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IWTA Newsletter
Iowa Water Trails Association
February, 2017
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Make tax time a bit more pleasurable with a donation to the Fish/Wildlife Trust Fund.
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It's Showtime!!! |
We are well into a new calendar year, a new administration, a new legislature, a new season of paddlesport shows leading into a new paddling season, and a new calendar of interesting, exciting, or relaxing events along our Iowa Water Trails.
While we're hyperventilating over the word "new," we hope to visit with you at the Iowa Paddlesport Expo in Indianola, where you can learn about new destinations, new boats and gear, new water trail maps, new skills, and make some new WT friends.
Please stop by the IWTA display at the Expo to add new items to our efforts to update the "Iowa Paddling Chronology," a living document tracking the growth and development of paddler (and WT) activity in our state.
While it never seems fast enough, we continue to make improvements to the IWTA Website, including the addition of a "Not Just for Paddlers" page. While most WT users are paddlers, many have parallel WT interests or have WT interests but are unable to paddle. It's difficult to anticipate all of those "complementary WT interests, so we hope you will check out the new page and forward your suggestions.
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Grant Applications Will Close:
Feb 3; Iowa DNR Dam Mitigation
Grants.
Mar 3; Iowa DNR WT Enhancement Grants.
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Iowa DNR is still accepting applications for these grants, but time is growing very short:
Dam Mitigation Grants
Dam owners and other eligible entities are encouraged to apply for cost-share assistance for projects that reduce recreational hazards and enhance aquatic species connectivity.
Download Dam Grant Application Form at
Total amount available: $277,901
Application post-mark deadline: February 3, 2017
Water Trail Enhancement Grants
Local divisions of Iowa government are encouraged to apply for cost-share assistance for infrastructure or infrastructure improvements along state designated water trails or water trails on track for state designation.
Download WT Enhancement Grant Application Form at
Total amount available: $225,000
Application post-mark deadline: March 3, 2017
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Feb 10-12; Canoesport Outfitters "Iowa Paddlesport Expo" in Indianola.
Event Schedule Now Available Online--See You There!
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CSO owner Jeff Holmes
leads pool session
at the YMCA in Indianola. |
CSO owner Jeff Holmes tells us that he and the staff are ready to celebrate the 21st edition of the "Iowa Paddlesport Expo" in Indianola:
"Details on Expo are basically the same as last year. We will be going Friday 4 pm - 8 pm, Saturday 9 am - 5 pm, and Sunday 10 am to 4 pm. The pool schedule will be different, because we will only have the pool Saturday night. Test paddling will be available from 6 pm - 7 pm. Clinics will start at 7 pm and go until 9 pm, including a half hour devoted to something canoe-related, another devoted to SUP's, one on kayak bracing and rolling, and likely a rescue clinic.
"We've gone back to calling the event the "Iowa Paddlesport Expo" and dropped the biking part. We still have bicycles, but Casey took a full time job at the YMCA and didn't have the extra time to devote to the bicycling aspect of the event."
Editor-
= Kudos to Shireen, an impressive new website (same address) is up and running, with easier navigation, more information, and lots of photos.
= Please note that you can get a bite to eat and support the Indianola Dance Academy (Riley is a member) at the Legion Hall on Saturday and Sunday!
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Feb 11; 3 More Events Associated with CSO Iowa Paddlesport Expo
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Here are more good reasons to attend the CSO Paddlesport Expo, visit with old friends, and maybe make some new friends for the coming season:
Feb 11; Nick's Pre-Expo Home-Cooked Breakfast,
7:30 am at Crouse Cafe 115 E. Salem in Indianola
Feb 11; Iowa Whitewater Coalition (IWC) Annual Meeting at CSO Paddle
Expo
, 5:00-6:00 pm. Held at the Legion Hall, 1 block from the CSO store. Elections, discussion of issues, annual plans. Open to visitors, only IWC dues-paying members may vote.
http://iowawhitewater.org/
Feb 11; Nick's Post-Expo Mexican Dinner,
5:30 pm at la Casa Restaurant 508 N Jefferson (Hwy 65) in Indianola.
Annual gathering of old & new paddling friends following Saturday session of Iowa Paddle & Pedal Expo.
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Black Hawk CCB Director Vern Fish Retires, Visit at Iowa Paddlesport Expo
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Vern Fish retired from his position as Director of the Black Hawk County Conservation Board. The Iowa Association of County Conservation Boards saluted Vern, noting that:
"For 37+ years, Vern Fish has been a notable figure in Iowa's County Conservation System! From orchestrating and presenting at conferences, to being an active advocate at the State Capitol, to being a birth parent for MyCountyParks, to leading a watershed coalition, and ever-advocating for more conservation education funding - Vern's presence has been vibrantly felt around Iowa for nearly four decades!"
We visited with Vern during the recent ICNC Paddle Day, where he delivered a presentation, "Bound for the Barrens in Manitoba." While Vern may be shifting the use of his time, it was obvious that he intends to continue an active lifestyle of adventure paddling, writing, presenting, and advocating on behalf of Iowa's natural resources.
Vern will be presenting on Adventure Paddling on both Saturday and Sunday during the Iowa Paddlesport Expo in Indianola, so be sure to track him down and wish him well on this "next chapter."
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Feb 12 & 26; Next Open Pool Sessions in Cedar Rapids Series
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WW paddlers developing rolling skills
during recent pool session.
Photo provided by Chuck Ungs.
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The indoor pool sessions sponsored by Cedar Rapids Parks & Recreation and Linn County Conservation continue at Bender Pool, 940 14th Ave SE, Cedar Rapids. All sessions held from 4:30 pm-6:30 pm on Sundays. Remaining sessions scheduled Feb 12, Feb 26, and Mar 12.
This is a "drop-in" program, with no advance registration required. The fee is $10 per person per time, minimum age 10 years, everyone required to be in swimwear & lifejacket. Helmet is required for those practicing rolls. Youth must be supervised by an adult. No formal lessons are planned for these dates, but there will be networking to help you improve your technique.
For info about Bender Pool, call 319-286-5790. For questions on the kayak/canoe sessions call Wickiup Hill at (319) 892-6485 or e-mail Chuck at [email protected]
Watch for details on a "Kayak & Canoe Clinic" scheduled for Noon-6:00 pm on Sunday, March 26 at Bender Pool.
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Feb 17-19; Hawkeye Fly Fishing Assoc. Annual Meeting & Show, Iowa City
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Hawkeye Fly Fishing Association invites you to attend its Annual Meeting & Show in Iowa City Feb 17-19. Presenters will include national speakers Lori-Ann Murphy & Jay "Fishy" Fullum, plus local speakers Orlan Love, Mike Jacobs, Todd Robertson, Bob Trevis, and Mike Siepker.
The show will also include small group sessions, demonstration fly tying, exhibits, equipment & material for sale, auctions, youth workshop, photo & essay contests, prizes & raffles.
Todd Robertson will present on fishing from paddle vessels and paddling safety.
This event is open to the public. Check the website for registration and fees:
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Feb 19, 21, 26, 28; "ACA Kayak Safety Clinics" at W Pool in Waverly
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CrawDaddy Outdoors in Waverly is offering one day classes to improve kayaking skills, including paddling strokes, rescue techniques, and more. Day classes Feb 19 & 26 run 11 am-2 pm. Evening classes Feb 21 & 28 run 7:30-10 pm. All classes will be held at the W Pool at Wartburg College in Waverly. Call 319-352-9129 to register. For detailed costs and times, visit the website:
CrawDaddy will also host outdoor Kayak Safety Clinics at Avenue of the Saints Lake on Jun 6, Jul 11, & Aug 15.
A full schedule of Marsh Migration paddles, river floats, a NW Iowa Kayaking & Birding Campout, trips to the North Shore, Apostle Islands, & Isle Royale will commence in mid-March. Thursday and Saturday Demo Days will begin in April. We will be noting many of these in future issues of the IWTA Newsletter, or you can visit the CrawDaddy website:
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Feb 25; "Snapping Magic Moments" Photography Workshop in Quad Cities
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A free Photography Workshop, "Snapping Magic Moments" will be held on Feb 25 from 8:30 am-3:00 pm at the St. Ambrose University Galvin Fine Arts Center, 518 Locust St, Davenport, IA 52803.
Photographic seminars, demonstrations, interactive learning sessions & professional feedback will benefit photo enthusiasts of all types. Presentation topics will include mentor moments, pet portraits, composition, fungi photos, smartphone photos, aerial & 360 degree photography, graphic design elements, and unleashing your creativity.
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Feb 23 & Mar 15; Iowa DNR Outfitter Training Sessions
Iowa DNR River Programs Gearing for Busy 2017
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Two Training Sessions for Livery owners, prospective owners, and staff will cover a multitude of issues from liability to litter control, suggestions for a successful operation, and opportunities for Q&A.
= February 23, 10:00 am-3:00 pm, Pinicon Ridge Park
in Linn County
= March 15, 10:00 am-3:00 pm, Chichaqua Bottoms
Longhouse in Polk County
Watch for more info on the IDNR website and via IWTA.
o The usual schedule of DNR Canoe and Kayak School sessions, plus two new Stand Up Paddling School sessions, will be announced shortly.
o Additional paddler resources, including new outfitters, new WT maps, an updated interactive map, etc. will be posted to the IDNR website shortly.
For more info, contact Todd Robertson, IDNR
River Programs Outreach Coordinator/Paddling Instructor,
P 515-725-8257, C 515-979-9538, [email protected]
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Eagle Watches Continue Across Iowa
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Bald Eagle Watch Events become more popular every year, and the 2017 season is underway. Find one near you:
Feb 4; Eagle Watch & Historic Clock Tower Tours. Mississippi River Visitor Center, Arsenal Island, Rock Island, IL. Saturdays & Sundays, Jan. 7 - Feb. 4
Call Visitors Center Staff at 309-794-5338.
Feb 4; Coralville Bald Eagle Watch. E
xhibitors at North Central Junior High, outdoor viewing at Tailwater West Picnic Shelter downstream from the dam at Coralville Lake. Call 319-338-3543 ext. 6308 or 319-430-0315.
Feb 10-11; Des Moines Bald Eagle Days.
On Feb 10, Iowa DNR will host Lunch with Eagles at Grays Lake, plus outdoor viewing. On Feb 11, Des Moines Parks and Rec will host outdoor viewing with indoor live eagle at Fellowship Baptist Church, plus various programming. Call 515-248 6369.
Feb 11; Bald Eagle Appreciation Days, Effigy Mounds National Monument.
Activities and bald eagle watches at Effigy Mounds and across the river in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin. Call 563-873-3491 or 608-326-8555 ext 11.
Feb 26; Saylorville Bald Eagle Watch. Drivi
ng tour of Saylorville Lake with eagles at every stop. Special live eagle program at Jester Park Lodge. Call 515-276-4656
Mar 4; O'Brien County Bald Eagle Watch. Elevated viewing deck
at Prairie Heritage Center, Peterson. Live captive bald eagle. Call 712-295-7200.
Iowa DNR 2017 Eagle Watch Info:
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February 2017 IWTA Planning Calendar
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Feb 2; Groundhog Day.
Feb 4; Coralville Bald Eagle Watch.
Exhibitors at North Central Junior High, outdoor viewing at Tailwater West Picnic Shelter downstream from the dam at Coralville Lake. Call 319-338-3543 ext. 6308 or 319-430-0315.
Feb 5; NFL "Super Bowl LI," Houston.
Feb 10; Full Moon. Friday, Sunrise 7:09, Sunset 5:34, Moonrise 5:29 CST
Feb 10-11; Des Moines Bald Eagle Days.
On Feb 10, Iowa DNR will host Lunch with Eagles at Grays Lake, plus outdoor viewing. On Feb 11, Des Moines Parks and Rec will host outdoor viewing with indoor live eagle at Fellowship Baptist Church, plus various programming. Call 515-248 6369.
Feb 10-12; Canoesport Outfitters Iowa Paddlesport Expo, Indianola.
Three days of presentations, exhibits, dealer reps, spring deals, pool demos.
http://www.canoesportoutfitters.com/
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Find a boat you love at the Feb 10-12
CSO "Iowa Paddle & Pedal Expo"
in Indianola. |
Feb 11; Nick's Pre-Expo Home-Cooked Breakfast, 7:30 am at Crouse Cafe 115 E. Salem in Indianola
(3 blocks E of CSO). Annual gathering of old & new paddling friends enroute to Iowa Paddle & Pedal Expo. [email protected] Link to Crouse Cafe facebook page:
Feb 11; Iowa Whitewater Coalition (IWC) Annual Meeting at CSO Paddle Expo in Indianola
, 5:00-
6:00 pm. Elections, discussion of issues, annual plans. Open to visitors, only IWC dues-paying members may vote.
http://iowawhitewater.org/
Feb 11; Nick's Post-Expo Mexican Dinner, 5:30 pm at la Casa Restaurant 508 N Jefferson (Hwy 65) in Indianola.
Annual gathering of old & new paddling friends following Saturday session of Iowa Paddle & Pedal Expo.
[email protected]
Feb 11; Bald Eagle Appreciation Days, Effigy Mounds National Monument.
Activities and bald eagle watches at Effigy Mounds and across the river in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin. Call 563-873-3491 or 608-326-8555 ext 11.
Feb 12; Open Pool Session at Bender Pool, Cedar Rapids.
Drop-in practices, not lessons, contact Cedar Rapids Parks & Recreation 319-286-5731.
Feb 14; Valentine's Day.
Feb 17-19; Hawkeye Fly Fishing Association Annual Meeting & Show
, Iowa City. Presenters include national speakers Lori-Ann Murphy & Jay "Fishy" Fullum, plus local speakers Orlan Love, Mike Jacobs, Todd Robertson, Bob Trevis, and Mike Siepker. Small group sessions, demonstration fly tying, exhibits, equipment & material for sale, auctions, youth workshop, photo & essay contests, prizes & raffles. Todd Robertson will present on fishing from paddle vessels and paddling safety. Open to the public, check website for registration and fees:
Feb 20; Presidents' Day.
Feb 25; "Snapping Magic Moments" Photography Workshop, Quad Cities
, 8:30am-3:00pm, St. Ambrose Davenport campus. Presentations include mentor moments, pet portraits, composition, fungi photos, smartphone photos, aerial & 360 degree, graphic design, unleashing creativity.
www.SharedTalents.org
Feb 26; Open Pool Session at Bender Pool, Cedar Rapids.
Drop-in practices, not lessons, contact Cedar Rapids Parks & Recreation 319-286-5731.
Feb 26; Saylorville Bald Eagle Watch.
Driving tour of Saylorville Lake with eagles at every stop. Special live eagle program at Jester Park Lodge. Call 515-276-4656
Feb 26-Mar 1; Upper Midwest Stream Restoration Symposium, La Crosse, WI.
Presentations, exhibits, project sharing. Info at
http://prrsum.umn.edu/
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Iowa Legislative Session Underway; Bills of Possible Interest
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The Iowa Legislative Session opened on Jan 9, and has been focused mainly on dealing with a $100+ million revenue forecast shortfall for the balance of FY 2017. In spite of the urgent spending cuts, and valid concerns re funding of education, health programs, and public safety, a few bills have been filed which may be of particular interest to the WT community:
- SF10; Would repeal Iowa's bottle deposit program.
- SF14; Would raise state sales tax by 3/8 cent to fund the Natural Resources & Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund.
- SF20; Would increase fees for certain fishing licenses by 50%, with proceeds going to the State Fish & Game Protection Fund.
- SF38; Would repeal state income tax and replace it with 11% sales tax. Would appear to trigger the 3/8 cent funding of the Natural Resources & Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund, but would have broader and currently unknown consequences.
- SF110; Would provide that certain agriculture promotion groups could collect an excise tax/assessment on sale of their product to fund water and soil quality programs at Iowa Dept of Ag & Land.
- HF76; Would increase maximum local option sales tax which county residents could levy from 1 cent to 1 3/8 cent, with additional 3/8 cent required to fund natural resources and outdoor recreation.
- HF100; Would nullify all EPA regulations in Iowa.
- HF106; Would change distribution formula for REAP (Resource Enhancement and Protection) program. Would shift significant funding amount from Outdoor Spaces Account to State Land Management Account.
- HF117; While County Supervisors are currently authorized to levy up to 6.75% property tax on ag land to fund flood & erosion control, this bill would expand the levy to all property in the county.
Track the progress of bills, their sponsors, history, and lobbyist/organization declarations (for, against, or undecided) at:
Find updated legislator contact info, committee assignments, etc. at:
Special Days To Participate at the Iowa Capitol:
Mar 29; IEC Environmental Lobby Day/REAP Day at the Capitol, Des Moines.
Mar 29; Trees and Forests Day at the Capitol, Des Moines.
(Yes, both of these events will be held simultaneously at the Capitol.)
Key Dates for the 2017 Iowa Legislative Session:
April 28; Target Last Day of Session.
(But some discussion that Legislators may cut their per diem reimbursements from 110 to 100 days to reflect forecast shortfall and resulting budget cuts.)
Photo by G.Stark
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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 ques
tions 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 us
eful
information, whi
le minimizing the impact on IWTA Newsletter space, following are brief summaries and links to items that your fellow readers find interesting.
"Wild Photo Adventures" Returns on IPTV.
Outdoor photographers who enjoyed "Art Wolfe's Travels to the Edge" on IPTV during January should check out "Wild Photo Adventures,"
running in the same time slots during February. While the Art Wolfe series was shot at foreign
locations, the "Wild Photo Adventures" series, with host Doug Gardner, features primarily locations wit
hin the U.S. As Gardner emphasizes, "It's not just about the photograph, it's the outdoor experience."
The s
eries will run at 10:00 pm on Wednesdays and Sundays
on the IPTV "Learns" channel.
Iowa Archaeological Record Benefits from Flood Protection Preparation Along Cedar River.
CEDAR RAPIDS - "A team of archaeologists unearthed some 9,000 prehistoric artifacts - such as arrows, pottery and evidence of earthen wigwams and hearths - along the east bank of the Cedar River near the African American Museum of Iowa and Masaryk Park.
"The materials are estimated to be 2,200 years old - remnants of a small band of woodland people who built temporary shelters on the riverbanks, likely in good weather, said Dave Stanley, chief executive officer, & Joe Thompson, co-principal investigator, at Bear Creek Archeology of Cresco."
Read Brian Morelli's full article from the Jan 28 Cedar Rapids Gazette:
Jan 2017 IDNR Wildlife Diversity Newsletter highlights volunteer wildlife monitoring, success stories for prairie chickens and barn owls, and upcoming "Chickadee Checkoff."
It's that time again! At least 7,500 concerned citizens donated a bit or all of their state tax refund to the Fish and Wildlife Fund - affectionately called the Chickadee Check-off -- on 2015 tax returns, translating to $132,000 in support of wildlife conservation in Iowa.
"What a Hoot: International Owl Center in Minnesota is a Real Eye-Opener" article by Marion and Rich Patterson in the Jan 1 2017 Cedar Rapids Gazette.
"We were being watched. Large eyes peered at us from throughout the room. Some were coal black, while others were bright yellow.
Some eyes stared from big
photos. Others were real and attached to living owls. As we walked around enjoying exhibits,
a great horned owl, Eurasian eagle owl and barn owl curiously watched.
"We were at the
International Owl Center, a relatively new nonprofit organization in the town of Houston in southeastern Minnesota, about an hour's drive north of Decorah and near La Crosse, Wis., and Winona, Minn. Anyone who loves owls will enjoy a visit, and it's close enough for a long day trip from the Corridor. Better yet is a weekend enjoying the rugged terrain of that Mississippi River region with a stop at the owl center.
"During our visit we were immersed in owl lore. Few animals are as fascinating and nearly everyone is intrigued by them. The image of an owl, especially a great horned owl, communicates wisdom. Owls are tremendously photogenic and appealing.
Their senses of vision and hearing are among the best in the animal kingdom and enable them to survive in a harsh world. For example, barred owls, common in the Corridor, are able to pinpoint a tiny mouse in darkness that seems complete to humans.
Flying silently from a lofty perch, they close talons at just the right instant to snatch the hapless creature. Without owls our world would be mousier and certainly less interesting."
Read the full article, including the Pattersons' suggestions for food, lodging, and visits to the Minnesota Maritime Art Museum and the National Eagle Center:
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Clinton CCB Launching New Voyageur Canoes for 2017 Season
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Clinton County Conservation has announced the acquisition of two Voyageur style canoes to be used for recreational and educational programming, starting this spring. "No portaging required!" we are told. Here are some excerpts from Chuck Jacobsen's article in the Feb-Apr 2017 issue of their "Heron" newsletter.
"They're finished and will soon be on the way from Vancouver, British Columbia! We're as excited as expectant parents to get our hands on these beautiful, new boats which we plan to christen "The Marquette & The Joliet".
"The two 14-passenger, Voyageur-style, Kevlar canoes and trailer are a substantial addition to our fleet of paddle craft. They are a direct result of a grant from the Clinton County Development Association. They will enhance our public offerings on the water as well as providing a physical connection to the historic exploration of the Mississippi River. They will be a unique educational tool here in Clinton County and can be trailered to other appropriate venues.
"The bark canoe was the invention of pre-historic peoples
and replaced the dug-out whenever a lighter craft was desirable.
They were mainly constructed of birch or elm bark.
They were quicker to build, but needed much more maintenance.
In 1603, when Samuel de Champlain first saw the
important role the canoe would play; their use expedited the exploration of the Saint Lawrence Seaway and both shores of Lake Superior by the 1660s. The indigenous tribes were contracted to build them for the French.
"In 1673, Father Jacques Marquette, & Louis Joliet, a fur trader, undertook an expedition to explore a territory of North America stretching from the Great Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico. Traveling with a small band of Europeans and two indigenous guides in a pair of bark canoes, they crossed the northwest corner of Lake Michigan, paddled up the Fox River, then portaged to the Wisconsin River and descended it to the Mississippi River directly across from what is today Pike's Peak State Park.
"But, Voyageurs' life was one of toil and not nearly as glorious as folk tales make it out to be. They had to be able to carry two 90-pound bundles of fur over portage. Some carried up to four or five. Hernias were a common and frequently cause of death. Voyageurs would begin their career in their early twenties and continue, if they survived, into their sixties. They never made enough money to consider an early retirement. Voyageurs were mostly illiterate and, therefore, didn't leave many written documents. . ."
Photo courtesy Clinton CCB
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Iowa Trails Summit Will Skip 2017, Return "Bigger & Better" in 2018
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Iowa Trails Summit coordinator Peter Komendowski
and emcee Chuck "Iowa Boy" Offenburger
ensure that the serious trails development content
is balanced with fun and enthusiasm!
GStark photo. |
The first Iowa Trails Summit
was held in 2010, organized by Iowa's Federal Recreational Trails Advisory Committee, with 27 supporting organizations & sponsors. This popular annual event provides education, information exchange, and encouragement for those involved with biking, hiking, snowmobiling, equestrian, off-road, and water trails.
The Summit will take a break in 2017, returning on Jun 15, 2018 with a program encompassing the skills, funding, partnerships, and leadership you need to make your trails a success.
For information about Summit sponsorships, exhibits, presentation topics, etc. c
ontact Peter Komendowski,
[email protected]
319-269-8493
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Great River Rumble Announces 2017 Route & Overnight Stops
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Organizers have announced the overnight stops for the
2017 Great River Rumble, which will paddle the Root River from Rushford, MN, through 2 locks on the Mississippi, ending at Prairie du Chien, WI, a total of 92 miles
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- Saturday 7/29: Bus from Prairie du Chien, WI to Rushford, MN
- Sunday 7/30: Rushford, MN to Houston, MN 16 mi
- Monday 7/31: Houston, MN to Hokah, MN 12 mi
- Tuesday 8/1: Hokah, MN to Brownsville, MN 11 mi
- Wednesday 8/2: Brownsville, MN to Blackhawk County Park, WI 17 mi
- Thursday 8/3: Blackhawk County Park, WI to Lansing, IA 8 mi
- Friday 8/4: Lansing, IA to Harpers Ferry, IA 17 mi
- Saturday 8/5: Harpers Ferry, IA to Prairie du Chien, WI 11 mi
- Saturday night: Farewell banquet in Prairie du Chien, WI
GRR is an a
nnual weeklong paddle with shuttles, campsites, meals, & gear transport.
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Fun on the Ice, Safety Gear in Your Vehicle
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Store your throw line & a PFD in your car, along with the usual winter prep of scraper, shovel, jug of sand, & a blanket or sleeping bag. They might be handy if an ice rescue is needed.
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Words of caution from the Iowa DNR:
"C
heck the
weekly DNR fishing report
for ice conditions across the state before going out.
At a minimum, four inches of clear blue ice is recommended for fishing. Be especially careful on ice around submerged trees and emergent vegetation, this ice tends to be weaker. If the ice does not look right, find a different spot."
Read & sign up for weekly
DNR Fishing Reports at:
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We Hope That You Are Enjoying Your 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 Planning Calendar.
- Readers who shared items they are reading, or otherwise found interesting.
- Groups who added our IWTA Website link to their own website; we like to network!
We do our best to include all event corrections, cancellations, and reschedules as soon as feasible in our newsletters.
The quickest place for us to share such changes, however,
is in 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 1,300 Iowans who currently subscribe to this free,
month
ly email IWTA Newsletter,
ple
ase 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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