Applications are being taken for Watershed Awards

     The Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance (IAWA) is accepting applications for the 2019 Iowa Watershed Awards. Now in its second year, the program recognizes outstanding watershed coordinators across the state of Iowa.

     The awards program is a partnership between IAWA and Iowa State University (ISU) Extension and Outreach, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS), the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and Conservation Districts of Iowa (CDI).

     “It’s inspiring to hear the stories from Iowa’s watershed coordinators as they work with local stakeholders to improve water quality,” said Sean McMahon, executive director of IAWA.

     Watershed coordinators, project staff who provide partnership-based management and stewardship in a watershed, are a key ingredient to meeting the goals of the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy (NRS).

     “Engaging farmer leaders at the watershed level to improve water quality while also helping improve farmer profitability is critical for success of the Iowa NRS,” said McMahon. “We want to help maintain the great momentum that watershed coordinators are building across Iowa.”

     Recipients of the Iowa Watershed Award will be announced at the 2019 Iowa Water Conference, hosted by the Iowa Water Center, in Ames. Up to five honorees will be recognized and each will receive funding for their local watershed program and for their own professional development.

     Applications are being accepted until Dec. 21 and will be evaluated by a panel of judges from each of the five partners.

     “We are delighted to work with these leading organizations to recognize Iowa’s watershed coordinators for the important work they do every day to improve water quality,” said McMahon.

     To apply, watershed coordinators can download the form that is available at www.iowaagwateralliance.com/iowa-watershed-awards/ and email completed information to Jamie Benning, water quality program manager with ISU Extension and Outreach: benning@iastate.edu.

     Lee Gravel, the new North Raccoon watershed implementation coordinator for IDALS, was honored as the 2018 Iowa Watershed Coordinator of the Year during the inaugural IAWA Iowa Watershed Awards. He was recognized for his efforts in his prior position as coordinator for the Headwaters of the North Raccoon Water Quality Initiative Project.