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?
In exchange for a 2-year, 2-cleanup commitment, the Streamkeepers program will provide your group with a river cleanup guide, safety information, watershed health educational pamphlets, Streamkeepers mesh cleanup bags, an adoption certificate, and public recognition.

Current River-Adopters	Stretch of River	Next Cleanup Date	*.pdf
Iowa Whitewater Coalition	Raccoon Watershed	April 12th, 2008
Annual River Grab	Des Moines River	August 16th, 2008
Mary Hyland	Iowa River	TBA
City of Johnston	Beaver Creek	TBA

Adoption Form	*.pdf
Please complete this form if you are interested in adopting a stretch of river through the Streamkeepers program.

Contact Information:
Please contact Luke Wright or Nate Hoogeveen regarding the adoption process.

Luke Wright, Water Trails Assistant
515-281-6640, luke.wright@dnr.iowa.gov