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In This Issue
Congress Adjourns Without a New Farm Bill
Without a new law, the 2008 Farm Bill expired on September 30. While most major conservation programs will continue operation in the short term, new enrollments in the Conservation Reserve, Wetlands Reserve, Grasslands Reserve, and Conservation Stewardship Programs will be frozen and an additional $350 million was slashed from the Environmental Quality Incentives Program. At this point it remains unclear whether Congress will debate and pass a Farm Bill after it reconvenes in mid-November or wait until 2013 to take up the issue. Want to learn more about the Farm Bill and how it affects you (even if you don't live in a farm state)? Visit the League's 2012 Farm Bill Web page. Back to top
Sportsmen Want Clean Water Act Protections Restored
The League has persistently advocated for restoring these safeguards, which were badly weakened or removed by two U.S. Supreme Court decisions and flawed policies issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Army Corps of Engineers in 2006 and 2008. Over the past 18 months, the League worked especially hard to build support for new, science-based EPA and Corps policy that would restore some – but far from all – protections for small streams, prairie pothole wetlands, and other waters. This poll, conducted for the National Wildlife Federation, demonstrates strong and ongoing support among sportsmen for restoring lost clean water protections. Back to top
Clean Water Act Turns 40 This month marks the 40th anniversary of the Clean Water Act. Bi-partisan majorities in Congress passed this landmark law over President Nixon's veto on October 18, 1972. After decades of piecemeal efforts by the states to reduce pollution and improve water quality, the Clean Water Act set enforceable standards for water quality, created revolving funds to upgrade sewage and wastewater treatment systems across the country, and required permits to drain wetlands. Key components of the Clean Water Act are rooted in water pollution legislation crafted by the League as early as the 1930s.
While we celebrate progress, we are also sobered by the challenges ahead. Fifty-three percent of streams and rivers today do not meet basic water quality standards. Runoff from lawns, fields, and parking lots is the single largest source of water pollution today. And wetland drainage is on the upswing in many parts of the country. The Clean Water Act remains a key tool for addressing these and other challenges in the years to come. The Clean Water Act's 40th anniversary offers an opportunity for League members to strengthen our commitment to protecting water quality for future generations. The League's Save Our Streams (SOS) program offers an easy way for people to assess water quality in their own communities. Our Creek Freaks program uses local streams as living classrooms to connect children to the outdoors and conservation. These programs are just two of the many ways we can take action locally – actions that make a difference – to conserve and restore our most important natural resource. Back to top League Staff Appointed to Missouri River Committee IWLA Regional Conservation Coordinator Paul Lepisto, who heads League efforts on the Missouri River, was re-appointed in September 2012 to the Missouri River Recovery Implementation Committee (MRRIC). The committee was established in 2008 to advise the Army Corps of Engineers as it develops a comprehensive plan for Missouri River recovery. Committee members represent a wide array of local, state, tribal, and federal interests. Lepisto is one of only two committee members representing conservation organizations. With a seat on the Missouri River Recovery Implementation Committee, the League is working to restore portions of the river, mitigate habitat loss, and recover threatened and endangered native fish and wildlife. The result will be cleaner water, self-sustaining fish and wildlife populations, enhanced outdoor recreation opportunities, and more vibrant local economies. Back to top
90th Anniversary National Capital Gala: October 13 Only 90 tickets are available for this event. For more information and to order tickets, visit our 90th Anniversary National Capital Gala Web page or contact Nathan Truitt at ntruitt@iwla.org or (301) 548-0150 x230.
Individual and team registration available. Register by October 15th for the early bird discount. Visit our 90th Anniversary Trap Shoot Web page for more information. Back to top Creek Freaks Trainings: Minnesota and California
This project was developed in partnership with the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and U.S. Forest Service. Back to top
Tiny Ikes: Fall Into Outdoor Learning in October
October 11, Nature Explorers: From a babbling brook to bird calls, explore nature's sights, sounds, and smells on a walk through the woods. T'Ikes will then make a craft inspired by our nature adventure. October 26, Spooktacular Nature Hike: From owls and bats to flying squirrels, a world of different animals comes out at night. Bring a flashlight to search for nocturnal animals on our own (non-scary) Halloween adventure. For more information about scheduled events, visit www.iwla.org/tikes. For more information about conservation education for youth, contact Rebecca Wadler, IWLA Conservation Education Associate, at rwadler@iwla.org.
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Ikes Explore Exelon Plant and Fish Repopulation Work
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Last Call for Officer Report Forms Attention IWLA Chapter Leaders: 2012-2013 Officer Report Forms are due to the national office by October 31. These forms are used to create the annual League directory and let us know whom to contact for important League issues. You can find a copy of the Officer Report Form on the League's Chapter Tools Web page. Fax your completed form to (301) 548-0146, e-mail it to members@iwla.org, or mail it to IWLA, Membership Department, 707 Conservation Lane, Gaithersburg, MD 20878. Your chapter's cooperation and participation is very much appreciated. |
Protect Outdoor America While You Work Check CFC #10620 on your workplace giving form if you are a federal employee. Or look for EarthShare in your workplace giving campaign materials if you work for a private corporation or local government agency. It's one of the easiest ways to conserve outdoor America for the future generations! For more information or to start a workplace campaign, contact develop@iwla.org. Log Into the League Did you know that you can manage your membership information and subscriptions preferences right on the League Web site? Grab your membership card and visit our home page. Click the "Login" button on the left-hand side and use your membership number to create a personalized login. It's the easiest way to stay in touch with the League. Resource of the Month:
Hunting season is coming up, and time is running out to order your Izaak Walton League 90th Anniversary edition rifle from the Henry Repeating Arms Company!
90 Years of Defending Outdoor America To commemorate the League's 90th anniversary, we are proud to announce our "$90 for 90" campaign. Donate $90 or more to the League, and you will receive our limited-edition Snapshots in Conservation anthology.
Your contribution will also support the League's national conservation work. Please visit the League Web site for more information. Take Action Not a Member? To join the Izaak Walton League, click here. We are proud of our rating from the American Institute of Philanthropy. Follow the Izaak Walton League on Contact Information If you have any questions about this newsletter or other IWLA programs, please contact: Founded in 1922, the PHOTO CREDITS: |
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