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IWTA
Mid Month
Reminders
& Updates
Iowa Water Trails Association
June, 2016
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CORRECTION:
The June 18 Free Kayak Demo, hosted by CrawDaddy Outddoors, will be held at Charles City Whitewater Park from 10-2. (The Riceville location indicated on the CrawDaddy website, and in our June 1 IWTA Newsletter, was an error.)
ADDITION:
Danielle Carter inform us that a Sunday, July 17 Kayak Float on Blackhawk Creek has been added to the annual Hudson Days weekend celebration. Current info indicates a 1:00 pm launch at the Hudson Road Access (Franck Park). Follow at https://www.facebook.com/hudsondays/We hope to have full details for our July 1 IWTA Newsletter.
It's a great time of year to get out and enjoy your Iowa Water Trails -- safely, as the weather and water levels allow. The IWTA Newsletter and the IWTA Website Events Calendar are filled to the gunwales with cleanups, races, floats, conferences, training, tours, and other useful, WT-related opportunities. Enjoy yourself, and be safe on the water.
To keep your newsletter relevant, please keep your info coming. Contact us at iowawta@gmail.com
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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!
Find registration forms, schedule of events, and more info on their website
and on their facebook page. Questions? Contact Ginger at the Charles City Chamber - 641-228-4234
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Jun 17; Annual "Iowa Trails Summit" in Cedar Falls, See You There!
Jun 16; "United States National Grid (USNG) Iowa Summit" in Cedar Falls |
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
to be held 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. sCedar 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 18; "Let It Flow, Riverfest," in Manchester
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The friendly folks in Manchester invite 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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CORRECTION: Jun 18; "Demo Day" at Charles City Whitewater Park
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| | Iowa Paddle Shops offer great opportunities
to expand your knowledge of boats, gear, and skills. |
Crawdaddy Outdoors will bring its series of Saturday Free Kayak Demos to Charles City Whitewater Park from 10:00 am-2:00 pm on June 18. (The Riceville location indicated on the CrawDaddy website, and in our June 1 IWTA Newsletter was an error.)
These Demo Days are free, require no pre-registration, and offer a fleet of 16+ kayaks to test-paddle. Crawdaddy staff will explain the features and benefits of various kayaks, paddles, and PFDs. Saturday Demo Days are from 10 am to 2 pm. More info at http://crawdaddyoutdoors.com/
Upcoming demo dates and locations (in addition to regular Waverly events):
= June 18 - Charles City Whitewater Park -Charles City
= July 9 - Kohlmann Park -Waverly
= August 6 - Lake Meyer - Calmar
= September 17 - Rodgers Park - Vinton
Fin & Feather in Iowa City continues to host events, canoe/kayak/SUP rentals, and informal instruction at Fin & Feather H2O located in the Terry Trueblood Recreation Area. More info at http://finfeather.com/pages/paddle-winter-sports/fin-feather-h2o.php
Canoesport Outfitters holds numerous paddling classes at Lake Ahquabi, south of Indianola. From quick start and fundamentals, through intermediate, advanced, and safety rescue, they offer classes to build your skill set and work toward ACA certification. Find info on schedules, class content, fees, pregistration on the CSO website http://www.canoesportoutfitters.com/kayakInst.php
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Jun 18-19; Submission Deadlines for 2016 Iowa State Fair Photography Contest
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JUNE SUBMISSION DEADLINES FOR
2016 IOWA STATE FAIR PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST
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.
Find a pdf of the 2016 Iowa State Fair Photography Rules & Regulations at:
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Jun 19; "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.
This event is sponsored by Des Moines Park & Recreation, Iowa DNR, and Central Iowa Paddlers. No registration is required. For more info, visit http://dmampo.org/water-trails/
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Jun 24 & 25; June Canoe & Kayak Loan, Odessa WT, Louisa CCB
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Take your family out paddling without the hassle of hauling all the gear! Canoes and kayaks will be available at Snively Campground to be used on the Odessa Water Trail. Reservations can be made in advance otherwise canoes and kayaks are available on a first come, first served basis.
Participants must be 18 years old to borrow a boat which comes with life jacket, paddles and a map of the area. Kids may participate if an adult is with them. We recommend people bring Ziploc Freezer bags to hold their cell phones and other items that shouldn't get wet as well as a bottle of water and a snack.
Canoes will be available at the following times:
- Friday, June 24 from 5:00 PM-8:00 PM
- Saturday, June 25 from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Additional Info
- Location: Snively Campground
- Ages: All Ages Welcome- Must be 18 years old to borrow a boat
- Cost: Free will donation
- Registration information: To pre-register please call (319)-523-8381 or email lccb@lccb.org.
(Watch for similar event July 22-23.)
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| Jun 25-26; Motor Mill Free Tours, Turkey River WT |
Putting in at Elkader and floating down the Turkey River WT past the iconic 1860's Motor Mill is an Iowa paddling tradition. 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.
Remaining free tour dates in 2016 are 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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Jul 5-6; Iowa DNR Kayak School Session; More Coming in Aug & Sep!
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Todd Robertson, Outreach Coordinator for Iowa Water Trails, recently released the dates and other details for the 2016 "Canoe & Kayak School" sessions, and some 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
- 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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Jul 11-15; Project AWARE--Registration Materials Now Available
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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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Jul 17; New Kayak Float on Blackhawk Creek in Hudson
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Danielle Carter informs us that a Sunday, July 17 Kayak Float on Blackhawk Creek has been added to the annual Hudson Days weekend celebration. Current info indicates a 1:00 pm launch at the Hudson Road Access (Franck Park), with takeout at the Ranchero Road Access.
We hope to have full details for our July 1 IWTA Newsletter.
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Confirmed New Event Dates, Registration Dates
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Registration Open for Jul 31- Aug 6 Great River Rumble. 
The 2016 "GRR" will cover about 100 miles from Eau Clair, WI on the Chippewa River to Winona, MN on the Mississippi. "Rumblers" will paddle past Red Cedar River confluence, through the "Driftless Zone" and Lower Chippewa River State Nature Area, and navigate three locks on the Mississippi. Registration is now open; registration deadline to receive a free shirt is July 15. Find more info about this annual weeklong 100+ mile paddling trip, itinerary, shuttles, campsites, meals, gear transport,maps, & registration at http://www.riverrumble.org/
"Four County Float" on Little Sioux River Set for Aug 5 & 6. Cherokee County Conservation Board is partnering with the Sanford Museum, Clay, Buena Vista, and O'Brien CCBs to provide a unique opportunity to paddle the Little Sioux River with an archaeologist and four naturalists on August 5 and 6. The leisurely paddle will begin each day at 9:00 am, lasting around 5-7 hours, depending on weather and water conditions. On Aug 5, float from Linn Grove Dam to Wanata Park near Peterson. On Aug 6, float from Prairie Heritage Center to Martins Access. Participate in one day or both! Registration is required by Aug 1.
Rugged Toad Adventure Triathlon Scheduled for Aug 27!
Get your wart on with the Rugged Toad Adventure Tri -- Paddle, Trail Run and Mountain Bike. Paddle (4.6 miles) on the Cedar River from Waverly to Ingawanis Adventure Base, trail run (3.4 miles) through the camp, then mountain bike (7 miles) through Ingawanis Woodland. Race begins at Brookwood Park, Waverly at 9:00 am. Registration closes on Aug 25, 2016, 12:00:00 PM CDT. Event is held rain or shine. Event will be delayed due to severe weather / lightning. For info on registration, classes, prizes, shuttles, equipment, or volunteering, visit https://www.athletepath.com/rugged-toad-adventure-triathlon/2016-08-27
Date of TEE Tournament Disabled Vets Paddle Confirmed as Wednesday, Sep 14.
Kirt Sickels, Director of the National Disabled Veterans TEE Tournament Rehab Event held annually in Riverside, has confirmed that the Vets Paddle component has been scheduled on Wednesday, Sep 14, with 3 sessions beginning at 0800, 1000, and 1300. Tom Sabotta, new coordinator of Vets Paddle volunteers, encourages all past volunteers to add the date to their calendars. New volunteers or those willing to load boats or gear should contact Tom or Sherri at tsabott@gmail.com
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A Quick Look At the 2016 IWTA Planning Calendar!
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 Jun 16-17; Iowa Trails Summit, Cedar Falls, 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
Jun 17-19; 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. 10:00 am-8:00 pm along Riverfront in downtown Manchester. 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. Free concert at 4:00 pm will feature David Zollo & the Body Electric. http://manchesterwhitewater.com/index2.php#/home/ June 19; Father's Day. Jun 19; Annual Father's Day Float, 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 24 & 25; June Canoe & Kayak Loan, Odessa WT. Canoes and kayaks will be available at Snively Campground to be used on the Odessa Water Trail. Reservations can be made in advance otherwise canoes and kayaks are available on a first come, first served basis. Visit http://www.louisacountyconservation.org/ or call 319-523-8381. (Similar event July 22-23.) Jul 4; Independence Day, Saturday. Jul 5-6; (Tue-Wed) Two-Day IDNR Kayak School for Naturalists and Trip Leaders, Briggs Woods Park, Hamilton County (Boone River). Oriented toward naturalists guiding groups on trips or conducting kayak 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. This for kayak only. Cost approx. $25 (you can camp, rent a cabin or stay in town at a motel). Maximum 10 participants. Instruction conducted by two American Canoe Association certified canoe instructors: John Wenck, Todd Robertson. Directions to site: http://conservation.hamiltoncountyiowa.com/images/map/master-briggs-2-2-06.pdf Jul 9-10, Jul 23-24; 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/ Jul 11-15; DNR Project AWARE, Lower Des Moines River. Eldon (Wapello Co.) to Turkey Run Access (Lee Co.). 2016 event will be a 5-day, 4 night event (Mon - Fri) with Mon & Fri half days on the river and Tue - Thu full days. Event includes paddling & gathering trash, limited number of canoes available, daily educational programs, catered meals, & tent camping. More info at http://www.iowadnr.gov/Things-to-Do/Canoeing-Kayaking/Project-AWARE Jul 17; Hudson Days Kayak Float, Blackhawk Creek. 1:00 pm launch at the Hudson Road Access (Franck Park), with takeout at the Ranchero Road Access. Follow Hudson Days planning at https://www.facebook.com/hudsondays/ Jul 19; Full Moon, Tuesday, Sunrise 5:48, Sunset 8:37, Moonrise 8:19 CDT
Jul 22 & 23; June Canoe & Kayak Loan, Odessa WT. Canoes and kayaks will be available at Snively Campground to be used on the Odessa Water Trail. Reservations can be made in advance otherwise canoes and kayaks are available on a first come, first served basis. Visit http://www.louisacountyconservation.org/ or call 319-523-8381.
Jul 23; Paddle into the Past: The Geology and Archeology of the Des Moines River. 10:00 am-3:00 pm, Austin Park to Keosauqua Boat Ramp. Archaeologist Cherie E. Haury-Artz and Geoarchaeologist Joe Artz, co-lead a paddle combining the local geology and archaeology of the area. Pre-registration required; (641)-472-4421 or email dmriverwatertrail@gmail.com.
Jul 23-30; RAGBRAI, 420 miles Glenwood to Muscatine, http://ragbrai.com/
Jul 24; Parents' Day. Jul 25; Paddle the Wapsi II, Walnut Grove to Syracuse, 9 AM till 4 PM, Syracuse Wildlife Area Boat Ramp, Calamus, Iowa. Meet at 8:45 am, shuttle vehicles, launch by 9:30, complete trip approx. 4:00 pm. You MUST REGISTER by calling Clinton CCB 563-259-1876 by noon on 22nd of July. (Sherman Park has variety of campsites & new shower house; best choice for an overnight before or after Wapsi III.) Jul 26; Paddle The Wapsi III, Syracuse Wildlife Area to Sherman Park, 9 AM till Noon, Sherman Park Boat Ramp, Calamus, Iowa. Meet at 8:45 am, shuttle vehicles, launch by 9:30, lunch at Sherman Park, shuttle drivers back to Syracuse WA. You MUST REGISTER for this event by calling 563-259-1876 by noon on the 22nd of July. (Sherman Park has variety of campsites & new shower house; best choice for an overnight before or after Wapsi III.) Jul 28-29; Delta Aquarids Meteor Shower Peaks. Average shower, peaking at 20 meteors/hour. Jul 31-Aug 6; Great River Rumble (GRR), Eau Clair on the Chippewa River to Winona on the Mississippi. Paddle past Red Cedar River confluence, through the "Driftless Zone" and Lower Chippewa River State Nature Area, navigate three locks on the Mississippi. Annual weeklong 100+ mile paddle with shuttles, campsites, meals, & gear transport. Info, itinerary, & registration at http://www.riverrumble.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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