A Win for Iowa, A Win for Conservation and a Win for One of America’s Most Endangered Rivers!

November 16, 2010 | Clean Water, Most Endangered Rivers, Protecting Rivers, Restoring Rivers, Wild and Scenic Rivers

Shana Udvardy
Director, Flood Management Policy

This past summer on the banks of Iowa’s Cedar River, local leaders and American Rivers came together to announce the designation of Iowa’s Cedar River as one of America’s Most Endangered Rivers™.  The designation brought needed, nationwide attention not only to this deserving river but also to the need for river protection statewide. 

The designation of Iowa’s Cedar River as one of America's most endangered was a clear call to action to citizens living within the watershed to do more to improve water quality and guard against future flood damage, and it was a call to government at all levels to provide the resources to help get the job done.

On November 2, Iowans met this call to action head-on and approved by a whopping 63% an amendment to Iowa’s constitution that will create a permanent trust fund to protect the state’s natural resources.  This resounding “YES” vote creates the Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund which will ensure a dedicated source of funding in the future to provide for clean water, soil conservation, restoring rivers and wetlands, and flood protection.

Although this new trust fund is not yet funded, we can be certain that the first share of any future sales tax increase will support Iowa's natural resources and will help to safeguard communities from floods.   This vote sends a clear message, that in Iowa, citizens care about protecting their land, water, and wildlife and that these actions deserve priority for funding. It also sends a clear message that when campaigns like Iowa’s Water and Land Legacy unite bipartisan efforts to protect the environment, victories will follow.

While we need to celebrate this huge victory, we know that there continue to be rivers worth fighting for. American Rivers is now accepting nominations for America's Most Endangered Rivers™: 2011 Edition.  If you know of a river that needs help, please consider nominating one of your rivers as one of America’s Most Endangered Rivers for 2011.

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