69 th Annual Iowa Soil and Water Conservation District Commissioners Conference Iowa’s Water Quality -Civil Conversations - -Deanne Bryce The Wallace Centers of Iowa Enriching Community through Sustainable Food and Civility Initiatives Civility and Leadership Programs Coordinator

Promotional Partners We invited nine commodity, small farm, environmental and water groups to be part of our press release and invite participants. Four agreed for their logo to be used and one organization also invited attendees.

Objectives Conversations open to the public Consistent questions asked at each table, individuals placed at tables rather than couples or groups Focusing conversation on what is needed and not blaming Demonstrating that in order for solutions to be developed, conversations based upon respect, listening and sharing viewpoints need to take place

Questions 1.What worries you most about the future of Iowa’s water? 2.What positive actions have you witnessed that address the future of Iowa’s water? 3.What role do elected bodies have in the future of Iowa’s water? 4.As a citizen, what personal action(s) have you taken to improve the future of Iowa’s water?

Outcomes High energy but respectful conversations took place Attendees were 51% general public, 19% farmers, 18% agriculture related businesses 12% water organizations Summary of the three conversations has been prepared and shared with attendees

Highlights – Q1 - Worries 63% expressed concern about quantity and quality of water and long term impact Other concerns: Pollutants, cost of tap water, frequency and intensity of rains, focus on blame rather than solutions, not enough accountability, measurement strategies, soil erosion and not all land being the same topography.

Highlights – Q2 – Positive actions 56% of the positive actions to mitigate water pollutants were attributed to farmers 33% of the positive actions mentioned were attributed to general public 11% of the positive actions mentioned were attributed to government and organizations

Highlights – Q3 – Role of elected bodies Mostly seeking leadership and support in the form of Mechanisms for tracking progress Technical assistance Encouraging more collaborations among the public, farm, and environmental groups

Highlights – Q4 – Personal Actions Urban Dwellers Reduce Lawn Fertilizer Use Hand Washing Dishes Conserving Water Contacting Legislators Become active in water quality organizations Eat local foods Composting Farmers Sharing information about riparian zones Restoring prairies, wetlands, and forests Conservation practices Serve in local leadership positions

Next Step and Questions The Wallace Centers of Iowa is considering a series of Informational Panel Discussions