowa Water Conference  "More Water to Manage"
March 7-8, 2011
Scheman Continuing Education Building
Iowa State University


http://www.aep.iastate.edu/iwc/


Reply | Messages in this Topic (1)
#916 From: Rick Dietz <rsdietz@...>
Date: Tue Mar 1, 2011 10:46 pm
Subject: Fwd: Water quality at risk! 		rsdietz
Send Email Send Email
 

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Water quality at risk!
Date: Tue, 1 Mar 2011 14:54:52 -0600
From: Iowa Rivers Revival <rlehman@...>


Good afternoon,

 

Governor Branstad needs to hear from Iowans today!  515.281.5211 or http://www.governor.iowa.gov/contact/

 

Our hopes for a future with clean water in Iowa are dimming.  Efforts to improve water quality are being threatened by several bills and by a recent Farm Bureau lawsuit attempting to overturn the water quality anti-degradation rules that took years of work to complete and pass. 

 

·         HSB 180 – the most foreboding bill that could impact water quality, transfers the authority for water monitoring and protection from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) to the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS).  It would also transfer the entire 319 EPA funded Non-Point Source Water Pollution program from IDNR to IDALS.  At a time when “less spending and government efficiency” is the message coming from legislative leaders – this transfer is unnecessary and costly, requiring planning, hiring and duplication that the taxpayer can ill afford, while turning over water protection to an agency whose primary function is to serve and promote agriculture.

 

o   According to an Iowa Department of Administrations publication, “The object of the [Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship] is to encourage, promote, market, and advance the interests of agriculture, including production practices, such as organic or conventional, that may lead to direct marketing of raw product and value-added goods.”

 

o   The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is the government agency that leads Iowans in caring for their natural resources. It is responsible for maintaining state parks and forests, protecting the environment, and managing energy, fish, wildlife, and land and water resources in Iowa.  The DNR's mission:   To conserve and enhance our natural resources in cooperation with individuals and organizations to improve the quality of life for Iowans and ensure a legacy for future generations.

 

Democracy in Iowa will be poorly served by this change, which would result in no oversight from the Governor or the citizen commission who both represent all Iowa interests in clean water.  The Governor has the authority to move the EPA 319 programs by executive order to any state agency.

 

Contact Governor Branstad today – urge him to oppose HSB 180 and leave the EPA 319 program and other critical water quality programs with the IDNR.
 Governor Terry Branstad:   515.281.5211 or http://www.governor.iowa.gov/contact/

 

SUMMARY

Call or write your legislative leaders today.  Inquire about their next in-district forum and try to attend if available.  We have to initiate the lines of communication and education with our policy leaders if we expect them to look out for rivers. 

 

Iowa General Assembly (find a bill):  http://www.legis.iowa.gov/index.aspx

Iowa Senators and Representatives:  Find your legislators (if you would like a spreadsheet of all the current legislators, please let me know)

Iowa Senate:  515.281.3371

Iowa House: 515.281.3221

 

Please share this legislative update with individuals, organizations or groups that would be interested in receiving this information.

 

Thank you!

 

Rosalyn Lehman

Executive Director

Iowa Rivers Revival

PO Box 72, Des Moines, IA 50301

515-202-7720

rlehman@...  |  www.iowarivers.org


Reply | Messages in this Topic (1)
#917 From: Rick Dietz <rsdietz@...>
Date: Wed Mar 9, 2011 10:45 pm
Subject: Water Quality and IDALS 		rsdietz
Send Email Send Email
 
Those who are concerned about water quality in Iowa will want to read this Legislative Update from the Iowa Rivers Revival organization...

And you can still submit your comments from the Iowa Environmental Councils webpage at http://capwiz.com/iaenvironment/home/.
(http://capwiz.com/iaenvironment/issues/alert/?alertid=32131506&PROCESS=Take+Action)

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: IRR Legislative Update 3-9-11
Date: Wed, 9 Mar 2011 10:36:14 -0600
From: Iowa Rivers Revival <rlehman@...>


IRR Legislative Update from Jerry Peckumn, Board Chair

March 9, 2011

 

First funnel ended last week, March 3rd – meaning a bill had to make it out of committee for it to be still considered “alive” during this legislative session.  We still have some work to do!

 

The move by Republican legislators and the Governor to move water quality programs from the DNR to IDALS brings thoughts of conflict of interest.  As many of you know I am a longtime farmer and have a long agricultural heritage.  My son and I raise corn, soybeans, hay, and cattle.  Farming is a very competitive business requiring ever increasing production and reducing input costs at every opportunity.  Maximizing profits, essentially on a short-term basis, creates a challenge in conserving soil and protecting water.  The Department of Agriculture cannot promote farming and regulate water quality for all Iowans at the same time.  There is an inherent conflict of interest.

 

Last night I tried for an hour to call in Governor Branstad who was on the WHO radio for now scheduled once a month call in.  The phone rang with no answer, then was busy even as I recalled continuously.  No one got through to talk about clean water.  Public input is difficult and this shows the great need to make calls to the Governor’s office and talk to someone about the importance of clean water, clean air, and funding for DNR programs.  The Governor’s budget shows a drastic cut in the DNR budget for 2013-we will not have a functioning DNR if this comes to past.

 

The DEGREDATION of the DNR – THREATS to WATER QUALITY:

 

1)      Governor Branstad proposes to move the 319 program from the DNR to Iowa Department of Agriculture (IDALS).  The Governor has sole authority to move this program to whatever agency he desires. 

a.       Clean Water Act (CWA) established the Section 319 Nonpoint Source Management Program under the Environmental Protection Agency.  Section 319 addresses the need for greater federal leadership to help focus state and local nonpoint source efforts. Under Section 319, states, territories and tribes receive grant money that supports a wide variety of activities including technical assistance, financial assistance, education, training, technology transfer, demonstration projects and monitoring to assess the success of specific nonpoint source implementation projects.

·   http://www.epa.gov/owow_keep/NPS/cwact.html

·   http://www.epa.gov/owow/NPS/sec319cwa.html  

b.      Programs affected by the transfer: moves $2.9 million to IDALS to do monitoring; transfers this function from DNR and all its supported programs:

·   Beach Monitoring

·   Fish Tissue Monitoring

·   Groundwater Monitoring

·   IOWATER

·   Lake Monitoring

·   Project AWARE

·   Stream chemistry and biology (fish communities and other organisms)

·   Watershed Access/Data Access – technology

·   Wetland monitoring

 

2)      Transfer of TMDL and water quality programs from the DNR to IDALS.

a.       This transfer is unprecedented.  No state* in the country has their Secretary of Agriculture delegating water quality responsibilities.

·   *Tennessee’s is the only state where the Department of Agricultures runs the 319 program.

b.      Why IDALS, why now?  DNR has a great staff and does a good job.  At a time when “less spending and government efficiency” is the message coming from legislative leaders – this transfer is unnecessary and costly-requiring planning, hiring and duplication that the taxpayer can ill afford, while turning over water protection to an agency whose primary function is to serve and promote agriculture.

·   This transfer would cause at least a 2 year delay in any water quality improvement due to staff development and administrative restructuring.  Iowa’s water resources cannot afford this delay.

·   All monitoring would be VOLUNTARY not REGULATORY <is this right?>.

·   According to an Iowa Department of Administrations publication, “The object of the [Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship] is to encourage, promote, market, and advance the interests of agriculture, including production practices, such as organic or conventional, that may lead to direct marketing of raw product and value-added goods.”

1.       What does the IDALS do?  http://www.iowaagriculture.gov/whatWeDo.asp

·   The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is the government agency that leads Iowans in caring for their natural resources. It is responsible for maintaining state parks and forests, protecting the environment, and managing energy, fish, wildlife, and land and water resources in Iowa.  The DNR's mission:   To conserve and enhance our natural resources in cooperation with individuals and organizations to improve the quality of life for Iowans and ensure a legacy for future generations.

 

3)      YOU CAN HELP!

a.       Contact the Governor and HOUSE members.

b.      Message:  DNR are the water quality experts!

 

LOBBYIST REPORT from Don Brazelton

 

River Programs.  Our request to have the DNR Rivers Program present to the Transportation and Infrastructure Appropriations Subcommittee was turned down.  We will be starting the process of contacting individual members on that subcommittee to seek some funding for the Rivers & Dam Mitigation Program.  This bill will likely be one of the last few bills passed at the end of this year’s session.

 

HF 45, TAXPAYER FIRST ACT. Awaits Governor’s signature

 

HF 51, REAP SPENDING.  REAP FORMULA CHANGE.  Didn’t get out of HNRC. 

 

HSB 74, BOTTLE BILL REPEAL.  Didn’t get out of HEPC.  SF 249.UNIVERSAL RECYCLING & BOTTLE BILL REPEAL.  Didn’t get out of comm.

-          What does a Bottle Bill have to do with healthy rivers? Blog by Sara Strassman, American Rivers, Director, River Restoration, Upper Midwest

 

HSB 180, ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMS TRANSFER.  Transfers the Clean Water Act, the Water Resources Coordinating Council, the Manure Application Management, the Total Maximum Daily Loads and the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permits from the DNR to the Dept of Ag.  HEPC.

 

SSB 1126, HSB 148, WATER RESOURCES COUNCIL.  Moves the Water Resources Coordinating Council to the Dept of Ag and makes the Secretary of Ag the chair.  Amended & Passed SAgC.  (could include the following: transfers the Clean Water Act, the Water Resources Coordinating Council, the Total Maximum Daily Loads and the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permits from the DNR to the Dept of Ag). 

 

SF 53, HF 163, WATERSHEDS.  Appropriates $3 mil for watershed planning.  Requires the DNR to establish goals for reducing flood damage through retention structures or wetlands.  Requires the Water Resource Coordinating Council to submit reports to the Legislature on landowner incentives and state watershed programs.  Appropriates $30 million for voluntary watershed management grants.  Appropriates $4.2 million to DALS for watershed project technical assistance to landowners, soil and water conservation districts, county conservation boards and DNR;  $2 million to DNR for floodplain management; $50,000 to DNR to a mentor network program for floodplain managers; and $1.3 million to the Regents for the Iowa Flood Center at UI.  Requires Emergency Mgt Div (EMD) to work with the DNR to educate cities & counties on the community rating system in the FEMA flood insurance program.  Requires EMD to provide matching funds to cities in federal disaster areas due to flooding and to develop a pre-disaster mitigation grant program.  Passed SNRC.  Goes to SAC.  More work needs to be done on bill. 

 

HF 500 (formerly HSB 48), EPC & NRC RULEMAKING.  Transfers the rulemaking authority of the NRC and the EPC to the director of the DNR.  Eligible for H debate.

 

HSB 190, AG & NATURAL RESOURCES APPROPRIATIONS.  This is the House version of the appropriations for agriculture and natural resources.  Passed HAC.  Bill is to start in the S.

 

HF 485 (formerly HF 181), ADMINISTRATIVE RULES.  Establishes a 5-year sunset for all administrative rules. Rescinds all rules in effect on July 1 2011 as of July 1 2016. Allows any House or Senate committee to review any administrative rule and make recommendations.  Passed HEGC.

 

SF 7, HF 78, BLOOD ALCOHOL LIMIT - BOATING.  Sets the blood alcohol limit at .08 for motorboats or sailboats operating while intoxicated offenses.  Both bills in HNR subcom-J Smith, Baudler, Steckman.

 

SUMMARY

 

Governor Terry Brandstad:   515.281.5211 or http://www.governor.iowa.gov/contact/

Iowa General Assembly (find a bill):  http://www.legis.iowa.gov/index.aspx

Iowa Senators and Representatives:  Find your legislators (if you would like a spreadsheet of all the current legislators, please let me know)

Iowa Senate:  515.281.3371

Iowa House: 515.281.3221

 

Please share this legislative update with individuals, organizations or groups that would be interested in receiving this information.

 

Thank you!

 

Rosalyn Lehman

Executive Director

Iowa Rivers Revival

PO Box 72, Des Moines, IA 50301

515-202-7720

rlehman@...  |  www.iowarivers.org


Reply | Messages in this Topic (2)
#918 From: Rick Dietz <rsdietz@...>
Date: Wed Mar 9, 2011 10:46 pm
Subject: Water Quality and IDALS 		rsdietz
Send Email Send Email
 
Those who are concerned about water quality in Iowa will want to read this Legislative Update from the Iowa Rivers Revival organization...

And you can still submit your comments at http://capwiz.com/iaenvironment/home/ 
(http://capwiz.com/iaenvironment/issues/alert/?alertid=32131506&PROCESS=Take+Action)

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: IRR Legislative Update 3-9-11
Date: Wed, 9 Mar 2011 10:36:14 -0600
From: Iowa Rivers Revival <rlehman@...>


IRR Legislative Update from Jerry Peckumn, Board Chair

March 9, 2011

 

First funnel ended last week, March 3rd – meaning a bill had to make it out of committee for it to be still considered “alive” during this legislative session.  We still have some work to do!

 

The move by Republican legislators and the Governor to move water quality programs from the DNR to IDALS brings thoughts of conflict of interest.  As many of you know I am a longtime farmer and have a long agricultural heritage.  My son and I raise corn, soybeans, hay, and cattle.  Farming is a very competitive business requiring ever increasing production and reducing input costs at every opportunity.  Maximizing profits, essentially on a short-term basis, creates a challenge in conserving soil and protecting water.  The Department of Agriculture cannot promote farming and regulate water quality for all Iowans at the same time.  There is an inherent conflict of interest.

 

Last night I tried for an hour to call in Governor Branstad who was on the WHO radio for now scheduled once a month call in.  The phone rang with no answer, then was busy even as I recalled continuously.  No one got through to talk about clean water.  Public input is difficult and this shows the great need to make calls to the Governor’s office and talk to someone about the importance of clean water, clean air, and funding for DNR programs.  The Governor’s budget shows a drastic cut in the DNR budget for 2013-we will not have a functioning DNR if this comes to past.

 

The DEGREDATION of the DNR – THREATS to WATER QUALITY:

 

1)      Governor Branstad proposes to move the 319 program from the DNR to Iowa Department of Agriculture (IDALS).  The Governor has sole authority to move this program to whatever agency he desires. 

a.       Clean Water Act (CWA) established the Section 319 Nonpoint Source Management Program under the Environmental Protection Agency.  Section 319 addresses the need for greater federal leadership to help focus state and local nonpoint source efforts. Under Section 319, states, territories and tribes receive grant money that supports a wide variety of activities including technical assistance, financial assistance, education, training, technology transfer, demonstration projects and monitoring to assess the success of specific nonpoint source implementation projects.

·   http://www.epa.gov/owow_keep/NPS/cwact.html

·   http://www.epa.gov/owow/NPS/sec319cwa.html  

b.      Programs affected by the transfer: moves $2.9 million to IDALS to do monitoring; transfers this function from DNR and all its supported programs:

·   Beach Monitoring

·   Fish Tissue Monitoring

·   Groundwater Monitoring

·   IOWATER

·   Lake Monitoring

·   Project AWARE

·   Stream chemistry and biology (fish communities and other organisms)

·   Watershed Access/Data Access – technology

·   Wetland monitoring

 

2)      Transfer of TMDL and water quality programs from the DNR to IDALS.

a.       This transfer is unprecedented.  No state* in the country has their Secretary of Agriculture delegating water quality responsibilities.

·   *Tennessee’s is the only state where the Department of Agricultures runs the 319 program.

b.      Why IDALS, why now?  DNR has a great staff and does a good job.  At a time when “less spending and government efficiency” is the message coming from legislative leaders – this transfer is unnecessary and costly-requiring planning, hiring and duplication that the taxpayer can ill afford, while turning over water protection to an agency whose primary function is to serve and promote agriculture.

·   This transfer would cause at least a 2 year delay in any water quality improvement due to staff development and administrative restructuring.  Iowa’s water resources cannot afford this delay.

·   All monitoring would be VOLUNTARY not REGULATORY <is this right?>.

·   According to an Iowa Department of Administrations publication, “The object of the [Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship] is to encourage, promote, market, and advance the interests of agriculture, including production practices, such as organic or conventional, that may lead to direct marketing of raw product and value-added goods.”

1.       What does the IDALS do?  http://www.iowaagriculture.gov/whatWeDo.asp

·   The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is the government agency that leads Iowans in caring for their natural resources. It is responsible for maintaining state parks and forests, protecting the environment, and managing energy, fish, wildlife, and land and water resources in Iowa.  The DNR's mission:   To conserve and enhance our natural resources in cooperation with individuals and organizations to improve the quality of life for Iowans and ensure a legacy for future generations.

 

3)      YOU CAN HELP!

a.       Contact the Governor and HOUSE members.

b.      Message:  DNR are the water quality experts!

 

LOBBYIST REPORT from Don Brazelton

 

River Programs.  Our request to have the DNR Rivers Program present to the Transportation and Infrastructure Appropriations Subcommittee was turned down.  We will be starting the process of contacting individual members on that subcommittee to seek some funding for the Rivers & Dam Mitigation Program.  This bill will likely be one of the last few bills passed at the end of this year’s session.

 

HF 45, TAXPAYER FIRST ACT. Awaits Governor’s signature

 

HF 51, REAP SPENDING.  REAP FORMULA CHANGE.  Didn’t get out of HNRC. 

 

HSB 74, BOTTLE BILL REPEAL.  Didn’t get out of HEPC.  SF 249.UNIVERSAL RECYCLING & BOTTLE BILL REPEAL.  Didn’t get out of comm.

-          What does a Bottle Bill have to do with healthy rivers? Blog by Sara Strassman, American Rivers, Director, River Restoration, Upper Midwest

 

HSB 180, ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMS TRANSFER.  Transfers the Clean Water Act, the Water Resources Coordinating Council, the Manure Application Management, the Total Maximum Daily Loads and the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permits from the DNR to the Dept of Ag.  HEPC.

 

SSB 1126, HSB 148, WATER RESOURCES COUNCIL.  Moves the Water Resources Coordinating Council to the Dept of Ag and makes the Secretary of Ag the chair.  Amended & Passed SAgC.  (could include the following: transfers the Clean Water Act, the Water Resources Coordinating Council, the Total Maximum Daily Loads and the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permits from the DNR to the Dept of Ag). 

 

SF 53, HF 163, WATERSHEDS.  Appropriates $3 mil for watershed planning.  Requires the DNR to establish goals for reducing flood damage through retention structures or wetlands.  Requires the Water Resource Coordinating Council to submit reports to the Legislature on landowner incentives and state watershed programs.  Appropriates $30 million for voluntary watershed management grants.  Appropriates $4.2 million to DALS for watershed project technical assistance to landowners, soil and water conservation districts, county conservation boards and DNR;  $2 million to DNR for floodplain management; $50,000 to DNR to a mentor network program for floodplain managers; and $1.3 million to the Regents for the Iowa Flood Center at UI.  Requires Emergency Mgt Div (EMD) to work with the DNR to educate cities & counties on the community rating system in the FEMA flood insurance program.  Requires EMD to provide matching funds to cities in federal disaster areas due to flooding and to develop a pre-disaster mitigation grant program.  Passed SNRC.  Goes to SAC.  More work needs to be done on bill. 

 

HF 500 (formerly HSB 48), EPC & NRC RULEMAKING.  Transfers the rulemaking authority of the NRC and the EPC to the director of the DNR.  Eligible for H debate.

 

HSB 190, AG & NATURAL RESOURCES APPROPRIATIONS.  This is the House version of the appropriations for agriculture and natural resources.  Passed HAC.  Bill is to start in the S.

 

HF 485 (formerly HF 181), ADMINISTRATIVE RULES.  Establishes a 5-year sunset for all administrative rules. Rescinds all rules in effect on July 1 2011 as of July 1 2016. Allows any House or Senate committee to review any administrative rule and make recommendations.  Passed HEGC.

 

SF 7, HF 78, BLOOD ALCOHOL LIMIT - BOATING.  Sets the blood alcohol limit at .08 for motorboats or sailboats operating while intoxicated offenses.  Both bills in HNR subcom-J Smith, Baudler, Steckman.

 

SUMMARY

 

Governor Terry Brandstad:   515.281.5211 or http://www.governor.iowa.gov/contact/

Iowa General Assembly (find a bill):  http://www.legis.iowa.gov/index.aspx

Iowa Senators and Representatives:  Find your legislators (if you would like a spreadsheet of all the current legislators, please let me know)

Iowa Senate:  515.281.3371

Iowa House: 515.281.3221

 

Please share this legislative update with individuals, organizations or groups that would be interested in receiving this information.

 

Thank you!

 

Rosalyn Lehman

Executive Director

Iowa Rivers Revival

PO Box 72, Des Moines, IA 50301

515-202-7720

rlehman@...  |  www.iowarivers.org


Reply | Messages in this Topic (2)
#919 From: Rick Dietz <rsdietz@...>
Date: Tue Mar 15, 2011 5:47 pm
Subject: Fwd: (IMPORTANT) IRR Legislative Update 3-15-11 		rsdietz
Send Email Send Email
 
I hope you don't feel bombarded with these emails (and I know some of you receive them directly from the IRR, IEC and other sources), but I think it's really important that we be heard. I feel the same as Jerry, that most of our legislators (and most of the general public) have no idea how extensive these programs are or what the impacts of this legislation would be. They've not even attempted to justify the transfer other than to say they think they can save some money.

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: IRR Legislative Update 3-15-11
Date: Tue, 15 Mar 2011 12:07:37 -0500
From: Iowa Rivers Revival <rlehman@...>


IRR Legislative Update from Jerry Peckumn, Board Chair

March 15, 2011

 

Many legislators do not know how far reaching SF 500 and HF 643 are in dismantling DNR water programs.  The bills would not only move the Water Resources Council to the Department of Agriculture but also the 319 EPA program for voluntary non-point source protection and all of the water monitoring funding to the Department of Agriculture!  This includes even Project Aware funding.  HF 643 passed the House and has gone to the Senate, the only lobbyists registering in favor of this bill work for the Iowa Farm Bureau.  An almost identical bill came out of the Senate Ag committee with full support of both Democrats and Republicans.  Again the only lobbyists registered in favor of this bill work for the Iowa Farm Bureau.  This bill needs to be vetted better as many do not know how dramatic it would change clean water programs in Iowa and the tremendous cost to the tax payer to make the administrative change.  This bill only makes sense if agriculture wants to control the message.  The Senate Appropriations Committee now is reviewing the bill.  Committee members need to hear how bad SF 500 is, and how important water monitoring and water quality are to Iowa.  Contact the Senate Appropriations Committee.

 

There is no money for rivers in the budget this year.  We are still asking for an appropriation for River Restoration and Dam mitigation.  Our best hopes are our friends in the Senate now, as the House will not consider an appropriation.  Continue to call or visit your Senators and make key contacts to members of the Infrastructure Budget Subcommittee:  Senator Matt McCoy, Senator Daryl Beall & Senator Robert Dvorsky in support of River Restoration appropriation

 

For River Restoration, River Trails, and Dam Safety/Flood Mitigation

Department of Natural Resources:

 

For the administration of a water trails, dam hazard & problem mitigation, river trash clean-up, river education, and river bank, fish habitat, and drinking water protection, implementing river trails and low-head dam plans, including salaries, support, maintenance, miscellaneous purposes, partnerships with governmental and non-profit organizations, not withstanding section 8.57?, subsection 6?, paragraph "c"?

 

$1,000,000

 

There are several bills limiting the ability of environmental rule making, most make rules very difficult, SF 232 would sunset all rules after five years. 

 

The Ag & Nat Res Appropriation bill SSB 1192 came out of the subcommittee last Thursday AM with $12.375M for REAP. 

 

LOBBYIST REPORT from Don Brazelton

 

SF 500 (SSB 1126), HF 643 (formerly HSB 148), WATER RESOURCES COUNCIL.  Moves the Water Resources Coordinating Council to the Dept of Ag and makes the Secretary of Ag the chair. Transfers portions of the Water Quality Protection 319 Program from DNR to Ag.  TMDLs for nonpoint source pollution will be under Ag & point source under DNR.  Eligible for S & H debate.

-    also transfers all of the $2.955 million appropriation for water monitoring from DNR to IDALS.  This funding is currently being used by DNR to fund all of the DNR water monitoring and assessment program staff and all of the monitoring costs for a variety of programs from regular river and lake monitoring, stream bioassessments, beach monitoring, etc. 

 

SF 386 (formerly SF 53), WATERSHEDS.  Appropriates $3 mil for watershed planning.  Requires the DNR to establish goals for reducing flood damage through retention structures or wetlands.  Requires the Water Resource Coordinating Council to submit reports to the Legislature on landowner incentives and state watershed programs.  Appropriates $30 million for voluntary watershed management grants.  Appropriates $4.2 million to DALS for watershed project technical assistance to landowners, soil and water conservation districts, county conservation boards and DNR;  $2 million to DNR for floodplain management; $50,000 to DNR to a mentor network program for floodplain managers; and $1.3 million to the Regents for the Iowa Flood Center at UI.  Requires Emergency Mgt Div (EMD) to work with the DNR to educate cities & counties on the community rating system in the FEMA flood insurance program.  Requires EMD to provide matching funds to cities in federal disaster areas due to flooding and to develop a pre-disaster mitigation grant program.  Goes to SAC.

 

HF 500, EPC & NRC RULEMAKING.  Transfers the rulemaking authority of the NRC and the EPC to the director of the DNR.  Eligible for H debate.

 

HF 538 (formerly HSB 163), SF 412 (formerly SSB 1181),  LAKE DISTRICTS.  Makes benefitted lake and water quality districts public entities.  Increases the number of trustees of such districts to 7.  Allows property owners in the district to be trustees.  Allows districts to issue general obligation or revenue bonds, subject to a debt limitation.  Eligible for H & S debate. 

 

HSB 220, RIIF APPROPS.  Makes the FY 2012 appropriations from RIIF.  To be debated by HAC next week.  We asked to have an amendment on the river trails/dam mitigation program, but was told it was unlikely in the HAC or on the floor.  They will talk to the S about the program.

 

HF 485, ADMINISTRATIVE RULES.  Establishes a 5-year sunset for all administrative rules. Rescinds all rules in effect on July 1 2011 as of July 1 2016. Allows any House or Senate committee to review any administrative rule and make recommendations.  Eligible for H debate.

 

SF 7, HF 78, BLOOD ALCOHOL LIMIT - BOATING.  Sets the blood alcohol limit at .08 for motorboats or sailboats operating while intoxicated offenses.  Both bills in HNR subcom-J Smith, Baudler, Steckman.

 

SSB 1192, HSB 190, AG & DNR APPROPRIATIONS.  Makes the appropriations to DALS, the DNR  REAP $12.375 mil. Eliminate the chief and assistant chief of the DNR law enforcement bureau. Requires reports on Ag drainage wells.  HSB has REAP at $11.5 mil.  Bill to start in S.  Passed the subcom, goes to SAC.

 

DNR

AG

HSB 220, RIIF Approps Bill.

REAP                                     12.375M

Volunteers                         100K

Park Ops & Maint             3.110M

GIS Info Watershed        195K

Water Monitoring            2.955M

Water Quality Prot          500K

Air Monitoring                   425K

Water Quantity                 495K

Res Cons and Dev            -0-

Animal Feeding Op          520K

Forestry Mgt                      100K

Cons Res Enhance                1M

Watershed Protection          900K

Farm Mgt Demo.              725K

Ag Drainage Wells              -0-

Soil Cost Share                 6.3M

Cons Reserve                    1M

Admin Expense                2M

So IA Cons Auth                  -0-

Loess Hills Alliance           300K

 

Env First Fund                           33M

Recreation Trails                        2M

Lake Restoration                    8.6M

Floodplain/Dam Safety           2M

State Park Infrastructure        -0-

River CAT                                 -0-

CAT                                       -0-

 

No river trails or dam mitigation monies.

No River CAT monies.

No Watershed Improvement Board.

 

Contacts to Infrastructure Budget Sub members:  Senator Matt McCoy, Senator Daryl Beall & Senator Robert Dvorsky

 

HF 589 (formerly HF 431), SF 431, INTERFERING WITH AGRICULTURE.  Prohibits tampering with an animal facility or crop operation. Prohibits making an audio or video record and distributing that recording, or exercising control over a location with the intent to deprive the owner or the property, or entering onto a property if the person knows if is not open to the public. Sets penalties.  Prohibits using fraud to enter such an operation,  Establishes penalties. Eligible for H & S debate.

 

HF 464, SF 321, FARM WASTEWATER EXEMPTION.  Exempts on-farm processing operations from state wastewater discharge rules, if the waste meets standards on biochemical oxygen demand.  Eligible for H debate.  Passed the S.

 

HF 529 (formerly HF 305), FLOODPLAIN MAPS.  CORRECTION.  Passed HEGC.  Prohibits the DNR, cities, counties and other state agencies from using a FEMA floodplain map for any purpose until the use of the map is approved by the Legislature.  Eligible for H debate.

 

HF 532, AG PROGRAM REPEALS.  Eliminates the organic nutrient management fund, the regulation of bulk dry manure, and provisions on agrichemical remediation.  Eligible for H debate.

 

SF 232, RULES REVIEW.  Requires agencies to review rules on a five-year cycle, and to consult with stakeholders and others.  Eligible for S debate.

 

SF 407 (formerly SF 11), COUNTY SEWAGE REGULATION. Allows the delegation of enforcement duties of sewage disposal systems that are not private systems from the DNR to counties.  This includes issuance of permits, inspections, and adoption of standards.  Passed the S, goes to the H.

 

SUMMARY

 

Governor Terry Brandstad:   515.281.5211 or http://www.governor.iowa.gov/contact/

Iowa General Assembly (find a bill):  http://www.legis.iowa.gov/index.aspx

Iowa Senators and Representatives:  Find your legislators (if you would like a spreadsheet of all the current legislators, please let me know)

Iowa Senate:  515.281.3371

Iowa House: 515.281.3221

 

Please share this legislative update with individuals, organizations or groups that would be interested in receiving this information.

 

Thank you!

 

Rosalyn Lehman

Executive Director

Iowa Rivers Revival

PO Box 72, Des Moines, IA 50301

515-202-7720

rlehman@...  |  www.iowarivers.org


Reply | Messages in this Topic (1)
#920 From: Rick Dietz <rsdietz@...>
Date: Wed Mar 23, 2011 4:58 pm
Subject: Fwd: IRR Legislative Update 3-23-11 		rsdietz
Send Email Send Email
 
To quote Jerry, your contacts are helping, but IT’S GOTTEN WORSE!!!
We need the help of the Iowa Senate to stop this very bad policy from moving forward, let your Senators know how bad this policy is and to OPPOSE moving water quality programs from the DNR to IDALS.  Also continue to call the Governor and ask him to leave clean water programs alone.   We are having an impact, see links to ongoing press coverage below.   


-------- Original Message --------
Subject: IRR Legislative Update 3-23-11
Date: Wed, 23 Mar 2011 09:51:53 -0500
From: Iowa Rivers Revival <rlehman@...>


IRR Legislative Update from Jerry Peckumn, Board Chair

March 23, 2011

 

IT’S GOTTEN WORSE!!!

 

HF 643 is on the floor of the House of Representatives TODAY!  Your contacts are helping.  We are know that legislators are hearing from both sides – keep your calls and letters coming.  

 

State Representative Moore filed an amendment to make changes from last week’s bill;  the amendment leaves the $2.9M water quality monitoring at the DNR for a year.  Language in the amendment gives the IA Department of Land Stewardship (IDALS) and Water Resources Council authority to determine where and how DNR spends water quality monitoring (assessment protocol, assessment report and impaired waters list) and how to interpret and use data for assessment and prioritization decisions all will be made by IDALS. 

 

Do you want IDALS to determine if water quality is good enough?  There are two major problems with them managing clean water in Iowa.  One, there is a inherent conflict of interest in promoting agriculture and making long term decisions on water quality.  The other is the lack of transparency within the IDALS and too many unanswered questions.  Where do project funds go and who directly benefits from funding conservation projects on private property?  The DNR is forced to be open because the citizen commission provides public oversight of the programs.

 

The amendments to  HF 643  DO NOT fix the problems in the bill.  The bill would leave water monitoring funding with the DNR for now…but all decisions would be made by IDALS on where and how to monitor water quality.  It could mean an end to Project AWARE. 

 

The current program managed by the DNR is now ranked 9th in the country for efficiency.  There is very little chance that this change will be efficient or more cost-efficient, and in fact, will likely cost the taxpayer more for some time to come.  It appears there is a great desire by Farm Bureau to gain more control of the clean water planning by moving development of TMDL plans (Total Maximum Daily Load of pollutants) for non-point water pollution (anything entering our streams not through a pipe) to the IDALS.  It is unprecedented by any other state (except TN) to have the DNR prepare one part (point source) of the TMDL and the IDALS prepare another part of the plan-it really makes no sense if you want plans for clean water.  The Iowa DNR has registered in favor of this bill now, but you have to remember that the Governor appoints the Director of the DNR and may remove him at any time for any reason.  The Governor said on WOI Radio (link below) that he is in favor of moving the clean water programs to save money but has offered no analysis showing how those savings would be made.

 

We need the help of the Iowa Senate to stop this very bad policy from moving forward, let your Senators know how bad this policy is and to OPPOSE moving water quality programs from the DNR to IDALS.  Also continue to call the Governor and ask him to leave clean water programs alone.   We are having an impact, see links to ongoing press coverage below.   

 

PRESS on this Issue

 

Iowa Public Radio – The Exchange:  Governor Terry Branstad & Water Quality Monitoring (03/21/11)

The Iowa legislature is considering controversial new rights for gun owners, expanding nuclear power, and legalizing some online gambling. Host Jeneane Beck talks with Iowa Governor Terry Branstad for the first half of the program. They’ll talk about those issues and more. Then, Jeneane is joined by guests from the Iowa Farm Bureau and Iowa Water and Land Legacy to discuss a proposal to transfer water quality monitoring from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. (46:00) http://iowapublicradio.org/programSpecific.php?typeId=35

 

Ames Tribune:  Overseeing Iowa’s Water

o   http://www.amestrib.com/articles/2011/03/18/ames_tribune/news/doc4d8434e3963a3766801090.txt

o   http://www.amestrib.com/articles/2011/03/18/ames_tribune/news/doc4d843445b3470049707457.txt

 

Globe Gazette: House OKs shifting water-quality monitoring duties (03/03/11)

http://www.globegazette.com/news/local/article_c45de8e6-45f0-11e0-96fe-001cc4c03286.html

 

KCCI

Jerry’s interview with Todd Magel, KCCI television-breaking the story in the media.  Here is a link to that interview: http://www.kcci.com/news/27046536/detail.html.

 

RIVER RESTORATION

We are still asking for an appropriation for River Restoration and Dam mitigation.  Our best hopes are our friends in the Senate now, as the House will not consider an appropriation.  Continue to call or visit your Senators and make key contacts to members of the Infrastructure Budget Subcommittee:  Senator Matt McCoy, Senator Daryl Beall & Senator Robert Dvorsky in support of River Restoration appropriation

 

For River Restoration, River Trails, and Dam Safety/Flood Mitigation

Department of Natural Resources:

 

For the administration of a water trails, dam hazard & problem mitigation, river trash clean-up, river education, and river bank, fish habitat, and drinking water protection, implementing river trails and low-head dam plans, including salaries, support, maintenance, miscellaneous purposes, partnerships with governmental and non-profit organizations, not withstanding section 8.57?, subsection 6?, paragraph "c"?

 

$1,000,000

 

LOBBYIST REPORT from Don Brazelton

 

SF 500, HF 643, WATER RESOURCES COUNCIL.  Moves the Water Resources Coordinating Council to the Dept of Ag and makes the Secretary of Ag the chair. Transfers portions of the Water Quality Protection 319 Program from DNR to Ag.  TMDLs for nonpoint source pollution will be under Ag & point source under DNR. Also transfers all of the $2.955 million appropriation for water monitoring from DNR to IDALS.  This funding is currently being used by DNR to fund all of the DNR water monitoring and assessment program staff and all of the monitoring costs for a variety of programs from regular river and lake monitoring, stream bioassessments, beach monitoring, etc.  Eligible for S & H debate.

-          Was also told that this bill was likely to be amended to only deal with the federal 319 program that the Governor may move without legislative approval.

 

SF 386, WATERSHEDS.  Appropriates $3 mil for watershed planning.  Requires the DNR to establish goals for reducing flood damage through retention structures or wetlands.  Requires the Water Resource Coordinating Council to submit reports to the Legislature on landowner incentives and state watershed programs.  Appropriates $30 million for voluntary watershed management grants.  Appropriates $4.2 million to DALS for watershed project technical assistance to landowners, soil and water conservation districts, county conservation boards and DNR;  $2 million to DNR for floodplain management; $50,000 to DNR to a mentor network program for floodplain managers; and $1.3 million to the Regents for the Iowa Flood Center at UI.  Requires Emergency Mgt Div (EMD) to work with the DNR to educate cities & counties on the community rating system in the FEMA flood insurance program.  Requires EMD to provide matching funds to cities in federal disaster areas due to flooding and to develop a pre-disaster mitigation grant program.  Goes to SAC.

 

SF 507, NATURAL RESOURCES SALES TAX.  Increases the sales tax by 3/8 of a cent for deposit in the Natural Resources, Outdoor Recreation and Soil Conservation Trust Fund.  SWMC.

 

HF 500, EPC & NRC RULEMAKING.  Transfers the rulemaking authority of the NRC and the EPC to the director of the DNR.  Eligible for H debate.

-          Have been told by a Republican Senator that this bill is unlikely to be considered by the S if it makes it out of the House. 

 

SF 7, BLOOD ALCOHOL LIMIT - BOATING.  Sets the blood alcohol limit at .08 for motorboats or sailboats operating while intoxicated offenses. Passed HNRC.  Eligible for H debate.

 

SF 509 (formerly SSB 1192), HSB 190, AG & DNR APPROPS.  Amended & passed SAC.  Amendment eliminates the DNR Enforcement Assistant Chief only; specifies the forestry funding is for forestry health; continues community beautification to clean up abandoned buildings; adds $75,000 for a local food specialist at Iowa State. REAP $12.375 mil.  HSB has REAP at $11.5 mil.  DNR General Fund budget $12,716,688 and Ag is $16,897,308.  $38,793,154 Div of Fish & Wildlife from the Trust Fund.

DNR

 

DNR

AG

REAP                                     12.375M

Volunteers                         100K

Park Ops & Maint             3.110M

GIS Info Watershed        195K

Water Monitoring            2.955M

Water Quality Prot          500K

Air Monitoring                   425K

Water Quantity                 495K

Res Cons and Dev            -0-

Animal Feeding Op          520K

Forestry Mgt                      100K

Cons Res Enhance                1M

Watershed Protection          900K

Farm Mgt Demo.              725K

Ag Drainage Wells              -0-

Soil Cost Share                 6.3M

Cons Reserve                    1M

Admin Expense                2M

So IA Cons Auth                  -0-

Loess Hills Alliance           300K

 

 

No river trails or dam mitigation monies.

No River CAT monies.

No Watershed Improvement Board.

 

Contacts to Infrastructure Budget Sub members in support of a RIVER RESTORATION appropriation:  Senator Matt McCoy, Senator Daryl Beall & Senator Robert Dvorsky

 

HF 589, SF 431, INTERFERING WITH AGRICULTURE.  Prohibits tampering with an animal facility or crop operation. Prohibits making an audio or video record and distributing that recording, or exercising control over a location with the intent to deprive the owner or the property, or entering onto a property if the person knows if is not open to the public. Sets penalties.  Prohibits using fraud to enter such an operation.  Establishes penalties. Amended & passed the H.  Eligible for S debate.

 

HF 464, SF 321, FARM WASTEWATER EXEMPTION.  Exempts on-farm processing operations from state wastewater discharge rules, if the waste meets standards on biochemical oxygen demand.  Eligible for H debate.  Passed the S.

 

HF 485, ADMINISTRATIVE RULES.  Establishes a 5-year sunset for all administrative rules. Rescinds all rules in effect on July 1 2011 as of July 1 2016. Allows any House or Senate committee to review any administrative rule and make recommendations.  Eligible for H debate.

 

SF 232, RULES REVIEW.  Requires agencies to review rules on a five-year cycle, and to consult with stakeholders and others.  Eligible for S debate.

 

HF 491, REGULATORY ANALYSIS.   Requires a regulatory analysis of any administrative rule that would have a substantial impact on a small business.  Eligible for H debate.

 

HF 529, FLOODPLAIN MAPS.  Prohibits the DNR, cities, counties and other state agencies from using a FEMA floodplain map for any purpose until the use of the map is approved by the Legislature.  Eligible for H debate

 

HF 532, AG PROGRAM REPEALS.  Eliminates the organic nutrient management fund, the regulation of bulk dry manure, and provisions on agrichemical remediation.  Passed SAgC.  Eligible for S debate.

 

SUMMARY

 

Governor Terry Brandstad:   515.281.5211 or http://www.governor.iowa.gov/contact/

Iowa General Assembly (find a bill):  http://www.legis.iowa.gov/index.aspx

Iowa Senators and Representatives:  Find your legislators (if you would like a spreadsheet of all the current legislators, please let me know)

Iowa Senate:  515.281.3371

Iowa House: 515.281.3221

 

REAP PRESS TOUR – Iowa’s Water and Land Legacy

Cuts to REAP, the handing of water quality programs to the Iowa Department of Agriculture, cutting watershed programs...it's all on the table during this legislative session and we need YOUR help.   IWLL is hosting a series of public forums around the state to highlight the need for additional funding for REAP and a number of other vital conservation programs.  Can you forward this to a friend?  Can you make it?  Encourage your local press outlets to cover the story.

 

Date

Location

Time

Venue

Thurs; 3/24/2011

Des Moines

9AM

DM-Izaak Walton League

Council Bluffs

1PM

Library-400 Willow Ave (2nd floor conf rm C); 712-323-7553





Fri; 3/25/2011

Newton

9AM

Library-100 N 3rd Avenue West; (641) 792-4108

Iowa City

Noon

Iowa City Recreation Division-Robert A Lee Center, 220 S Gilbert Street; 319-356-5100

Cedar Rapids

3PM

Library-Westdale Mall-lower level, 2600 Edgewood Rd (Seuss Room); 319-363-3286




Tues; 3/29/2011

Storm Lake

9AM

Library-609 Cayuga Street; 712-732-8026

Sioux City

1PM

Morningside Library-4005 Morningside Ave; 712-255-2924




Thurs; 3/31/2011

Muscatine

10AM

City Hall (lower level conf rm)-215 Sycamore St.; 563-264-1552

Burlington

Noon

Starr's Cave Nature Center (loft)-11627 Starrs Cave Park Rd;   (319) 753-5808

 

Please share this legislative update with individuals, organizations or groups that would be interested in receiving this information.

 

Friend us on Facebook. 

 

Thank you!

 

Rosalyn Lehman

Executive Director

Iowa Rivers Revival

PO Box 72, Des Moines, IA 50301

515-202-7720

rlehman@...  |  www.iowarivers.org


Reply | Messages in this Topic (1)
#921 From: Rick Dietz <rsdietz@...>
Date: Fri Apr 8, 2011 5:17 pm
Subject: Fwd: Update on Dirty Water Bill 		rsdietz
Send Email Send Email
 
Letters are still needed! And it sounds as though they may need to hear of some success stories, of improvements to water quality under the current programs.

If you'd like to send comments from the IEC's Action Alert Center you can find the link at www.iaenvironment.org/news/newsbulletins.php. Additional contact information is under the "Elected Officials" tab on the Action Alert page.

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Update on Dirty Water Bill
Date: Fri, 8 Apr 2011 12:40:59 -0400
From: Lynn Laws, Iowa Environmental Council <lynnlaws@...>



Update on Dirty Water Bill
Action Alert: Update on DNR Water Program Bill

More Info

 
A Senate Subcommittee of the Appropriations Committee met Thursday afternoon, for 90 minutes, to hear public comments on Senate File 500, a bill which would take some of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources's water quality funding and programs away from them and give them to the Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. Senators Black, Hogg, Houser, Kapucian and Bolkcom were present to hear comments.

In addition to comments from individual citizens, reasons for keeping the programs at the DNR were given by the Iowa Environmental Council, Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, Iowa Chapter of the Sierra Club, Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement, the Raccoon River Watershed Association and the Izaak Walton League.

Marian Gelb, executive director for the Iowa Environmental Council, began her remarks with a question. She asked legislators to explain the problem the bill was attempting to fix. Senator Black, who chaired the subcommittee, said his concern was that water quality in Iowa isn't improving. Senator Hogg, who has been appointed floor manager for the bill, said, at this point, they were trying to determine where certain programs should be placed in order to achieve the greatest competency. He said that in the process of looking at this issue they may find out that the problem of the further decline in water quality in Iowa may be because we just haven't put enough money into fixing it.

Mike Delaney, speaking on behalf of the Raccoon River Watershed Association and the Izaak Walton League, pointed out that the DNRs budget has been cut year after year and they are now operating at 1987 levels. Delaney said his experience with DNR water quality programming for the Raccoon River watershed has shown him how effective they are at finding the source of pollution and working collaborative with all stakeholders, including landowners and IDALS, to design solutions.

The spokesperson for Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement pointed out that the committee was in possession of a letter from the federal EPA which praised the DNR for their management of the primary water quality program targeted for the move—Section 319 of the Clean Water Act. The EPA letter also cautioned that moving the program would cause inefficiencies and lessen the effectiveness of Iowa's nonpoint source program. He also stated that the only state in the nation to have put their department of agriculture in charge of that water quality program is Tennessee, whose program is ranked 25th in the nation for efficiency, whereas Iowa's program at the DNR is ranked 9th in the nation.

Duane Sands, representing the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, emphasized that regardless of good intentions, if water quality programs are transferred to IDALS, the appearance will be that the move is for political reasons because IDALS is headed by an elected official whose election is dependent on the Farm Lobby.

Chuck Gipp, the director of IDALS, said his department should have the water quality programs because it has expertise in working with farmers and has had success in Iowa when it comes to "soil and water conservation."

Marty Schwager, a state policy advisor for the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, claimed the bill would improve efficiency and water quality, but did not offer any evidence or explanation to support these claims.

Senator Black thanked everyone for their comments and noted that the bill was still under construction.

We will continue to keep you updated on this bill. If you have not yet sent an email to your Senator, asking him to vote no on SF 500, please do so. And please encourage your friends to do so as well.

Thank you!

Lynn Laws

Communications Director

Iowa Environmental Council

footer

Reply | Messages in this Topic (1)
#922 From: Rick Dietz <rsdietz@...>
Date: Wed Apr 13, 2011 3:31 am
Subject: IRR "River Currents" education forum April 29 @ Chicaqua Bottoms 		rsdietz
Send Email Send Email
 
RIVER CURRENTS: A forum on revitalizing rivers
Friday, April 29, 2011
9AM – 3PM
Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt-Polk County Conservation Board
8700 NE 126 Ave., Maxwell, IA 50161

REGISTRATION: $10 (meal included)
RSVP: rlehman@...

From www.iowarivers.org
River Currents is an education forum geared toward river enthusiasts, water trails developers, watershed coordinators, IOWATER volunteers, and others who desire a better understanding of the river as an expression of its watersheds and riparian zones. Part of the day will be spent understanding common stream problems, including examples of alternative projects that mimic systems found in nature offering practical solutions for various stabilization, flood reduction, drainage, road crossings, and other types of projects that happen in and along rivers.  The last part of the day will be spent understanding the relationships and interactions of a river’s habitat.

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: FW: River Currents Agenda
Date: Tue, 12 Apr 2011 15:49:27 -0500
From: Fortney, Robin B <RBFortney@...>

Please forward this notice of an opportunity to learn more about rivers to our paddling and river friends.

 

Thanks,

Robin

 

From: Iowa Rivers Revival [mailto:rlehman@...]
Subject: River Currents Agenda

 

Good afternoon,

 

I am pleased to provide you with the final agenda for the River Currents education forum on Friday, April 29th.  
http://www.iowarivers.org/Portals/0/2011/River%20Currents%20Agenda.pdf

 

Please help spread the word.

 

Thanks,

Roz

 

 

Rosalyn Lehman

Executive Director

Iowa Rivers Revival

PO Box 72, Des Moines, IA 50301

515-202-7720

rlehman@...  |  www.iowarivers.org

 


Reply | Messages in this Topic (1)
#923 From: Rick Dietz <rsdietz@...>
Date: Fri Apr 22, 2011 3:24 am
Subject: Fwd: Let's start talkin' about rivers... 		rsdietz
Send Email Send Email
 
This might also be a good time to talk about the Spring IOWATER Snapshot. We'll be participating again, and if you could let me know whether you can participate that would help very much with our planning. The Spring Snapshot is Saturday May 14, and the Fall Snapshot is October 15.

- Thanks!

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Let's start talkin' about rivers...
Date: Wed, 20 Apr 2011 13:37:12 -0500
From: Iowa Rivers Revival <rlehman@...>


River Currents: A forum on revitalizing rivers - RSVP by Monday.  Please be sure to let us know if you will be joining us next Friday – we have a great program led by Mary Skopec and Nate Hoogeveen.

 

**********************

 

RIVER CURRENTS: A forum on revitalizing rivers

River Currents is an education forum geared toward river enthusiasts, water trail developers, watershed coordinators, IOWATER volunteers, and others who desire a better understanding of a river as an expression of its watershed and riparian zones. Part of the day will be spent learning about common stream problems, including examples of alternative projects that mimic systems found in nature offering practical solutions for various bank stabilization, flood reduction, drainage, road crossings, and other types of projects that happen in and along rivers.  The last part of the day will be spent learning about the relationships and interactions of a river’s habitat.  AGENDA

 

RIVER CURRENTS: A forum on revitalizing rivers

Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt-Polk County Conservation Board

8700 NE 126 Ave., Maxwell, IA 50161

Friday, April 29, 2011

9AM – 3PM

RSVP: rlehman@...

Registration: $10-meal included; http://www.iowarivers.org/Portals/0/2011/River%20Currents%20Registration%202011.pdf

 

**********************

 

IRRLarge                                                               News Release

 

 

For immediate release -- Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Contact Roz Lehman, Executive Director, Iowa Rivers Revival – 515-202-7720

 

Iowa Rivers Revival Presents

RIVER CURRENTS: 

A Forum on Revitalizing Iowa Rivers

 

The public is invited to the RIVER CURRENTS Forum on April 29

 

 

DES MOINES.   Iowa Rivers Revival -- the statewide river education and advocacy organization committed to protecting Iowa’s rivers and streams – is presenting “RIVER CURRENTS – a Forum on Revitalizing Iowa Rivers.” 

 

The forum will be Friday, April 29, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt Longhouse, 8700 NE 126 Avenue, Maxwell, Iowa.  A registration fee of $10 includes lunch.  The public is invited.

 

The Forum will offer a fresh perspective on river conservation.  It is geared toward river enthusiasts of all kinds, water trail developers, watershed coordinators, IOWATER volunteers, and others who want a better understanding of our rivers and streams, the “riparian zones” along their banks, and their watersheds.

 

Part of the day will be spent learning about common stream problems and discussing solutions -- including examples of alternative projects that mimic systems found in nature and offer practical solutions for various bank stabilization, flood reduction, drainage, road crossings, and other types of projects that happen in and along rivers.  The last part of the day will be spent learning about the relationships and interactions of a river’s habitat.  

 

For the RIVER CURRENTS agenda and registration information, visit www.iowarivers.org, or call 515- 202-7020.

 

Iowa Rivers Revival is a statewide advocacy group that works to improve and enhance the condition of Iowa’s rivers and streams by engaging individuals, organizations, communities and government leaders in river awareness, enjoyment, responsibility and stewardship.  “IRR” actively works to inform and encourage river and stream advocates around the state, helping them influence public policy at the State Capitol and in their communities and river systems.

 

[END]

 

 

Rosalyn Lehman

Executive Director

Iowa Rivers Revival

PO Box 72, Des Moines, IA 50301

515-202-7720

rlehman@...  |  www.iowarivers.org

 

**********************

Please share this e-News with individuals, organizations or groups that would be interested in receiving this information.

 

‘LIKE’ us on Facebook. 

 

Thank you!

 

Rosalyn Lehman

Executive Director

Iowa Rivers Revival

PO Box 72, Des Moines, IA 50301

515-202-7720

rlehman@...  |  www.iowarivers.org


Reply | Messages in this Topic (1)
#924 From: Rick Dietz <rsdietz@...>
Date: Tue Apr 26, 2011 10:11 pm
Subject: volunteers needed for Spring Snapshot - May 14 		rsdietz
Send Email Send Email
  
Volunteers are needed for the Spring Squaw Creek/IOWATER Snapshot,
scheduled for Saturday May 14.  As in the past we'll meet at Brookside
Park at 9AM and will try to finish up by 1PM.

Please let us know whether you can participate, whether you would like
to borrow an IOWATER kit for the day, or whether you will need to
replace any expired test equipment. We'll probably be placing the
resupply order no later than Monday May 9.

Those of you who have not had the IOWATER training (or have not been
testing) are welcome to join us. We will also be needing a volunteer to
receive the field data and samples as they are returned to the park.

Rick


--
www.squawcreekwatershed.org

Reply | Messages in this Topic (1)
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