The Iowa Nutrient Management Strategy to address runoff pollution was developed behind the scenes with no input from Iowa DNR, conservation or river groups. It has been reported that the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship prepared the portion of the report to address agricultural runoff and strongly resembles Iowa Farm Bureau statements and positions. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources prepared the sewage-treatment proposals.
Nearly a century has now passed since government institutions have been involved with voluntary conservation efforts and little progress has been made in protecting and restoring clean water to our rivers. We must demand a strategy that includes accountability.
We now have only 45 days to understand a complex document that has no provision for accountability and relies solely on voluntary efforts for the agricultural runoff. We believe the public comment period needs to be extended.
Please consider attending the DNR/IDALS hosted workshops and offering your comments to help demand real change.
→ Denison: Dec. 17, 6:30 p.m., Boulders Conference Center, 2507 Boulders Dr., Denison
→ Ames: Dec. 19, 10 a.m., South Ballroom, Memorial Union, Iowa State University, Ames
→ Waterloo: Dec. 21, 10 a.m., Ramada Waterloo/Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center, 205 W Fourth St., Waterloo
Your comments are very important to ensuring this strategy can reduce point and non-point pollution in our rivers for decades to come. It is important for as many people as possible to respond to Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy within the 45 day public commenting period – ending January, 4, 2013. The comment period falls during the holiday season which can distract interest resulting in a small number of responses.
Comments can be directed to:
→ By mail: Nutrient Reduction Strategy, ANR Program Services, 2101 Agronomy Hall, Ames, Iowa 50011-1010
→ Online: http://www.nutrientstrategy.iastate.edu/comments
Related links:
→ Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy: http://www.nutrientstrategy.iastate.edu/
→ Des Moines Register report: http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20121116/NEWS/311160051/Register-Exclusive-Farm-Bureau-text-in-state-report?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|Frontpage
→ Iowa Environmental Council: http://www.iaenvironment.org/
→ Bleeding Heartland: http://www.bleedingheartland.com/diary/5875/new-water-quality-policy-stacked-against-public-input-for-big-ag