Iowa Rivers Revival has been recognized with a 2014 Environmental Impact Award for our work in developing and delivering the Master River Stewards Program. The MRSP was created to educate and help raise awareness about river and water quality Issues. The MRSP is a comprehensive river course that focuses on riverine systems, paddling skills, river navigation, restoring aquatic habitat, improving water quality, and understanding policies related to floodplains, river protection and restoration.
The Environmental Impact Awards will be presented May 21 — and the public is invited to attend the luncheon! See details below.
The award sponsors are The Center on Sustainable Communities, Des Moines Water Works, Greater Des Moines Partnership, Metro Waste Authority and MidAmerican Energy.
The MRSP’s success is a direct result of the leadership and expertise of Jim Pease (IRR Advisor), Mary Skopec (IRR Board Member), Robin Fortney (IRR Board Member), and program partners which include the Resource Enhancement and Protection Conservation Education Program (REAP CEP), Iowa DNR IOWATER, Iowa DNR River Programs, Growing Green Communities-Metro Waste Authority, Des Moines Water Works, Polk County Conservation Board, and many other dedicated volunteers.
IRR’s Master River Stewards Program is in it its third year and will be taking place on the Iowa River near Iowa City in May and June. For more information about the Master River Stewards Program, visit our website at www.iowarivers.org.
The 2014 Environmental Impact Award winners are:
Business (presented by Greater Des Moines Partnership)
- Small Business: Blank Park Zoo
- Large Business: Meredith Corporation
Civic (presented by Metro Waste Authority)
- Non-governmental Organization: Iowa Rivers Revival
- Government Body: City of Johnston
Built Environment (presented by Center on Sustainable Communities)
- Commercial: World Food Prize Foundation
- Residential: Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity
The winners will be honored at the Environmental Impact Awards luncheon from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Wednesday, May 21, at the Raccoon River Park Nature Lodge in West Des Moines.
Tickets for the luncheon are $25 per person and registration is available online until May 16 at www.desmoinesmetro.com/events.
The press release announcing the award winners can be found here.