A Message From Director Leopold

Seems we have a trend developing that is taking us full circle on how we think of rivers and streams. Iowans are rediscovering their "river address." Prior to European settlement, before railroads, highways, and airports, Iowans identified their address in relationship to running waterways. "Go north on the Des Moines, take the South Skunk fork, and we're about half-a-mile up Squaw Creek."

People divided the land by waterways and geographic features. Water was the center of commerce and community life. Mills ground our grain and dams provided what limited power we needed beyond horses and oxen.

Then, the industrial revolution. Road builders divided the landscape for our vehicles, steam-driven backhoes tiled and drained our soils for production agriculture and the trend started toward urbanization. These changes, positive in terms of productivity and convenience, distanced people from their public waters and the natural landscape.

And now, some parts of our society seem to be returning to our natural heritage. Water quality is a phrase that most in Iowa understand, and generally are not satisfied with the quality of our rivers, streams and lakes. Real political will to improve our public waters is increasing. Financial resources, although still insufficient to deal with our problems, have increased in recent years, creating the potential for greatly increased opportunities in the near future.

Take for example the exploding interest and participation in the water trails program. Starting from a small group of enthusiasts, the paddle sports of canoeing and kayaking are enjoying a rapid expansion. In 2005, there were no miles of designated water trails in Iowa. Today, we have 166 miles of designated trails and 900 more miles under development.

And it is not just environmentalists advocating this movement. Workforce development experts recognize quality of life as one of the key drivers to attracting and maintaining a well-educated and diverse workforce. Economic and rural development advocates recognize the powerful economic engine behind these attractions, contributing to the health of our tourism industry (including bed and breakfasts, hotels, restaurants, etc.) and our local economies ranging from gas stations to grocery stores. For example, in 2004 there were 23 "liveries," or paddling outfitters, in Iowa. Currently, this number is 53 and continues to grow. Annually, they generate $889,000 in rental fees alone.

My lifelong love of paddling sports, and my firm belief that a healthy economy is dependent on a healthy ecosystem, give me hope that Iowa is prepared to take seriously our commitment to water quality and reconnecting to our local water bodies. As this trend continues, I believe Iowa will compete nationally for some of the best river experiences in the country.

Richard Leopold, Director of the Iowa DNR