Anniversary Message from one of our 54 Founders

Don't miss this chance to hear directly from one of the League's 54 founders: Dr. Preston Bradley. In this video, Dr. Bradley speaks eloquently and passionately about conservation and the role of the Izaak Walton League in saving outdoor America for future generations. He also talks about the League's beginnings and the legacy of our first national president, Will H. Dilg. We are fortunate that this 1956 audio recording survived the decades since it was originally captured on tape. Thanks to Mike Kennedy and the Will Dilg Chapter for the recording.

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Passing of League Executive Board Chairman Roger Sears

It is with heavy hearts that we share the news that Roger Sears, chairman of the Izaak Walton League's Executive Board, passed away Thanksgiving week after a battle with cancer. Roger was an incredible leader and inspiration for League members and staff. He was the head cheerleader for the League's 90th anniversary, providing a rousing call to action to League members (plus his own 90th anniversary version of the yellow "terrible towel"), and the quiet voice behind the scenes working to keep the League moving forward into the next 90 years. We thank him for his service to the organization and our thoughts are with his family and friends. Bob Chapman, IWLA national president, offers more remembrances about Roger's life and legacy.

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Missouri River Water Restrictions Concern Mississippi River States

After this year's drought crippled much of the Midwest, priority use of the water in the Missouri River has turned into a hotly contested issue. On November 23, the Army Corps of Engineers began reducing flows from the Missouri River reservoir system due to extreme drought conditions in the basin.

The Corps is taking these steps to ensure there is adequate water available for other needs – including domestic uses, irrigation, hydropower, and recreation – throughout Missouri River basin states such as the Dakotas, Nebraska, and Iowa. However, the decreased flow will impact conditions beyond the Missouri River.

The Missouri River typically provides 60 percent of the water that flows through the Mississippi River's midsection – from St. Louis to Cairo, Illinois – each year, and even more during periods of drought. With severely decreased flows in the coming months, the Mississippi River could drop to its lowest level since 1988 and the midsection could become unnavigable, potentially halting barge traffic.

Lawmakers from both river basins are pushing the Corps of Engineers and the White House to protect their state interests and primary water uses. Learn more in a blog post by Paul Lepisto, Regional Conservation Coordinator for the League's Missouri River Initiative.

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2012 Farm Bill Update

The 2008 Farm Bill expired September 30, and conservation programs took an immediate hit. No new enrollments will be permitted in the Wetlands Reserve, Conservation Reserve, and Grassland Reserve Programs. Further delay in passing a 2012 Farm Bill could add to the $1.4 billion that has been lost over the past two years to mandatory conservation program funding.

While the League continues to press for a five-year Farm Bill during the "lame duck" session of Congress, those hopes are fading. Chances of passing a Farm Bill in 2012 are being linked to an ability to attach the legislation to a tax reform and spending reduction package, which creates its own set of problems. Most political insiders now speculate that Congress will pass a 3- to 12-month extension of the existing legislation, which means that the debate on a Farm Bill will start anew next year. Although an extension is not the preferred outcome, it will provide an opportunity to conduct a Hill education campaign – and for League members to participate in that process.

To read more about the League's Farm Bill priorities, visit our 2012 Farm Bill Web page.

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Together We Can Cure "Nature Deficit Disorder"

Despite the clear benefits of nature experiences, children in the United States today spend much less time in nature than previous generations – a condition coined "nature deficit disorder." Children who enjoy meaningful nature experiences are more likely to prefer spending time outdoors, show concern about environmental issues, and express interest in studying the environment. Yet today's children spend more than 7 hours a day in front of media devices – television, computers, video games, and smart phones – and just 30 minutes per week on outdoor activities. (You can learn more surprising facts about the importance of nature to young people in our online Kids and Nature Quiz.)

The good news is that kids can experience nature almost anywhere – from a neighborhood park to your own backyard. Together you can investigate what's living under a log, watch butterflies flit among flowers, or listen to bird songs and other animal sounds. All you need is a commitment to taking the kids in your life outside and into nature. Pledge now to teach the children in your life that nature is a friendly, safe environment to play in and explore. You can find ideas for outdoor activities on our Youth Programs Web page.

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Holiday Shopping for a Cause

Looking for a way to do good while filling holiday stockings for the hunters, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts on your shopping list? The Izaak Walton League and ProGuide Direct can help.

ProGuide Direct is a one-stop-shop for outdoor gear, clothing, and guided trips. You can search for clothing, equipment, and other gear by outdoor activity: hunting (by type of game), fishing (by type of fishing), and camping/hiking. If you're a fan of "Meat Eater" Steve Rinella, you can also find a list of gear used on each episode of his show on The Sportsman Channel. Whether you need a fly rod and waders or decoys and a day pack, ProGuide Direct has the high-quality gear for you.

Through our partnership with ProGuide Direct, League members and supporters can receive $50 off any purchase of $200 or more, plus free shipping! In addition, ProGuide Direct will make a donation to the League to support our conservation work across the country.

This offer expires December 31, 2012. Visit the ProGuide Direct Web site today to get started. Use code IWLA-F12 at checkout for your discount and free shipping.

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Donations or Membership

Make a donation in honor of a family member or friend or give them a gift membership, which includes four information-packed issues of Outdoor America and our monthly Conservation Currents e-newsletter.

If you have any questions about this newsletter or other IWLA programs, please contact:

Dawn Merritt
Communications Director
707 Conservation Lane
Gaithersburg, MD 20878
(301) 548-0150 ext. 220
dmerritt@iwla.org

Founded in 1922, the
Izaak Walton League of America protects America's outdoors through community-based conservation, education, and the promotion of outdoor recreation.