Moving Conservation : The Role of Conservation Districts of Iowa in supporting Soil & Water Conservation Districts & Commissioners Clare Lindahl Conservation Districts of Iowa

Importance of Soil & Water Conservation  It is hereby declared to be the policy of the legislature to integrate the conservation of soil and water resources into the production of agricultural commodities to insure the long- term protection of the soil and water resources of the state of Iowa, and to encourage the development of farm management and agricultural practices that are consistent with the capability of the land to sustain agriculture, and thereby to preserve natural resources, control floods, prevent impairment of dams and reservoirs, assist and maintain the navigability of rivers and harbors, preserve wildlife, protect the tax base, protect public lands and promote the health, safety and public welfare of the people of this state. IOWA CODE CHAPTER 161A SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION

Challenges  Increase in population-increase demands of the land  Nearly 600 of Iowa’s streams, rivers & lakes are impaired or highly polluted  Over 50% of land in Iowa is rented  New practices, policies & initiatives  Urban population & legislators  Funding

Many successes! “CLEANER WATER BRINGS BACK TROUT” “PARTNERSHIPS PROTECT BRUSHY CREEK” “LOCALS DEFEND IOWA’S GREAT LAKES” “KIOWA MARSH MAKES A HISTORIC COMEBACK”

 CDI’s role is to SUPPORT THE IMPORTANT CONSERVATION WORK OF DISTRICTS & COMMISSIONERS. Conservation Districts of Iowa

Listening to commissioners, districts and partners  District survey  What CDI programs districts participate in, legislative activities, fundraising activities, promotional and educational activities, district employee information, payroll information, newsletter information, website information, social networking activities, name tag needs  District visits– 19 Districts  Meetings

Information Sharing  Valuable, concise information  Quarterly Bulletins: January, April, August & December  Conference  Seeking funds for direct mailings to commissioners  Investigating new methods for delivering information to commissioners & districts

 New Award Program  Plan/Checklist  Application  Promotional materials ( press release, flyer, fundraising materials) Supporting Materials

 Legislative Outreach  Letter template for inviting legislators to district legislative meeting  Presentation template  Brochure  Talking points Supporting Materials

 Soil and Water Resource Conservation Plan  District Annual Work Plan  Subcommittees  Awards  Legislative outreach & education  Fundraising  Grants  Partnerships  Contractor meetings  Private sector outreach & education  Absentee landowner  Banquet  Signage Tools  Expo/Display  Contest  Deliver Presentation  Youth  Workshop/Conference  Field Day  Tour  Demo  Media  Press Releases  Commissioner recruitment  Water quality monitoring  Staff  Newsletter  Website

Soil and Water Conservation Week  April 28-May 5, 2013  1941: Governor Wilson proclaims first Iowa Soil Conservation Week  PLAN AN ACTIVITY IN YOUR DISTRICT!

100 EVENTS HELD BY DISTRICTS FOR SOIL & WATER CONSERVATION WEEK! Soil and Water Conservation Week  Supporting Materials Coming Soon!  Press Release  Flyers  Presentations  Check list for conducting an activity

 Friday, March 15, 9:30 am-2:30pm Moville, WOODBURY CO  Tuesday, March 19, 10:00 am-1:00 pm, Luzerne, BENTON CO  Thursday, March 21, 10:00 am-2:00 pm, Welton, CLINTON CO  Friday, March 22, 10:00 am-1:00pm, Breda, SAC CO  Tuesday, Mar. 26, 10:00 am-1:00 pm - Dedham, CARROLL CO  Thursday, Mar. 28, 10:00 am-1:00 pm, Red Oak, MONTGOMERY CO  Monday, April 1, 10:00am–1:00pm, Sioux Center, SIOUX CO  Thursday, April 4, 11:00 am-2:00 pm, Elkader, CLAYTON CO  Wednesday, May 22, 1:00pm – 3:30pm, Monona, CLAYTON CO Spring Field Days

 A press release  Postcards to mail or give out  Flyers to hang up  Talking points for promotion in the media (radio, television or newspaper)  Attend! Commissioner help needed to promote field days

The office has moved 945 SW Ankeny Road, Suite A Ankeny, Iowa w/the Soil and Water Conservation Society

2013 IOWA SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICTS 67th ANNUAL CONFERENCE & BUSINESS MEETING September 4 & 5 90% of success is showing up! Please join us!