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IWTA
Mid Month
Reminders
& Updates
Iowa Water Trails Association
August, 2016
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| QUICK LINKS | |
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| Order these reusable blue trash bags from Todd Robertson, IDNR Rivers Program Outreach Coordinator.
todd.robertson@dnr.gov
or 515-725-2960 |
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August in Iowa is often a time to "bump and drag" your boat along some of our Iowa Water Trails. That's not the case this year. More group floats have been rescheduled due to high water than to low water. Check river levels before you head out.
August, before kids head back to school, continues to provide numerous events and opportunities to enjoy our WTs. We hasten to add that September tends to be more peaceful, October will provide fall colors--it's all great!
Please note the item about the Sep 14 Disabled Vets Paddle in Riverside--organizers would welcome more volunteers and boats.
We hope you enjoy this issue of the IWTA Newsletter.
To keep your newsletter relevant, please keep your info coming.
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Aug 14; Applications Due to Present at 2017 Iowa Water Conference!
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The 2017 theme, "Watershed Management: Partnerships for Progress," promotes water resource management from a watershed perspective, with a particular emphasis on the partnerships necessary to accomplish goals. Improving water management on a watershed scale is a complex undertaking due to the variety and sheer number of stakeholders. Watersheds do not adhere to political jurisdictions; they often cross borders of different cities of town, counties, and in some cases, states. The 11th Annual Iowa Water Conference looks for presentations to tell stories of successes and lessons learned through forged partnerships while providing updates on the latest technical approaches to water management from a variety of perspectives.
The conference committee is seeking two types of presentations: plenary presentations, which should address a broad audience of both urban and rural backgrounds, and break-out presentations, which should fit within one of eight track topics. Applicants will be notified by Sep 9.
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Aug 11-21; Iowa State Fair Now Underway!
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| | Iowa State Fair offers over 50 varieties of "food on a stick." |
The Iowa State Fair will continue to run through Aug 21. There will be lots of rides, entertainment, prize winning animals, fruits, vegetables, 4H projects, and, of course, plenty of "food on a stick."
If you attend, be sure to stop by the Iowa DNR building to view the exhibits, pick up maps, and put in a few good words on behalf of Iowa Water Trails. FYI, the DNR is not seeking volunteers to help staff the exhibits this year.
If you have an interest in outdoor photography, we encourage you to spend some time perusing the Photography Salon exhibit. Outdoor photographers can learn much from considering why judges awarded prizes to specific photos, and a similar amount by considering the subjects, lighting, vantage points, and more in all of the photos selected for display.
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Aug 16-17; Iowa DNR Kayak School Session;
Last 2016 Canoe School Session Coming Sep 13-14!
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Todd Robertson, Outreach Coordinator for Iowa Water Trails, reminds us that only two sessions remain in the 2016 "Canoe & Kayak School" series, and he notes that there are a few openings remaining in each session. Last chances for 2016, so sign up now!
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
- 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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Aug 19; "Geode Paddle," Lower Des Moines River, Bentonsport
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The August 19 "Geode Paddle" will be held from 1:00 pm--5:00 pm, traveling from the Bentonsport Boat Ramp to the Des Moines River Access.
Paddle this beautiful stretch of the Lower Des Moines, stopping on sandbars to search for geodes. This is an official Des Moines River Water Trails event, cosponsored by the Iowa DNR and Jefferson County Conservation.
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Aug 19; "Through the Eyes of the River" Presentation, Lacey-Keosauqua State Park, Keosauqua
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This August 19 "Through the Eyes of the River" presentation will begin at 7:00 pm, in the Beachhouse at Lacey-Keosauqua State Park.
Historian Michael Sahs will share history through the eyes of the Des Moines River, including early river traffic, a proposed lock & dam system, exploration along the river, the Mormon crossing, and the CCC. This is an official Des Moines River Water Trails event, cosponsored by the Iowa DNR and Jefferson County Conservation.
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Aug 19; "River Run Garbage Grab (R2G2)," Raccoon and Des Moines Rivers
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The 15th Annual River Run Garbage Grab (R2G2) will be held on Friday, August 19, starting at 8:00 am.
Volunteers will be cleaning areas from Saylorville to Yellow Banks Park on the Des Moines River, and from Walnut Woods Park to Waterworks Park on the Raccoon River.
This event allows volunteers the opportunity to remove trash from the river or along its adjacent trails. Paddlers, rowers, power boaters, walkers, hikers, bicyclers, mountain bikers, birders, etc are all welcome, and encouraged to participate!
For more info, use these links:
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Aug 19-21; "Lower Wapsi River Cleanup," Syracuse WA to Gambril Access
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This annual demonstration of love for the Wapsipinicon River continues. The 2016 Lower Wapsi River Clean-up Project will cover 32.3 Miles from Syracuse Wildlife Area to Gambril Access, Sherman Park, Calamus, Iowa. Gather and camp at Sherman Park off 160th Avenue. On Friday we'll have an early bird half day clean-up from 1 till 4 PM covering 6.3 miles above the park. Saturday's stretch is 11.5 miles and 14.5 on Sunday. You MUST REGISTER online at or by calling 563-349-0811 by noon on the 12th of August.
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Aug 20; "7th Annual Floatzilla" in Quad Cities
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Join hundreds of paddlers for the 7th Annual Floatzilla in the Quad Cities on August 20. This annual celebration of paddlesports includes a variety of floats, training sessions, food, live music, tee shirts, and, of course, a world record attempt for largest flotilla of kayaks & canoes.
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| Aug 20-21; 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 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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Aug 24-26 (tentative); Annual Iowa Mussel Blitz," Harpers Ferry
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| | Participants in 2015 Iowa Mussel Blitz |
Scott Gritters notes that this is the time of year when mussels fans come out of the river ooze to scavenge for some of the world's most endangered creatures.
The 2016 Iowa Mussel Blitz is tentatively set for Aug 24, 25 and maybe 26 at Harpers Ferry, Iowa on beautiful Pool 10 of the Mississippi River.
It has been years since the last mussel survey of this area. In its prime in the 1980's, Harpers Slough was a heavily clammed resource that suffered greatly from over-exploitation. Then zebra mussels dealt it a second blow, and the mussel populations declined dramatically. Gritters and the volunteers are anxious to determine the current status of the mussel population.
To learn more, or to volunteer to participate in the Mussel Blitz,
contact Scott Gritters scott.gritters@dnr.iowa.gov
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Sep 14; Disabled Vets Paddle, Riverside, Volunteers Needed
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New Coordinator of Sep 14 Disabled Vets Paddle Announces Updates, Calls for More Volunteers & Boats.
Tom Sabotta, new coordinator of Vets Paddle volunteers, encourages all past and new volunteers to save the date, plus contact him to confirm their participation, number and types of boats they are bringing, and participant T-Shirt sizes. Among the changes for 2016 are the provision of free T-Shirts to aid identification of volunteers vs. Vets, a 4-wheeler & trailer to shuttle boats to and from the beach area, and expanding the event to 3 sessions beginning at 8:00 am, 10:00 am, and 1:00 pm. More volunteers and boats are needed. Background: While the "TEE Tournament" began as a golf tournament for disabled Veterans, TEE actually stands for "Training Exposure Experience." The Vets Paddle is an "alternative activity," (others include bowling, horseback riding, and fishing) to expand the variety of experiences offered to the participating Veterans. The VA introduced paddling in 2009, with equipment contracted from out of state. Beginning in 2010, the event became a totally volunteer effort, combining the resources of Seatasea Watersports and members of the Saukenuk and Sticks In the Water paddler groups. Volunteers are now compromised of paddlers from many parts of Iowa, linked via email, recruiting friends to maintain the "pool" of people, kayaks, and canoes. Interestingly, the wider, recreational class kayaks are most appropriate for the Vets, some of whom have issues with mobility and balance.
Photo by G.Stark
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Retailer Demo Days & Classes Continue, Fall Trips & Deals Coming
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| | Iowa Paddle Shops Offer Opportunities
to Expand Your Knowledge of Boats, Gear, and Skills. |
Whether it's an organized demo day, boat rental, informal test paddle, or whatever, our paddle shop friends want to help you find the boat that fits your needs, skills, interests, and body size. When you're ready to upgrade your boat or gear, they're great places to start. And they lead trips to destinations in Iowa and beyond.
Crawdaddy Outdoors will host its final 2016 ar ea Saturday Free Kayak Demo from 10 am to 2 pm on Sep 17 at Rodgers Park in Vinton. The regular 6 to 8 pm free demos continue at Avenue of the Saints Lake in Waverly on Aug 25, Sep 8 & 22. ACA Kayak Certification Classes, levels 1 and 2, will be held Sep 13, a special "Kayoga" class is scheduled Oct 1, and a Wisconsin Fall Colors River Trip is set for Oct 7-9. Details at http://crawdaddyoutdoors.com/crawdaddy-events/
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 continues its broad schedule of beginner, intermediate, advanced, and specialty paddling classes through August into mid-September at Lake Ahquabi, south of Indianola. These classes will build your skill set and confidence, and work toward ACA certification. Find info on schedules, class content, fees, and pregistration, along with some warmer-water winter trips, on the CSO website http://www.canoesportoutfitters.com/kayakInst.php
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What IWTA Newsletter Readers are Following & Recommending
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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 summaries and links to items that your fellow readers find interesting.
Add Biking to Your WT Adventure Along the Lower Des Moines WT Aug 20- Aug 21.
"Bike Van Buren XXX," their 30th anniversary, is planned to be their biggest and best ride yet!!
As always, technical support, free bottled water, & SAG support will be available on the ride.
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| | ICNC Paddle Day Attendees |
The route crosses the Des Moines River several times, often on historic bridges. The event will include a Bike Van Buren Breakfast in Keosauqua (both mornings) and a TREK bicycle raffle. Find more info at http://villagesofvanburen.com/bike-van-buren.html
Indian Creek Nature Center will Host "Amazing Space" Grand Opening Sep 15-18.
"Amazing Space" is Indian Creek Nature Center's vision for the future! A comprehensive project that will enhance Indian Creek Nature Center in Cedar Rapids for generations to come, this project focuses on developing an enhanced outdoor campus and a new, completely sustainable 12,000 sq ft building. Of particular interest to Eastern Iowa paddlers, this will be the site of the 10th Annual ICNC Paddle Day in January 2017. ICNC has posted a detailed schedule of events for the 4-day Grand Opening Weekend celebration: http://indiancreeknaturecenter.org/amazing-space-grand-opening/
The Iowa Environmental Council (IEC) Oct 6, 2016 Annual Conference Theme will be
"ECOnomics: Dollars, Sense and Sustainability." The event will explore the bond between our environment, communities and economy, and will feature keynote speaker Jon D. Erickson, fellow of the Gund Institute for Ecological Economics and professor at the Rubenstein School of Environmental and Natural Resources at the University of Vermont. Erickson has published widely on climate change policy, renewable energy economics, environmental management and the theory and practice of ecological economics; led international research and education programs; produced Emmy award-winning documentary films on water, energy and food system transitions; and founded and led numerous non-profit organizations.
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A Quick Look At the 2016 IWTA Planning Calendar! Have We Missed Something?
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Aug 11-21; Iowa State Fair, Des Moines. Visit IDNR Building & Courtyard, with River Programs, Water Trails, & Project Aware displays. Also find inspiration in the Photography Salon exhibit. http://www.iowastatefair.org/
Aug 12-13; Perseid Meteor Shower Peaks. One of the best to observe, peaking at 60 meteors/hour.
Aug 16; Best Time To View Planet Mercury. Low in western sky just after sunset. Aug 16-17; (Wed-Thu) 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 instructors. Directions to site: http://conservation.hamiltoncountyiowa.com/images/map/master-briggs-2-2-06.pdf info & registration: http://www.iowadnr.gov/Recreation/CanoeingKayaking/PaddlerResources/InstructionSafety.aspx
Aug 18; Full Moon. Thursday, Sunrise 6:18, Sunset 8:02, Moonrise 8:16 CDT
Aug 19; 15th Annual River Run Garbage Grab (R2G2), starts at 8:00 am. Cleanup of the rivers, banks, & adjacent trails from Saylorville to Yellow Banks Park on the Des Moines River, and from Walnut Woods Park to Waterworks Park on the Raccoon River. Paddlers, rowers, power boaters, walkers, hikers, bicyclers, mountain bikers, birders, etc are all encouraged to participate! Website: http://riverstewards.org/
Aug 19; "Geode Paddle," 1:00 pm--5:00 pm, Bentonsport Boat Ramp to Des Moines River Access. Paddle this beautiful stretch of the Lower Des Moines, stopping on sandbars to search for geodes. 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/
Aug 19; "Through the Eyes of the River" presentation, 7:00 pm, Beachhouse at Lacey-Keosauqua State Park. Historian Michael Sahs share history through the eyes of the Des Moines River, including river traffic, proposed lock & dam system, exploration along the river, the Mormon crossing, and the CCC. Official Des Moines River Water Trails event, cosponsored by the Iowa DNR and Jefferson County Conservation. Pre-registration is not required. For more info, call (641)-472-4421 or email dmriverwatertrail@gmail.com. On facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Jefferson-County-Conservation-719357308125209/
Aug 19-20; Annual Floatzilla in Quad Cities. Floats, training sessions, food, live music, tee shirts, world record attempt for largest flotilla of kayaks & canoes; http://www.floatzilla.org/
Aug 19-21; Lower Wapsi River Clean-up Project (32.3 Miles), Syracuse Wildlife Area to Gambril Access, Sherman Park, Calamus, Iowa. Gather and camp at Sherman Park off 160th Avenue. On Friday we'll have an early bird half day clean-up from 1 till 4 PM covering 6.3 miles above the park. Saturday's stretch is 11.5 miles and 14.5 on Sunday. You MUST REGISTER online at coordinator@ lowerwapsicleanup.org or by calling 563-349-0811 by noon on the 12th of August.
Aug 20-21; "Bike Van Buren XXX" Criss-crosses New Lower Des Moines River WT. Add Biking to Your WT Adventure Along the Lower Des Moines WT. Bike ride crosses Des Moines River several times, often on historic bridges. Technical support, free bottled water, & SAG support. Bike Van Buren Breakfast in Keosauqua (both mornings) and a TREK bicycle raffle. More info at http://villagesofvanburen.com/bike-van-buren.html
Aug 21; Senior Citizens Day.
Aug 24-26 (tentative); Annual Iowa Mussel Blitz. The time of year when mussels fans come out of the river ooze to scavenge for some of the world's most endangered creatures. Tentative set for Aug 24, 25 and maybe 26 at Harpers Ferry, Iowa on Beautiful Pool 10 of the Mississippi River. For more info, contact Scott Gritters scott.gritters@dnr.iowa.gov Aug 27; Rugged Toad Adventure Triathlon in Waverly. Get your "wart on!" 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 held rain or shine, delayed due to severe weather / lightning. For info on registration, classes, prizes, shuttles, equipment, or volunteering, visit http://www.imathlete.com/events/EventOverview.aspx?fEID=38271 or contact Darrin Siefken at 319-352-9129 or info@crawdaddyoutdoors.com
Aug 27; Conjunction of Venus & Jupiter. Extremely close in western sky just after sunset. Sep 3; Best Time To View Planet Neptune. Blue giant will be visible all night (as a tiny dot). Sep 3-4, Sep 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, Galaxy Road, Elkader; call: 563-245-1516 or visit: http://motormill.org/ Turkey River WT info at http://www.turkeyrivercorridor.com/trails/water-trails/
Sep 4; Sticks In the Water Annual Annual Pre-"Half Chicken Dinner" Float, Volga River, dinner at Wadena Fire Station. Route always dependent on water level. Contact Nick Gaeta,
319-360-0220 (c).
Sep 5; Labor Day.
Sep 11: Patriot Day.Sep 11; National Grandparents Day. Sep 13-14; (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. This is for canoe only. 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 instructors. Directions to site: http://conservation.hamiltoncountyiowa.com/images/map/master-briggs-2-2-06.pdf Info & registration: http://www.iowadnr.gov/Recreation/CanoeingKayaking/PaddlerResources/InstructionSafety.aspx
Sep 14; Disabled Veteran Kayaking/Canoeing Event at Riverside. In conjunction with VA National TEE Tournament, Riverside Casino, Riverside, IA; info at http://www1,.va.gov/opa/speceven/tee/index.asp. Volunteers & boats needed; contact Volunteer coordinator Tom Sabotta tsabott@gmail.com
Sep 16; Full Moon. Friday, Sunrise 6:48, Sunset 7:13, Moonrise 7:23 CDT Sep 17; IARVCP Iowa River Cleanup, Iowa City. Sturgis to Hills. Registration at http://www.iarvcp.org/. Event info available via Carol Sweeting carol-sweeting@iowa-city.org or 319-541-2385, or via Dan Ceynar, dlceynar@engineering.uiowa.edu
Sep 17; Boone County 11th Annual "Dragoon River Romp," Des Moines River cleanup. Canoes and transportation provided, followed by lunch and awards. http://www.boonecounty.iowa.gov/
Sep 22; Autumnal Equinox, 1st Day of Autumn. Sep 24; "Birding Basics" program, 9:00 am--Noon, Ely Ford Picnic Area at Lacey-Keosauqua State Park. Local birding experts Ray & Connie Morris will share birding basics, bird identification, and area birding "hot spots." Feel free to come and go during this "open house" style program. Official Des Moines River Water Trails event, cosponsored by the Iowa DNR and Jefferson County Conservation. Pre-registration is not required. For more info, call (641)-472-4421 or email dmriverwatertrail@gmail.com. On facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Jefferson-County-Conservation-719357308125209/
Sep 28; Best Time To View Planet Mercury. Low in eastern sky just before sunrise.
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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