Iowa Rivers and Waterways Study Committee Meets Dec 10

PrairieAndWoodsBigSiouxIowa Rivers Revival was successful last legislative session in encouraging the Iowa Legislature to convene an Iowa Rivers and Waterways Study Committee. The committee will meet on Tuesday, December 10th at 10 a.m. at the Iowa Statehouse to hear testimony from a broad group of stakeholders in considering options for restoring the quality of Iowa’s rivers and waterways. The Study Committee objectives are to develop recommendations for an initial plan to prioritize river and waterway projects and provide defined goals and measurable improvements.

View the meeting agenda.

Iowans have the ear of the Iowa legislature – the Study Committee is accepting comments through Tuesday, Dec 10, 2013.  IRR’s recommendation for consideration by the upcoming Iowa Rivers and Waterways Study Committee is the establishment of a planning process within the Iowa DNR to develop a proposal for an Iowa River Restoration Program. View IRR’s full comments submitted to the Study Committee on November 21.

–  SUBMIT your comments in support of efforts to improve Iowa’s water quality and the conditions of our rivers and streams are needed to help inform and influence this process.

An Iowa River Restoration Program, would provide a framework for targeted restoration, preservation, enhancement and beneficial use of Iowa rivers. The program can be based on existing models such as Iowa’s successful Lake Restoration Program, and on best river restoration practices learned from other states. Iowa’s rivers face tremendously complicated challenges, and developing a program run by professionals with appropriate training and experience is crucial to restoring river structure and function, and improving water quality. Decisions and actions that impact our waterways affect the economic, environmental, social and political environment of Iowa communities and states downstream.

Restoring Iowa’s rivers would benefit all Iowans – it would improve water quality, enhance local economies, preserve Iowa’s farmland, improve wildlife habitat, and help reduce the impacts of flooding.

For information, visit IRR’s River Restoration webpage.

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