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The Iowa Department of Natural Resources Water Trails and Keepers of the Land programs would like to introduce a recently revitalized, volunteer-driven, river cleanup program named Streamkeepers. The Streamkeepers program provides educational materials, organizational support, and outreach for river clean-up efforts. Participating river-adopters will receive a number of materials, the most central being a volunteer handbook that will act as a guide for river clean-ups. It is the intent of the Iowa DNR that these volunteer driven efforts will strengthen community investment in water trails.
Cleanup projects on streams and rivers are satisfying and rewarding events for volunteers. You have the opportunity to lead in an effort to restore quality to Iowa's waterways. Organizations, groups, and individuals throughout Iowa are motivated to get involved. The voice of Iowans is loud and clear; we have a strong desire to experience these beautiful natural resources free from trash. Unfortunately, when someone dumps a load of unwanted litter into our waterways, it does more than create an eyesore. A dirty river can reinforce harmful habits, and lead to a dangerous downward spiral; garbage seems to attract garbage. The negative impact of a trash-laden waterway includes loss of fish and wildlife habitat, water quality issues, and safety concerns for those recreating on polluted bodies of water. Instead, we need to demonstrate our desire to halt this cycle of deterioration. A river cleanup is a community's opportunity to set a powerful example, one that enforces stewardship and responsibility. Through river cleanups, you will develop a relationship with Iowa's aquatic resources, understand their complexities, and learn how to protect and improve them. What does the Streamkeepers program provide?
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