Iowa Rivers Revival is accepting applications for the annual River Town of the Year award. Each year IRR recognizes an Iowa town or city for outstanding efforts to reclaim river-fronts as anchors for economic development, recreation, and good ecological practices. Cities are invited to apply for the award, or citizens may nominate their town.
Is there a city or town you think deserves to be recognized and honored? Tell us about a community who is embracing their local river.
Applications are due by December 13, 2014. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to protecting and maintaining river water quality and promoting the river as an asset to the town. The award will be presented in early 2015 at a reception hosted by Iowa Rivers Revival in the River Town of the Year community.
For a detailed application, more information about the award please go to: https://iowarivers.org/river-town-of-the-year/.
Examples of award criteria include, but are not limited to these activities:
♦ River tourism efforts;
♦ Historic and cultural preservation;
♦ Providing river access (programs, trails, portages, guide info);
♦ Annual or seasonal river clean-up or event;
♦ Partnerships to protect and enhance local river or stream;
♦ Dam mitigation and/or safety awareness;
♦ Promoting commerce that accommodates river enthusiasts (commercial establishments – – e.g., bed & breakfasts, bait/fish shops, restaurants, canoe boat/rentals).
Previous “River Town” award recipients are Webster City, Elkader, Coon Rapids, Cedar Falls, Charles City, Central City, Dubuque and Decorah. The web site has previous winning cities’ applications for the award, IRR news releases, and news coverage.
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