League Launches Strategic Planning Process

In 2013, the Izaak Walton League of America will undertake a comprehensive strategic planning process. Led by the League's Executive Board, strategic planning will focus on developing a compelling vision and shared goals across the organization. This effort will be open, participatory, and inclusive. There will be multiple opportunities for every League member and leader to be engaged, provide input, and help shape the strategy. Those opportunities will include in-person meetings, webinars and conference calls, and online surveys.

The League is also committed to communicating about this effort through as many means as possible. Information and updates will be regularly included in Outdoor America magazine and "Conservation Currents" as well as through e-mails to League members and leaders across the organization. The League invites input at every stage of the process. If you have ideas, recommendations, or comments, feel free to e-mail them at any time to strategicplan@iwla.org.

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Public Policy Spotlight in Congress and State Legislatures

A new Congress and state legislatures across the country are convening for their annual sessions this month. At the national level, fiscal and budgetary issues are likely to dominate throughout the first several months of the year. This Congress will also have to address unfinished business from last year – not the least of which is acting on a comprehensive, five-year Farm Bill. Many states will continue to grapple with tight budgets as they tackle issues ranging from renewable energy to education and conserving natural resources. The League will continue to be actively engaged on high-priority issues at the federal and state levels.

In the weeks ahead, please follow "Conservation Currents" and Outdoor America for more detailed information about IWLA policy priorities. League Action Alerts will also inform members about issues on which your voices can make a difference.

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Farm Bill Falls Over the "Cliff"

2012 ended without a new Farm Bill. Instead, Congress passed a 9-month extension of the 2008 Farm Bill as part of a deal to avoid the "fiscal cliff." This short extension is bad news for conservation because when Congress does finally address the national debt, even less money will likely be available for conservation. And we are very worried that the hard fought victories of last year – a nationwide Sodsaver provision to conserve native grasslands, and reconnecting conservation compliance with crop insurance premium subsidies – may be at risk if Congress starts Farm Bill discussions from scratch. There is a high level of uncertainty on when the U.S. House and Senate will begin crafting a Farm Bill, so we must stand ready and act when needed.

Stay tuned for more on the Farm Bill as legislation progresses this year. You can visit the League's Agriculture Web page for more information on Farm Bill issues and League priorities.

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Challenge Yourself with a Clean Water Quiz

Clean water is an absolute necessity for all of us, yet there are numerous unaddressed threats to the health of our waters. Take the Izaak Walton League Clean Water Quiz to test your aqua-knowledge and share this quiz with your friends – you may be surprised how little they know our country's water supply.

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How's Your Waterway?

Only 25 percent of our nation's waters are tested for water quality – including toxins, pollutants, and excess nutrients. Is the local stream in which your family and pets play one of them? Find out on the Environmental Protection Agency's new "How's My Waterway?" Web site. Search by Zip code for ratings of local streams, lakes, and other waters – and find out which ones have never been checked. Follow the Technical Report link for maps and a report of exactly what pollutants were found in impaired waterways.

Does the EPA Web site list your stream as "Unassessed/Condition Unknown"? That means no one has checked the water quality – but you can do it! Start a monitoring program in your community. Visit the League's Save Our Streams (SOS) Program Web site for tips on getting started.

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National Award Nominations Now Open

Volunteers are the heart of the Izaak Walton League. Recognize the outstanding volunteers in your chapter and the outstanding work you have done over the past year. It's quick and easy. Following are award categories and deadlines:

• Judge John W. Tobin Awards (Deadline: March 15, 2013)
• Defenders Chapter Achievement Awards (Deadline: March 15, 2013)
• National Awards (Deadline: June 1, 2013)
• Chapter Member Recruitment Award (Deadline: June 1, 2013)

Visit the League's National Awards Web page for nomination forms and more details. Questions? Contact Tara Scibelli at (800) IKE-LINE (453-5463) x255 or e-mail chapters@iwla.org.

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IWLA Scholarship Deadline: April 1

Do you know a college student studying conservation or an environment-related major? The Izaak Walton League offers two $2,500 scholarships for qualified college juniors or seniors. Specific requirements are available on the League Web site.

For more information about the application criteria and process, contact Earl Hower, IWLA Director of Chapter Relations, at ehower@iwla.org or call (800) IKE-LINE x216.

These scholarships are made possible through the generous support of the Izaak Walton League of America Endowment.

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The Izaak Walton League of America is part of the Recycling for Charities program. For each wireless electronic item donated, Recycling for Charities will contribute a minimum of one dollar (more depending on the item) to the League.