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IWTA
Mid Month
Reminders
& Updates
Iowa Water Trails Association
May, 2016
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"Keep It Clean, Keep It Fun!"
Be prepared for your 2016 Water Trail cleanups, educational/recreational floats, and other events. Order these reusable blue trash bags from Todd Robertson, IDNR Rivers Program Outreach Coordinator at todd.robertson@dnr.gov
or 515-725-2960.
The IWTA Website Events Calendar listings continue to grow, and we look forward to adding more.
Check it out at
Hazard and hypothermia awareness, proper training, a PFD, necessary gear, a paddle plan, and the buddy system are important for paddling at any time of the year. Our weather and water levels seem to be particularly unpredictable in the spring, so check the online gages and make a few sighting at bridges before you launch. Be careful out there.
Keep your newsletter relevant, keep your info coming.
Contact us at
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May 21; "Full Moon Float" on Lake at Lacey-Keosauqua SP
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Jefferson County Conservation will host a "Full Moon Float" from 9:00 pm--11:00 pm on Saturday, May 21 on the Lake at Lacey Keosauqua State Park.
Participants will meet at the Lacey-Keosauqua Lake Boat Ramp to paddle under the light of the Full Moon! Paddlers will head out on the water to hear the stories of the night sky come alive. Naturalist Brittney Tiller will be interpreting the various constellations and objects of the night sky from the calm waters of the lake. This is an official Des Moines River Water Trails event cosponsored by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and Jefferson County Conservation.
Pre-registration is required and participation is limited. If you do not have your own canoe or kayak, some are available for loan. The trip is open to all but children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Participants may register by calling (641)-472-4421 or emailing dmriverwatertrail@gmail.com.
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May 24-25; Iowa DNR Canoe & Kayak School Session
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Todd Robertson, Outreach Coordinator for Iowa Water Trails, reminds us that the 2016 "Canoe & Kayak School" sessions are underway, and openings for some dates are already filling.
All the sessions are oriented toward Naturalists, Scout Leaders, Youth Group Instructors-those who will be leading groups or conducting instruction. The focus is on paddling skills, hazard feature identification, teaching to different learning styles, and risk management. The sessions differ in being geared for canoe or kayak, flatwater lakes or flowing rivers. Boats and life jackets are provided. Each session has a fee and a limit on the number of participants. The annual Canoe & Kayak School sessions fill up fast, so you are advised to register early. Find more info, directions to site, and registration at http://www.iowadnr.gov/Recreation/CanoeingKayaking/PaddlerResources/InstructionSafety.aspx
- May 24-25; Two-Day IDNR Canoe School for Naturalists & Trip Leaders, Briggs Woods Park, Hamilton County (Boone River).
- Jul 5-6; Two-Day IDNR Kayak School for Naturalists and Trip Leaders, Briggs Woods Park, Hamilton County (Boone River).
- Aug 16-17; Two-Day IDNR Kayak School for Naturalists and Trip Leaders, Briggs Woods Park, Hamilton County (Boone River).
- Sep 13-14; Two-Day IDNR Canoe School for Naturalists and Trip Leaders, Briggs Woods Park, Hamilton County (Boone River).
Photo by Todd Robertson
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May 27; "Forgotten Towns of the River" Paddle, Lower Des Moines River WT
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Jefferson County Conservation will host a "Forgotten Towns of the River" paddle from 10:00 am--3:00 pm on Friday, May 27, launching from the Keosauqua Boat Ramp, with a takeout at the Bentonsport Boat Ramp.
Early settlements once thrived along the river but now are seen as ghosts of their former glory. Paddle into the past as we hear the stories of these settlements and villages come to life through the voice of local historian, Mike Miller. This is an official Des Moines River Water Trails event, cosponsored by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and Jefferson County Conservation.
Pre-registration is required and participation is limited. If you do not have your own canoe or kayak, some are available for loan. The trip is open to all but children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Participants may register by calling (641)-472-4421 or emailing dmriverwatertrail@gmail.com.
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May 28-29; Motor Mill Free Tours
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Putting in at Elkader and floating down the Turkey River WT past the iconic 1860's Motor Mill is an almost-mandatory trip for Iowa paddlers. You can make it even more memorable by scheduling your float to coincide with a free tour of the historic mill, related buildings and town site.
Tour dates in 2016 are May 14-15, May 28-29, Jun 11-12, Jun 25-26, July 9-10, Jul 23-24, Aug 6-7, Aug 20-21, Sep 3-4, Sep 17-18, & Oct 8-9.
Motor Mill will be open for tours from noon to 5 pm. Takeout for paddlers is just downstream from the mill and bridge on the left, with a path leading back upstream to the site. Motor Mill Historic Site is located on Galaxy Road, Elkader.
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May 28-29; "South Dakota Kayak Challenge" on Missouri River
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This challenging annual kayak race is not an "Iowa" event, but several Iowans currently hold records in a variety of race classes.
The South Dakota Kayak Challenge (SDKC) is a 72-mile marathon-endurance paddling race on the Missouri River. Racers attend a safety briefing Friday night, and the race starts at 7 am on Saturday. Racers must reach the finish line before 1 pm on Sunday. Racers must check in at each of four checkpoints on the route. There are no cut-off times for the checkpoints; they are for supply, support and logistics.
Racers of the SDKC face 72 miles of wind and waves on the Missouri River between Yankton, S.D. and South Sioux City, Neb. Most of the course is in the National Park Service's Missouri National Recreational River, a unique waterway that is the only NPS property that holds the designations of Wild and Scenic River, National Park and National Water Trail.
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Jun 4; "Middle River Cleanup," Madison County
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| | Photo of Roseman Bridge on Middle River
by Carol Liechty. |
The Madison County Conservation Board and the Madison County River Alliance is sponsoring their annual one-day Middle River Cleanup project on Saturday, June 4. Volunteers will comb the area from Pammel Park to Holliwell Bridge.
A limited number of loaner canoes will be available on a first come-first serve basis. Please make an attempt to locate your own canoe. No beginning level canoers for this event.
Pre-registration is required, but there is no fee. All sections of the registration form must be completed; one person per form. Registration deadline is June 2.
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Jun 4; "Winnebago Outdoor Adventure Race," Forest City on Winnebago River WT
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The Annual Winnebago Outdoor Adventure Race will be held in Forest City on the Winnebago River WT. This race is designed for teams and individuals interested in the challenge and excitement of an adventure race. Family and friends are encouraged to watch the race and join participants in the Winnebago Rally Grounds.
The event includes a 3 mile canoe/kayak race on Winnebago River, 12 mile bike race to Pilot Knob State Park, 5 k run along Hynes Spur Trail. There are numerous individual and group classes. Find info and registration at http://forestcityparksandrec.com/events/adventure-race/
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Jun 10; "Paddle the Wapsi," Oxford Mills to Walnut Grove
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Clinton County Conservation invites you to Paddle the Wapsi, from Oxford Mills to Walnut Grove, 9:00 am till 4:00 pm on June 10.
Meet at 8:45 am near the boat ramp in Walnut Grove Park just north of Toronto, Iowa on County Road Y32. Please be registered and gathered for a group photo on the ramp by 8:55 am. We will then shuttle to the put in at Oxford Mills and be on the water by 9:30 AM. We will stop for lunch after 12 PM at Massillon Park north of Massillon, Iowa. Back on the water by 1:30 PM we should reach Walnut Grove by 3:30 PM and shuttle drivers back to their vehicles at the put in by 4:00 PM. We will have covered just over 10 miles of the Wapsi. Travel times are dependent on paddler's abilities, length of shore breaks and river levels.
You MUST REGISTER by calling 563-259-1876 by noon on the 9th of June.
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Jun 11; Annual "Great Iowa River Race," Iowa City
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Grab your paddle and join the June 11 Annual Great Iowa River Race, from Sturgis Ferry Park in Iowa City to Hills Access.
The race covers 9.25 miles, with divisions for Canoe, Kayak, Racing, Recreational, Youth, Paddleboard, etc. Check in begins at 8:00 am at Fin&Feather,125 Highway 1 W, Iowa City, IA 52246. The race starts at 10:00 am.
Contact: Kristen Morrow, Johnson County Conservation, 319-688-8286; kmorrow@co.johnson.ia.us
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Jun 11, Jun 18/19; Iowa State Fair Photography Contest Entry Deadlines
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The Iowa State Fair will be held Aug 11-21, but entries are due much earlier. Photography Contest entries will be accepted:
= In person, Saturday, Jun 18 and Sunday, Jun 19 between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm in the Cultural Center.
= By mail, not before Monday, May 23, and must be postmarked by midnight on Saturday, Jun 11.
The "Theme Class" for 2016 is "Fog," very much an opportunity for outdoor photographers working our Water Trails.
Find a pdf of 2016 Iowa State Fair Photography Rules & Regulations at:
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Jun 17; Annual "Iowa Trails Summit" in Cedar Falls, Register Now!
Jun 16; "United States National Grid (USNG) Iowa Summit" in Cedar Falls
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Note: A unique "USNG Summit" will be held on Thursday, in conjunction with Friday's Annual Iowa Trails Summit. The USNG Summit will provide valuable information for trails planners, emergency responders, and those responsible for the safety of trails users. More info is provided below and on the event website.
Plan to attend the 2016 Iowa Trails Summit on Friday, June 17, at the University of Northern Iowa's Center for Energy & Environmental Education,1227 W. 27th St. in Cedar Falls, from 8 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
This annual statewide Summit provides a terrific opportunity to connect with developers, managers, and resources for all types of trails-water, hiking, biking, equestrian, snowmobile, off road, etc. The 2016 Summit will focus on the "people" side of Iowa trails--inspiration, health, friendship, and connections to history, archaeology, geology, and our natural heritage. John Wenck will moderate a panel session on water trails, featuring naturalist Brittney Tiller, geologist Joe Artz, and archaeologist Cherie Haury-Artz. An annual highlight is the session of 5-minute progress and innovation reports from trails and recreation destinations across Iowa. The event will include an exhibitor area and lunch.
Featured speakers include John Edward Terrell, A.B., A.M., Ph.D. (Harvard), Author & Regenstein Curator of Pacific Anthropology at the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago and Dr. Richard Deming, medical director of Mercy Cancer Center in Des Moines, Iowa.
This year's theme, "Iowa Trails - Inspired by a Talent for Friendship" emphasizes the ideas and innovations driving healthy communities. The master of ceremonies is Iowa's own master raconteur and trails enthusiast Chuck Offenburger. Fee for the day is $45, which includes parking, lunch, and snacks.
The registration deadline is June 3, 2016.
REGISTER TODAY!
Main Page
Agenda & Speaker Info
Registration Link
United States National Grid (USNG) Iowa Summit
Thursday, June 16, 2016, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. University of Northern Iowa's (UNI) Center For Energy & Environmental Education
227 W. 27th St. Cedar Falls, IA 50614
FEE: $45 for the day (includes parking, lunch, and snacks)
The USNG Iowa Summit is bringing together members of the GIS community, first responder community and interested volunteers and policy makers at all levels to spur the discussion of integrating the United States National Grid (USNG) into geo-referencing for all jurisdictions and emergency response agencies for
enhanced incident response when on public lands or during major natural disasters. To learn more about what the United States National Grid (USNG) is go to www.usngiowa.org. To learn more about Iowa Task Force One and the role they play in search and rescue go to www.iowataskforce1.org.
Morning Sessions
First Responders often have the challenge of communicating clearly a location when there is not an exact address. The "language of location" created by using the United States National Grid (USNG) System quickly and accurately assists first responders to identify locations where there is no address and be able to clearly relay that location. Implementation of the USNG in Iowa will assist in improved geo-referencing communication on Iowa's public lands. Morning courses will help local policy makers, volunteers, GIS experts, and first responders understand the value of USNG use on all public lands to include multi-use trails and waterway trails.
GIS Afternoon Breakout Sessions will include discussion of GIS resources available for the GIS professional to create USNG based mapping.
First Responder Afternoon Breakout Sessions will include hands on training at the Black Hawk County Firearms Training Range in map reading, land navigation, command and control and situational awareness using USNG across map and digital platforms.
Find USNG Summit info and Thursday Registration at
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Jun 17-19; "Charles City Challenge: WhiteWater Weekend," in Charles City
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Now in its fifth year, the Charles City Challenge will include events for whitewater paddlers as well as fun for everyone else.
Competitive on-the-water events are planned, along with the Crazy Cardboard Boat Race, BBQ Challenge, disc golf tournament, downtown farmers market and more!
Registration forms and a schedule of events will be posted soon.
Watch for more info on their website
Questions? Contact Ginger at the Charles City Chamber - 641-228-4234
Find Charles City WhiteWater Park info & webcam at www.CCWhiteWater.com
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Jun 18; "Let It Flow, Riverfest," in Manchester
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Manchester invites you to their June 18; "Let it Flow, Riverfest," a celebration of the Manchester Whitewater Park & Riverfront.
"Riverfest" will be held from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm along the riverfront in downtown Manchester. Building on last year's inaugural Riverfest, this should be another fun-filled event for all ages, with play boating and safety demonstrations, open boating, a safety equipment giveaway, vendors, music, food, and a beer tent. A free concert at 4:00 pm will feature David Zollo & the Body Electric.
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Jun 19; Annual "Father's Day Float" in Des Moines
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Celebrate dad with this short Father's Day paddle. Beginning paddlers and families are encouraged to attend.
Participants will launch from Prospect Park, Hickman Road, in Des Moines. Paddle any time between Noon-3:30 pm, but the actual trip from Prospect Park to Birdland Park will take about half an hour.
Sponsored by Des Moines Park & Recreation, Iowa DNR, and Central Iowa Paddlers. No registration required. For more info, visit http://dmampo.org/water-trails/
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Registration Materials Now Available for Jul 11-15 Project AWARE
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Project AWARE 2016 volunteers will be cleaning up, learning about and exploring 53 miles of the Lower Des Moines River between Eldon and Farmington from July 11 to 15. This year's expedition marks Project AWARE's 14th year.
Volunteers participate by paddling down the river in canoes and cleaning up river trash along the way. Opportunities for land-based volunteers are also available. While the expedition lasts five days, volunteers may stay and help for as little or as long as they like. Project AWARE is family-friendly & provides the opportunity to experience a different river each year.
Community leaders in the "Villages of Van Buren" are looking forward to sharing the history and beauty of their section of the Des Moines River with the Project AWARE volunteers. In the past 13 years, more than 3,700 AWARE volunteers from across the state have cleaned up over 1,000 river miles, removing 337 tons of trash.
Detailed event information and registration forms can now be downloaded at:
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A Quick Look At the 2016 IWTA Planning Calendar!
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May 21; Armed Forces Day.
May 21; "Full Moon Float," 9:00 pm--11:00 pm, on Lake at Lacey Keosauqua State Park. Paddle under light of the Full Moon! Stories of the night sky come alive as Naturalist Brittney Tiller interprets various constellations and objects from the calm waters of the lake. Official Des Moines River Water Trails event cosponsored by the Iowa DNR & Jefferson County Conservation. Pre-registration required, participation limited. Some boats available for loan. Children under age 16 must be accompanied by adult. Register by calling (641)-472-4421 or emailing dmriverwatertrail@gmail.com. On facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Jefferson-County-Conservation-719357308125209/
May 21; Full Moon (Blue Moon). Saturday, Sunrise 5:40, Sunset 8:27, Moonrise 8:16 CDT
May 22; Best Time To View Planet Mars. Visible all night.
May 24-25; (Tue-Wed) Two-Day IDNR Canoe School for Naturalists and Trip Leaders, Briggs Woods Park, Hamilton County (Boone River). Oriented toward naturalists guiding groups on trips or conducting canoe instruction. About 1/3 classroom, and 2/3 on-water, focus is on skills, hazard and river feature identification, teaching to different learning styles, and risk management. Cost: $25 (you can camp, rent a cabin or stay in town at a motel). Maximum 10 participants (5 canoes). Instruction conducted by two American Canoe Association certified canoe instructors: Glenn Harman, Nate Hoogeveen. Directions to site: http://conservation.hamiltoncountyiowa.com/images/map/master-briggs-2-2-06.pdf
May 27; "Forgotten Towns of the River" paddle,10:00 am--3:00 pm, Keosauqua Boat Ramp to Bentonsport Boat Ramp. Paddle into the past with stories of early settlements & villages voiced by local historian Mike Miller. Official Des Moines River Water Trails event, cosponsored by the Iowa DNR and Jefferson County Conservation. Pre-registration required, participation limited. Some boats available for loan. Children under age 16 must be accompanied by adult. Register at (641)-472-4421 or emailing dmriverwatertrail@gmail.com. On facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Jefferson-County-Conservation-719357308125209/
May 28-29; South Dakota Kayak Challenge, 72 miles on Missouri River. Marathon-endurance
paddling race thru 72 miles of wind and waves on the Missouri River between Yankton, S.D. and South Sioux City, Neb. Most of the course is in the National Park Service's Missouri National Recreational River. Pre-race briefing in Yankton. Find full race info, course map, rules, & registration:
May 28-29; Motor Mill Free Tours, Turkey River WT. Free tours of historic 1860's Motor Mill, related buildings, and town site, Noon-5:00 pm on scheduled weekends, group tours by appointment. Consider combining the tour with a paddle on the beautiful Turkey River Water Trail. Motor Mill Historic Site,
 Find Turkey River WT info at Turkey River WT info at http://www.turkeyrivercorridor.com/trails/water-trails/ Free tour dates in 2016: May 14-15, May 28-29, Jun 11-12, Jun 25-26, Jul 9-10, Jul 23-24, Aug 6-7, Aug 20-21, Sep 3-4, Sep 17-18, Oct 8-9.
May 30; Memorial Day (actual & observed)
Jun 3-5, 2016; IDNR Free Fishing Days, Iowa residents only;
Jun 4; Annual Winnebago Outdoor Adventure Race, Forest City on Winnebago River WT. 3 mile canoe/kayak race on Winnebago River, 12 mile bike race to Pilot Knob State Park, 5 k run along Hynes Spur Trail; individual and group classes. http://forestcityparksandrec.com/events/adventure-race/ Jun 5; Best Time To View Planet Mercury. Low in eastern sky just before sunrise. Jun 5; Doughnut Day. Jun 6; D-Day Observance.
Jun 10; Paddle the Wapsi, Oxford Mills to Walnut Grove, 9 AM till 4 PM, Walnut Grove Park, Toronto, Iowa. Meet at 8:45 am, cover 10 miles on the Wapsi, complete paddle and vehicle shuttle approx 4:00 pm. You MUST REGISTER by calling Clinton CCB 563-259-1876 by noon on 9th of June.
Jun 11; Annual Great Iowa River Race, Sturgis Ferry Park to Hills Access, Iowa City. Runs 9.25 miles, divisions for Canoe, Kayak, Racing, Recreational, Youth, Paddleboard, etc. Check in starts 8:00 am at Fin&Feather, race starts 10:00 am. Divisions available in canoe, kayak, and paddleboard. More info about the race, classes, rules, shuttle, breakfast, and registration at: https://greatiowariverrace.eventbrite.com
Jun 11-12, Jun 25-26; Motor Mill Free Tours, Turkey River WT. Free tours of historic 1860's Motor Mill, related buildings, and town site, Noon-5:00 pm on scheduled weekends, group tours by appointment. Consider combining the tour with a paddle on the beautiful Turkey River Water Trail. Motor Mill Historic Site, Galaxy Road, Elkader; call: 563-245-1516 or visit: http://motormill.org/ Turkey River WT info at http://www.turkeyrivercorridor.com/trails/water-trails/
Jun 14; Flag Day.
Jun 16-17; Iowa Trails Summit, Cedar Falls/Waterloo, presentations re strategies, policies, & development opportunities vested in partnerships creating new trails. Relates to all types of trails-water, hiking, biking, equestrian, snowmobile, off road, etc. Info at http://www.friendsofiowatrails.org
Jun 18; Charles City Challenge: WhiteWater Weekend. Kayak & SUP competition, riverfront activities; info & webcam at www.CCWhiteWater.com.
Jun 18; "Let it Flow, Riverfest," Celebration of Manchester Whitewater Park & Riverfront.
Times & details TBD. Building on last year's inaugural Riverfest, this should be another fun-filled event for all ages, with on-water demonstrations, vendors, music and food. http://manchesterwhitewater.com/index2.php#/home/
June 19; Father's Day.
Jun 19; Annual Father's Day Float, Des Moines, Noon-3:30 pm. Launch from Prospect Park, Hickman Road, Des Moines. Celebrate dad with this Father's Day paddle. Beginning paddlers and families encouraged to attend. Participants will launch from Prospect Park, Hickman Road, in Des Moines. Paddle any time between Noon-3:30 pm, but the actual trip from Prospect Park to Birland Park will take about half an hour.
Sponsored by Des Moines Park & Recreation, Iowa DNR, and Central Iowa Paddlers. No registration required. For more info, visit http://dmampo.org/water-trails/
Jun 20; Summer Solstice, 1st Day of Summer.
Jun 20; Full Moon, Monday, Sunrise 5:31, Sunset 8:46, Moonrise 8:50 CDT
Jun 25, 2016; Iowa Summer Games WW Slalom Venue in Charles City, http://www.iowagames.org/
Do you have WT-related events or planning info for 2016?
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We Hope That You Are Enjoying the "Award-Winning" IWTA Newsletter
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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 participation. Thank you for your continuing support and encouragement.
- Readers who forwarded info about WT-related events around Iowa.
- Readers who are providing & updating items for the IWTA 2016 Planning Calendar.
- Readers who shared items they are reading, or otherwise found interesting.
- Other groups who have added our IWTA Website link to their own website; we like to network!
We do our best to include all corrections, cancellations, and reschedules ASAP in our newsletters and other materials, but the most current info on events will probably always be the Events Calendar on the IWTA Website:
Please continue to share your events, reports, ideas, quiz topics, suggestions, and corrections with us at
If you are not one of over 1,200 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
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