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IWTA 

Mid Month 

Reminders 

 
Iowa Water Trails Association 
 
April, 2015  
PICK, CLICK and READ
Quick Look At the Weeks Ahead
Apr 18 Crossing the Delaware Paddle in Delaware County
Apr 18 Shores of Clinton County Paddle South of Camanche
Apr 25 Photo Seminar in CR
Apr 28 * 30 Iowa River Greenbelt Master Planning Meetings
Apr-May-Jun IOWATER Volunteer Training Sessions
May 10 "Mother's Day On the Marsh (MOM) Odessa WT
Canoe & Kayak School Date Changes, Classes Filling
Key Dates Announced for Statewide & Midwest Events
What YOU Are Reading & Recommending
2015 Iowa Legislature in Session, Nearing the End
Thanks to IWTA Readers

QUICK LINKS

 

Our "Mid-Month Reminders" newsletter issues tend to focus on WT opportunities for the next 2-6 weeks, but we also include significant events and dates which can impact your longer-term planning.  The latter could include conflicts you want to avoid, or opportunities to participate, promote, or present on behalf of your event, organization, or Water Trail.

 

Thanks to your input, we continue to update the IWTA Planning Calendar, as reflected in the IWTA Newsletter, the attached PDF Calendar, and the "Events" Calendar on the IWTA Website (see "Quick Links" in left column). With your help, we will continue to provide the most accurate, most complete calendar of WT-related opportunities throughout the year.

 

Anyone looking to plan, organize, and market WT events this season can find some useful info in the "WT Event Planning, Execution" PDF listed in the "Quick Links."

 

Spring is a good time to review your paddling skills, rescue procedures, and safety planning. 
John Pearson & Jeff Holmes demo rescues at the Indianola YMCA Pool.   G.Stark photo.

Remember that this is the start of spring, not summer.  

The ice is out, the sunshine is inviting, but the water temperatures are still cold, Iowa weather is unpredictable, and a combination of wind and rain can quickly lead to hypothermia. File a float plan, dress appropriately, carry energy foods, and paddle with friends.

 

Please be careful out there!

 

We have enjoyed visiting with our readers at various events so far in 2015, and hope that some of you will stop by the April 19 Jones County Earth Day Fair (and Pancake Breakfast!) in Anamosa. Your positive comments about IWTA and the IWTA Newsletter are much appreciated. We hope to visit with more of you at various events or on Water Trails in the coming months.

 

PLANNING CALENDAR:  A Quick Look at the Weeks Ahead

Chickadee Checkoff Logo
Remember the
"Fish/Wildlife" fund when
completing your Iowa
State Income Tax form.

Apr 15; Federal Income Tax Filing Deadline for Iowans (Iowa State Income Tax filing deadline Apr 30).

Apr 18; 3rd Annual "Crossing the Delaware" Paddle across Delaware County. Brother and sister hosts Sam Childs & Hannah Childs invite you to paddle any or all of the 43 miles of the Maquoketa River in Delaware County. Options for shuttles, lunch, etc. Portage around the WW park under construction in Manchester. Forward questions or RSVP to [email protected]   Or find them on Facebook.

Apr 18; "Shores of Clinton County Paddle," Rock Creek Park, Off US 67 South of Camanche. Check in, ready to depart to launch at 10:00 am. Season opener in the quiet backwaters of the Upper Mississippi Wildlife and Fish Refuge (UMWFR). Trip will follow the creek channel and associated lakes for about 5 miles.  Anticipated finish time is around 1:30 pm, prior to the 2:00 pm Riverside Jam. Some boats available for rent. Register at 563-259-1876. More info in the "Heron" newsletter  http://www.clintoncounty-ia.gov/Page/Conservation.aspx

Apr 18; Seatasea Season Opener "Discover Kayaking & Stand-Up Paddling," Cedar Rapids. Free. http://www.seatasea.com/courses/discover-kayaking-and-stand-paddleboarding-free-demos

Apr 19; Jones County Earth Day Fair & Grant Wood Trail Pancake Breakfast, Anamosa, 8:00 am-1:30 pm, exhibits, food, Lawrence Community Center.  Jones CCB is one of the sponsors http://www.jonescountyiowa.org/Pages/Conservation.aspx

Apr 22; Earth Day, annual observance of the first Earth Day in 1970.

Apr 22-23; Lyrids Meteor Shower Peaks.

Apr 24; Arbor Day, annual observance last Friday in April, http://www.arborday.org/index.cfm

Apr 24-26; Outdoor Adventure Expo at Midwest Mountaineering in Twin Cities, MN.  http://www.midwestmtn.com/  

Apr 25; Linn Area Photo Club, Canon "Explorers of Light" Seminar, Award-Winning Photographer Eddie Tapp, Cedar Rapids.  9:30am-4:30pm.  Learn about Tapp and his work at http://eddietapp.com/

Seminar registration info at http://linnareaphotoclub.org/.

Apr 28 & Apr 30; Iowa River Greenbelt Master Plan Development Meetings, Liscomb & Iowa Falls. Iowa River Greenbelt Resource Trust (IRGRT) will host two meetings re development of an Iowa River Greenbelt Master Plan. Public encouraged to attend either the Liscomb Community Center on April 28 at 6:00 pm, or the Empress Boat Club in Iowa Falls on April 30 at 6:00 pm. RSVP to [email protected] or phone Curt Lambertsen at 817-874-0215.
Apr 30; IOWATER Introductory Training for Water Testing Volunteers, Osceola. 8:30 am-4:30 pm. Visit www.iowadnr.gov/iowater& click on "Calendar of Events" for registration information.

Apr 30; Iowa State Income Tax Filing Deadline. Remember the Chickadee Check Off.

May 1; Iowa Legislative Session Target Close; (per diem expenses end May 1).

May 3; Full Moon. Sunrise 6:00, Sunset 8:07, Moonrise 7:49   CDT

May 9; IOWATER Introductory Training for Water Testing Volunteers, Cedar Rapids. 8:30 am-4:30 pm. Visit www.iowadnr.gov/iowater & click on "Calendar of Events" for registration information.

May 10; Mothers Day.

May 10; "Mother's Day On the Marsh (MOM)," Port Louisa NWR, Odessa WT, near Wapello.  Sunday, 9:00 am to 11:00 am.  Leisurely paddle with naturalists to learn about birds & their broods. Canoes and kayaks are available, participation limited, registration required.  Open to everyone, but children under age 16 must be accompanied by an adult. www.LouisaCountyConservation.org  or call 319-523-8381.

May 16; Armed Forces Day.

May 21; "Flat-Water Essentials" IDNR Canoe School for Naturalists, Scout Leaders, Youth Group Instructors.  Gray's Lake, Des Moines. Focus on skills, hazard ID, teaching & learning styles.  One day, canoes & equip provided, ACA instructors, $25, limited space, preregistration required. Details & registration forms at

http://www.iowadnr.gov/Recreation/CanoeingKayaking/PaddlerResources/InstructionSafety.aspx

May 23; IOWATER Introductory Training for Water Testing Volunteers, Sac City. 8:30 am-4:30 pm. Visit www.iowadnr.gov/iowater & click on "Calendar of Events" for registration information.

May 25; Memorial Day (observed).

May 27-28; IDNR Canoe School for Naturalists & Trip Leaders.  Briggs Woods Park, Boone River. Focus on skills, hazard ID, teaching & learning styles, risk management.  Two days, for canoes only, ACA instructors, $25, limited space, preregistration required. Details & registration forms at

http://www.iowadnr.gov/Recreation/CanoeingKayaking/PaddlerResources/InstructionSafety.aspx

 

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Apr 18; "Crossing the Delaware" Paddle Across Delaware County

Paddle Across Delaware Maq Rvr Sam & Hannah Childs
Sam Childs & Hannah Childs
Paddling on the Maquoketa River

Brother and sister team Sam Childs and Hannah Childs invites you to paddle any or all of the 43 miles of the Maquoketa River in Delaware County: "The rivers are flowing again and the weather and water is getting warmer, a perfect time to celebrate spring! Join us for a paddle across the majority of Delaware County on the Maquoketa River. We will be paddling 43 miles of the river all in one day. The river starts as a creek sized stream containing numerous log jams and strainers as it winds its way through timber lined banks (this upper section is water dependent), then widening through farmland, and riverside communities along the way. 

 

"Participants who do not wish to tackle 43 miles all in one day are encouraged to paddle any section of the Maquoketa River in Delaware County of their choosing and enjoy the river that day or all weekend. *Please note* The whitewater park in Manchester is under construction and likely to still be under construction April 18th. Open paddling in or through the park is strongly discouraged. Please do not paddle at the whitewater park while it is still under construction. There are access points above and below the whitewater park for easy portaging." 

 

  • Put in: 7:00 am at Joy Springs Park west of Strawberry Point, IA.
  • Length of paddle, take out, take out time?: As far as we can paddle down the Maquoketa River or Hoeger's Bridge (Pioneer Road Access) south of Delhi off Hwy 38, whichever comes first.
  • Approximate distance from Joy Springs to Hoeger's Bridge is 43 river miles.
  • Current water level the day of the paddle will affect how far up we can put in. This will be determined the evening before the paddle as river levels fluctuate.
  • Plan A: Meet at the put in or any put in of your choice and paddle down the river. Set your own shuttle, bring your own lunch, no cost, just join us on the river!
  • Plan B: We will provide the shuttle and lunch on the river for $25.00 per person. Must have all your own paddling equipment.

Please let us know you're coming (Plan A or B) so we can get a general count of how many paddlers to expect. Plan B participants must RSVP by April 5th, so we can get the shuttle and food rounded up.

Questions and RSVP direct to: [email protected]

For more info, Find us on Facebook

 

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Apr 18; "Shores of Clinton County Paddle" at Rock Creek Park South of Camanche

Logo Clinton Co Con

Clinton County Conservation Board will be hosting the first of its "Shores of Clinton County Paddle" series of events at 10:00 am on Saturday, April 18, at Rock Creek Park, Off US 67 South of Camanche.

 

This season opener will be in the quiet backwaters of the Upper Mississippi Wildlife and Fish Refuge (UMWFR). Participants will meet at the MRETC in Rock Creek Park and be checked in and ready to depart at 10:00 am. 

 

We will move as a group to the put-in below the US 67 crossing of Rock Creek. We'll follow the creek's channel South and then East to The Tubes and Pond Lilly Lake, then West to Tyler Lake, Sodus Slough and Shaft Creek, a trip of about 5 miles. If time allows we'll explore the Lost Lakes Water Trail. We hope to be finished around 1:30 pm, just in time to settle in for some music at the Riverside Jam beginning at 2 PM. 

 

There is a rental fee of $15/boat/day for the use of Clinton County Conservation watercraft. You are welcome to join us in your own craft but must follow the group's requirements. Register for this, or any Shores of Clinton County event by calling 563-259-1876.
Find more info in the "Heron" newsletter at website http://www.clintoncounty-ia.gov/Page/Conservation.aspx.

 

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Apr 25; Canon "Explorers of Light" Photography Seminar in Cedar Rapids

Camera Line Art Image

While this seminar is not focused solely on outdoor photography, it provides access to an excellent presenter and content at minimal cost. 


Apr 25; Linn Area Photo Club, Canon "Explorers of Light" Seminar, Award-Winning Photographer Eddie Tapp, Cedar Rapids.  

9:30am-4:30pm.  

Learn about Tapp and his work at http://eddietapp.com/

Event is free, but preregistration is required, and seats are filling rapidly:  http://linnareaphotoclub.org/ 

 

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Apr 28 & Apr 30; Iowa River Greenbelt Master Plan Development Meetings, Liscomb & Iowa Falls

Iowa River Greenbelt Logo

The Iowa River Greenbelt Resource Trust (IRGRT) will host two meetings to discuss development of an Iowa River Greenbelt Master Plan. The Trust was awareded $20,000 in 2014 from the Iowa Parks Foundation and Iowa Department of Natural Resources to help fund this effort in Hardin and Marshall Counties.

 

IRGRT expects the Master Plan to build upon the outstanding inventory of recreational, cultural, educational, and historical assets, linked with city, county, and state parks and trails, plus area attractions and events, to make the Iowa River Greenbelt an even better place to live and an attractive destination for all Iowans.

 

Public participation and input would be greatly appreciated.  Interested citizens are invited to either the Liscomb Community Center on April 28 at 6:00 pm, or the Empress Boat Club in Iowa Falls on April 30 at 6:00 pm.  An RSVP would be appreciated to [email protected] or phone Curt Lambertsen at 817-874-0215.

 

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Apr-May-Jun; IOWATER Volunteer Training Sessions

IOWATER Logo

Facing similar budget pressures as most areas of state government, Iowa's citizen volunteer water monitoring program, IOWATER, relies even more heavily on those trained citizens to conduct basic water chemical, physical and biological measurements.  Volunteers are provided with the tools, equipment, and training to understand and help protect Iowa's valuable water resources.  You are encouraged to register and participate in any of the training session dates listed below. If you are already a trained volunteer, but possibly discouraged by recent problems reporting your data, a new website is now up and running.

 

IOWATER Introductory Training dates for 2015, so far. 

April 30, 8:30 am-4:30 pm; Osceola.

May 9, 8:30 am-4:30 pm; Indian Creek Nature Center, 6665 Otis Road SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403

JUST ADDED--May 23, 8:30 - 4:30 pm, Sac City

June 19, 8:30 am-4:30 pm; Upper Iowa University, Baker-Hebron Bldg, Rm 106; 605 Washington St., Fayette, IA 52142

June 26, 8:30 am-4:30 pm; Des Moines, 11730 SE 6th, Runnells, IA 50237 (ELC facility)

 

Visit the IOWATER webpage and click on "Calendar of Events" for registration information:

www.iowadnr.gov/iowater

More info at http://www.iowadnr.gov/Environment/WaterQuality/WaterMonitoring/IOWATER/

Or email [email protected]

 

May 10; "Mother's Day On the Marsh (MOM)," Port Louisa NWR, Odessa WT

Louisa CCB Mothers Day 2013
Louisa CCB photo of previous "MOM" participants.

Celebrate by taking Mom out for a delightful morning float!  Louisa County Conservation will host its annual "Mother's Day On the Marsh (MOM)," at Port Louisa NWR, Odessa WT, near Wapello, on Sunday May 10, from 9:00 am to 11:00 am.  Enjoy a leisurely paddle with naturalists to learn about birds & their broods. 

 

Canoes and kayaks are available, participation limited, registration required.  This event is open to everyone, but children under age 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Register at www.LouisaCountyConservation.org

or call 319-523-8381.
 

May 21, First of IDNR Canoe & Kayak School Sessions; PLEASE NOTE DATE CHANGES!

Canoe School Boone River by Todd Robertson
Canoe School Participants Navigating Rapids
on the Boone River.     Photo by Todd Robertson

From Todd Robertson, IDNR River Programs Outreach Coordinator:

 

"The Iowa DNR 2-day Canoe/Kayak School courses (including a one-day flat-water class) are a great way to improve skills for people who help get others out on the water. You are expected to have some previous experience, but not expertise. The intent is to increase safety, lower stress, have fun, and pay knowledge forward, based on American Canoe Association instructional foundations. Time is divided between some classroom and hands-on experience on a lake environment and then a river.

 

"Participants from past schools rated the training extremely helpful. They were also surprised by how much there was to learn and how intensive this course is. The one-day flat-water class will be held at Gray's Lake in Des Moines. All of the two-day classes will be held along the Boone River at Briggs Woods, in Hamilton County. By popular demand, we have added a second kayak school for this year. Class size is limited, and these classes will fill up fast."

 

Details about course content, accommodations, gear to bring, & registration forms for all classes: 

http://www.iowadnr.gov/Recreation/CanoeingKayaking/PaddlerResources/InstructionSafety.aspx 

For any questions, contact Todd Robertson at 515-979-9538 or 515-725-2960 or email: [email protected]

 

May 21; "Flat-Water Essentials" IDNR Canoe School for Naturalists, Scout Leaders, Youth Group Instructors.  Gray's Lake, Des Moines. Focus on skills, hazard ID, teaching & learning styles.  One day, canoes & equip provided, ACA instructors, $25, limited space, preregistration required. 

80% FILLED--May 27-28; IDNR Canoe School for Naturalists & Trip Leaders.  Briggs Woods Park, Boone River. Focus on skills, hazard ID, teaching & learning styles, risk management.  Two days, for canoes only, ACA instructors, $25, limited space, preregistration required. 

Jun 9-10; IDNR Kayak School for Naturalists & Trip Leaders.  Briggs Woods Park, Boone River. Focus on skills, hazard ID, teaching & learning styles, risk management.  Two days, for kayaks only, ACA instructors, $25, limited space, preregistration required. 

CANCELED--Jun 24-25; IDNR Canoe School for Naturalists & Trip Leaders.  

80% FILLED--Aug 5-6; IDNR Kayak School for Naturalists & Trip Leaders.  Briggs Woods Park, Boone River. Focus on skills, hazard ID, teaching & learning styles, risk management.  Two days, for kayaks only, ACA instructors, $25, limited space, preregistration required. 

Aug 25-26; IDNR Canoe School for Naturalists & Trip Leaders.  Briggs Woods Park, Boone River. Focus on skills, hazard ID, teaching & learning styles, risk management.  Two days, for canoes only, ACA instructors, $25, limited space, preregistration required. 

DATE CHANGE--NOW Sep 14-15 (was 15-16); IDNR Canoe School for Naturalists & Trip Leaders.  Briggs Woods Park, Boone River. Focus on skills, hazard ID, teaching & learning styles, risk management.  Two days, for canoes only, ACA instructors, $25, limited space, preregistration required. 

 

Key Dates for Statewide & Midwest Events--Mark Your Calendar

Iowa Trails Summit Logo B&W
Jun 11-12; Iowa Trails Summit in Cedar Falls-Save the Dates.

Details are still being finalized, but we have confirmed that Thursday, June 11 will be Water Trails Day.  One session will focus on combining natural resources experts with local volunteers to gather useful information, while increasing public awareness (examples: bio-blitzes, wildlife monitoring, mussel blitzes).  In another session, the Office of the State Archaeologist will provide info and resources to coordinate community volunteers with a professional archaeologist to conduct walking surveys at known archaeological sites within water trail corridors.  Following the formal program, attendees will have an opportunity to meet with members of the Iowa DNR Water Trails Citizen Advisory Committee.  It will be a full day devoted to Iowa WTs, a great opportunity to learn and network.  

 

Sessions on Friday, June 12 will address Iowa trails more broadly, including a WT panel discussion and explorations of how supporters of various land and water trails can cooperate and magnify their impact and access to funding resources. Watch for more info at http://www.iowadot.gov/iowabikes/trailsummit.html

Project AWARE Logo No Year


 

Jul 11-16; Project AWARE on Wapsipinicon; Register by Jun 19 to Avoid $10 Late Fee.

In 2015, this all volunteer Annual Watershed Awareness River Expedition will perform a 65-mile river cleanup on the Wapsipinicon River from Independence to Olin. It will include paddling & gathering trash up to 16 miles per day, limited number of canoes available, daily educational programs, catered meals, & tent camping. Info, schedules, and registration forms can be found at http://www.iowadnr.gov/Recreation/CanoeingKayaking/ProjectAWARE.aspx

IEC Logo


 

Oct 2; Iowa Environmental Council Annual Conference, Des Moines.

Each year, Iowa's environmental and clean energy leaders gather in Des Moines for the annual IEC Conference. This year's event will dive into how we - as individuals and a community - can take our work to the next level to create lasting changeWatch for info about speakers, session topics, exhibitor space, and registration as the event draws closer. http://www.iaenvironment.org/


 

Iowa Tourism Conference Logo

Oct 21-23; Iowa Tourism Conference, Bridge View Center in Ottumwa.  

Annual educational and networking event for tourism professionals. Registration opens June 23.
  
http://www.traveliowa.com/conference
.


 

Oct 25-28; Mid America Trails & Greenways Conference in Des Moines--Save the Dates

MATAG Logo Cropped

MATAG is a regional event held every other year, bringing together trail and greenway interests from IL, IN, IA, KY, MI, MN, MO, OH and WI. The conference is intended to showcase great projects, share ideas, and network.  Iowa is hosting the event this year for the first time.

 

Outdoor activities and field trips will include the new Water Works Park plans and paddles, Des Moines River walks, High Trestle Trail rides, Jester Park equestrian rides, and possibly OHV/snowmobile activities as well as indoor presentations in the areas of funding, maintenance, design, and health. The conference will be headquartered at Embassy Suites Des Moines and central Iowa trails. Preliminary info has been posted on their website, and details will be added as finalized: http://www.matag.org/ 

 

 

Iowa Nonprofit Summit Logo
Nov 9-10; Iowa Nonprofit Summit 2015, Ames.  

Biennial conference offering learning opportunities and resources for Iowa nonprofit & volunteer management professionals; keynote presentations, break-out sessions, networking, and exhibitors.  General and registration info at  https://www.regonline.com/npsummit2015

 

The Call for Session Presenters is currently open. Presenters/trainers who can offer interesting and relevant trainings are encouraged to visit:  http://d31hzlhk6di2h5.cloudfront.net/20150410/c0/db/55/33/14fd3caed8d89c8806817752/Workshop_Call_for_Presenters_2015-FINAL.pdf  or contact Jody Benz, Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service, at [email protected] or 515.725.3094. 

 

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What IWTA Newsletter Readers Are Reading & Recommending

IWTA does not advocate for positions on issues, but readers occasionally ask questions or share articles about issues which may be of interest or concern to other readers & WT supporters.  To balance IWTA neutrality, reader participation, and the exchange of potentially useful information, while minimizing the impact on IWTA Newsletter space, following are brief comments and links to items that your fellow readers find interesting:


 

State Park Campgrounds are in need of season hosts at several locations. 

The opportunity to spend the summer in an Iowa state park is available for individuals who serve as campground hosts. Hosts are needed for the season at Bellevue, Pleasant Creek and Fairport/Wildcat Den state parks, and from Sept. 1-Oct. 15 at Lake Macbride State Park. Campground hosts receive free camping at a designated site while they help state parks staff by assisting campers, explaining park rules, and helping with registration, and serving as an impromptu local tour guide. Hosts will help park staff to keep the park clean and with light maintenance.

 

All new hosts must complete state and national criminal background checks prior to serving. Applications are available online at http://volunteer.iowadnr.gov then click on the campground hosts link in the left column, middle of the page.  Interested parties may also call 515-725-8261 to have an application mailed. "We would like to get hosts placed in parks as soon as possible so they are ready to go when the season begins," said Linda King, with the DNR's office of volunteer services. 

 

"From Billions to None" on IPTV
Will Examine Lessons from
Extinction of Passenger Pigeons.

"From Billions to None: The Passenger Pigeon's Flight to Extinction" will air on IPTV World Apr 23 (5:30 pm & 8:00 pm & Apr 24 (3:00 pm). 

"Centenary of this recent extinction offers an opportunity to focus new attention on habitat conservation and species survival-and help us avoid the fate of the passenger pigeon for future species."  The April IPTV schedule also includes a new Nature series on Animal Homes, a new series on Iowa Farm Families, an

d a re-airing of the "That Tree" 365-day outdoor photography challenge.   http://www.iptv.org/schedule.cfm

 

Adventure canoe crew headed to Cochrane/Thlewiaza Rivers, Saskatchewan to Manitoba, in summer 2015 has secured a third (tentative) member, but still has an opening for a fourth.  There may also be opportunities for interested individuals to join the group for training this spring.  Organizer Vern Fish prepared a trip report on last summer's Blood River adventure, which provides insight into the nature of these adventure trips.  View the report at http://www.canoeing.com/advanced/feature/bloodveinriver.htm

Contact Vern at [email protected], 319-215-7830.

 

Decorah Eagles have again produced 3 eaglets, and the adventure continues. 

The website continues to post video segments of significant events, along with ongoing live video.

Watch the videos:

http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=LHzD.&m=3iTapgy3qhOKx.J&b=lF4a2tift401IQEHjZAZ.A 

Watch the live feed:

http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=LHzD.&m=3iTapgy3qhOKx.J&b=7x156RWh61U3ccOGxy3whA 

 

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2015 Iowa Legislative Session In Progress, Nearing the End

Iowa State Capitol Building.  Photo by G.Stark.

State Legislators hope to be heading home around May 1, but they are still deadlocked over education spending.  At least one bill with implications for Water Trails is still "In Play."  Time to share your opinions during this session may be running short, but many local League of Women Voters groups will be hosting events with Legislators over the last two weekends of April.

 

SSB1272 Replaces SF357

This bill would increase state sales tax from 6% to 6.375% to fund the Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund. Interested citizens should now reference SSB1272 when sharing their opinions regarding filling the Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund. The bill is currently in the Ways and Means Subcommittee (Senators Hogg, Bolkcom and Behn). But, time in this legislative session is running short . . .

 

How to Contact Your Legislator

Find updated contact info for your legislators, committee assignments, lists of all representatives or senators, bills in play, lobbyists, and more at  https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislators/find 

 

Key Dates & Special Days for 2015 Session of the 86th Iowa General Assembly

Apr 13; Only limited types of bills are eligible for consideration.

May 1; 110th calendar day of the session [Per diem expenses end].

 

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We Hope That You Are Enjoying the IWTA Newsletter

Regal Fritillary is still looking for a little love from the Iowa Legislature.  Watch for this rare beauty along Iowa's prairies and WTs this summer.
Special thanks to:
  • Readers who provided updates to the IWTA 2015 Planning Calendar.
  • Readers who forwarded items they are reading, or otherwise find interesting.
The mission of the IWTA is to facilitate the exchange of information, ideas and encouragement among Iowans working to create, enhance, or utilize our water trails. That is only possible with your support and participation. 

 

Please continue to share your events, reports, ideas, quiz topics, and suggestions with us at [email protected].  Thank you for your continuing support and encouragement.

 

If you are not one of the over 1,100 Iowans who 

currently subscribe to this free, monthly email IWTA Newsletter, please click on the convenient "Join Our Mailing List" button to get on board.

 

And, please share the IWTA Newsletter with your friends via the "Forward this email" or "Share on Social Media" buttons. 

 
Sincerely,
Gregg Stark
Editor, Iowa Water Trails Association Newsletter