GAITHERSBURG, MD----- The Izaak Walton League of America held its 2021 convention virtually July 20-22. In addition to elections and business meetings, the convention included two keynote addresses.
Dr. Sacoby Wilson, Associate Professor at the University of Maryland School of Public Health, delivered a wide-ranging address discussing the role of citizen science and community-based science to engage people in improving health, saving lives and promoting environmental justice. He framed environmental health challenges as opportunities for the Izaak Walton League to expand programs and engage affected communities.
Former U.S. Senator David Durenberger (R-Minn.) gave an address about the need for bridging partisan divisions in America. He commended the Izaak Walton League for its continuing tradition of nonpartisan advocacy. His advice: Get to know people with different viewpoints and do it outdoors if possible. “If you really want to continue building this organization and its influence across America, reach out to someone you may not always see eye-to-eye with, and go fishing, hiking or paddling. Or bird watching.”
League delegates voted to adopt new policy resolutions related to restricting neonicotinoid pesticides, preventing sulfide-ore copper mining in the Boundary Waters region of Minnesota, regulating mining generally and applying an ecosystems approach to conservation stewardship projects. The resolutions will be added to the League's policy handbook and will appear in the next issue of Outdoor America.
The convention will extend through next week when workshops will be held on new stream monitoring techniques, federal conservation funding and other topics.
Contact: Michael Reinemer, Communications Director, mreinemer@iwla.org.
Founded in 1922, the Izaak Walton League has worked to conserve the nation's woods, waters, wildlife, soil and air. The League plays a unique role in supporting community conservation locally and shaping policy nationally. www.iwla.org