|  | | 6 Beaches with an E. coli-related Advisory:
Backbone Beach (Dundee, Delaware County, IA)*
Beed’s Lake Beach (Hampton, Franklin County, IA)*
Denison Beach (Black Hawk Lake, Lake View, Sac County, IA)*
Lake Darling Beach (Brighton, Washington County, IA)*
Lake Macbride (Solon, Johnson County, IA)*
Sugar Bottom Beach (Coralville, Johnson County, IA)** 2 Beaches with a Microcystin-related Advisory:
McIntosh Woods Beach (Clear Lake, Ventura, Cerro Gordo County, IA)*
North Twin Lake West Beach (Rockwell City, Calhoun County, IA)* 1 Beach with Microcystin and E. coli Advisories:
George Wyth Beach (Waterloo, Black Hawk County, IA)*
*Data from the Iowa DNR State Park Beach Monitoring Program
**Data from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District |
| | Iowans celebrated for their work with water and climate
at IEC's Pro H2O 2022 |
| Last night, the Iowa Environmental Council hosted our 9th annual Pro H2O, celebrating and advocating clean recreational and drinking water in Iowa. Supporters and friends from across the state gathered at The River Center in Des Moines, and at satellite locations at Big Grove Brewery and Tap Room in Iowa City and the Maser Monarch Lodge near Okoboji for the event. During the program, several Iowans were honored for their efforts to raise awareness for clean water and climate in Iowa. Impact Through Advocacy The 2022 Impact Through Advocacy Award was presented to volunteer leaders of Save Bloody Run, an advocacy organization focused on protecting Bloody Run Creek in Clayton County in Northeast Iowa. This pristine Outstanding Water of Iowa is one of few creeks in Iowa with naturally spawning trout and empties directly into the Mississippi River. The waterway is threatened by the growth of large animal confinements in the area. Learn more about the issue and the group at SaveBloodyRun.org and watch the award video. Business Innovation Astig Planning of Coralville, Iowa, is the 2022 Business Innovation recipient. Founded by V Fixmer-Oriaz, the company provides planning services aimed at transforming communities and landscapes through engagement, empowerment, and advocacy with a focus on climate change. Learn more about Astig Planning by visiting www.astigplanning.com and watch the award video. Youth Leadership The 2022 Youth Leadership award recipient is Lillian Hill, a Johnston middle school student who recently completed her 8th grade year. Lillian has been an active advocate on climate since 6th grade, leading efforts in her community and at her school. She recently began leading monthly climate strikes at the Capitol building during the Legislative Session. Learn more about Lillian’s efforts in an IEC Blog post and watch the award video. DMWW Think Downstream Award Created in partnership with Des Moines Water Works, this new award was developed to recognize a local non-operating landowner whose stewardship and tenant farmer practices are having a positive impact on water quality and drinking water. The 2022 DMWW Think Downstream Award goes to Lee Tesdell, a Polk County landowner who exemplifies these practices on his property in partnership with his tenant farmer. Learn more about Lee and the Tesdell Century Farm and watch the award video. Lifetime Achievement The 2022 Lifetime Achievement award recipient is Paul Johnson, a former Iowa legislator, DNR director, farmer, and leader on conservation issues. Paul’s efforts in the legislature were responsible for Iowa’s Groundwater Protection Act, the REAP program, the buffer strip program, and much more. Paul passed away in 2021 but his ideas and vision for “doing better” for Iowa’s land and its people live on through the memories of his friends and family. Learn more about Paul’s work and vision at landcommunity.org and watch the award video. |
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| |  | The Pro H2O Virtual Auction is still open! You can get bids in now on items from businesses and individuals all across the state! Enjoy a getaway to Lake Superior or the Driftless region in northeast Iowa. Get a gift basket from a local business like Back Country Outfitters, Paws & Pints, RAYGUN, Wander Women, or Bozz Prints. Art for your home, a visit to Blank Park Zoo, the Science Center, or to see the I-Cubs or Iowa Wolves – all of this and more is open for bidding now. Bids will be accepted until 5 p.m. on June 16. But don’t wait! Stake your claim on these items today and help support the work of IEC to make Iowa a better place to live, work, and explore. |
| | | | | Share Your Summer with IEC on Instagram Check out Iowa Water Watch on Instagram and give us a follow. Tag us on your photos using @iowawaterwatch and the #iowawaterwatch hashtag, so we can feature your photos throughout the summer with other readers. |
| | | What's New in Iowa's Water News |
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| Upcoming Water Events • Morning at the Pond - Scharnberg Park, Clay Co. - June 11
• Sandy Hollow Family Fishing Clinic - Sandy Hollow Recreation Area, Sioux Co. - June 11
• Paddles in the Pool - Intro to Kayaking - Wickiup Hill Learning Center, Linn Co. - June 11
• Pond Study - Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt, Polk Co. - June 11
• Boat Rentals at Ada Hayden Lake - Ada Hayden Park, Ames - June 12
• Family Splash Bash - Valley Community Center, West Des Moines - June 12
• Turkey River Paddle - Motor Mill Historic Site, Elkader - June 12
• Introduction to Stand Up Paddle Boarding - Peterson Park, Story Co. - June 13
• Kayak Safety Basics - Pinicon Ridge Park, Linn Co. - June 14
• OUTside: LGBTQ+ allies Strawberry Moon Float (Rent a Kayak) or (Bring Own Kayak) - Peterson Park, Story Co. - June 14
• Kayaking at Sand Lake - Sand Lake Recreation Area, Marshall Co. - June 15
• Fascinating Fish - Summer Camp Back to Basics - Oakland Mills Nature Center, Henry Co. - June 16
• Sunset Eco Cruise - Rock Creek Marina, Clinton Co. - June 16
• Summer Skills - Kayaking - Jester, Lewis A. Park, Polk Co. - June 16 |
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|  | | | Iowa Environmental Council
505 Fifth Ave., Suite 850
Des Moines, Iowa 50309-2317
515-244-1194 | iecmail@iaenvironment.org |
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