The Leopold Lunch Bunch – June 13 at noon, Thai Deli
You're Invited! Join local Sierra Club members in a casual setting, for friendship and conversation. Monday, June 13, 12 to 1 pm, at Thai Deli restaurant, 120 West Broadway, Fairfield.
Bakken Pipeline News
May 28 Pipeline Protest in SE Iowa
Several Leopold Group members were among the protesters who floated down the South Skunk River near the proposed pipeline crossing, and later held a meeting in Oskaloosa. Jonas Magram, one of the organizers and speakers, kayaked with his dog Bruiser. Denyce Rusch and Nikki Weaver canoed with a mother and son from Iowa City. Chris Hallinger of Fairfield also made the float.
The Oskaloosa Herald ran a good article on the protest, which you can read online:
Excerpt: “It is unthinkable that an environmental impact statement has not been required to assess the potential environmental, economic and cultural impacts that could occur during the construction and running of this proposed 30-inch pipeline, which would transport nearly 1 million gallons of crude oil at a temperature of 150 degrees each day,” said Sylvia Spalding, a seventh generation Mahaska County landowner.
Another protest flotilla is planned for Saturday, June 25th near Boone, where the Bakken pipeline would cross the Des Moines River.
For more information, visit www.nobakken.com or find the Pipeline Resistance Coalition group on Facebook.
Climate Change Protesters Host Meeting
Wednesday, June 8, 7:30 pm at Fairfield Public Library
Three Fairfield citizens arrested as part of a recent climate change protest will speak at the Fairfield Public Library, Wednesday, June 8, at 7:30 pm. The meeting is sponsored by No Bakken Here. Admission is free.
The evening will feature video of the May 15th Indiana march and of the worldwide BreakFree protests, as well as an update on the proposed Bakken Pipeline, protest activities planned throughout Iowa for the summer, and other opportunities for action.
Jonas Magram says, “We invite members of our community frustrated with the ever-worsening condition of our climate and environment to join us. A powerful, inspired, and even joyful progressive movement is underway but it will only succeed if all of us who care lend a hand in whatever way we can.”
For more information, please email NoBakkenHere@gmail.com.
Upcoming Outings and Service Projects
River Clean-up with Project AWARE, July 11-15
Volunteers will canoe and kayak the Lower Des Moines River from Eldon to Farmington, while pulling out trash and debris. This Iowater project aims to raise awareness of water quality issues and to foster good stewardship of our waterways. For more information and to pre-register:
http://www.iowadnr.gov/Things-to-Do/Canoeing-Kayaking/Project-AWARE
Bike The Byway, June 25
This year is the 3rd annual bike ride along Historic Hills Scenic Byway and the surrounding countryside. The 53-mile route begins on the square in Bloomfield, follows J40 to Lacey Keosauqua State Park and then makes a stop in Keosauqua before heading back to Bloomfield via J40.
Register at bikethebyway.com.
Canoe Training
June 11, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Lake Sugema & the Des Moines River
Whether you need to fine tune your skills or would like to try canoeing for the first time, this is the program for you! The class, taught by a certified instructor, will help participants earn basic maneuvers and strokes, parts of the canoe, how to navigate and “read” a river, and allow participants to make the most of their water-time. Enrollment is limited to eleven participants. All gear, including canoes, paddles, and life jackets will be provided. The class is free but pre-registration is required. Sponsored by Jefferson County Conservation. For more information or to register please call 641-472-4421 or email Brittney Tiller at DMRiverWaterTrail@gmail.com
Paddle into the Past: The Geology & Archeology of the Des Moines River
Saturday, July 23 from 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Austin Park to Keosauqua Boat Ramp
Discover how the Des Moines River sculpted its valley and the life of the early inhabitants of Iowa. Join Cherie Haury-Artz, Education Assistant at the Office of the State Archaeologist and Joe Artz, Senior Geoarchaeologist at EarthView Environmental, as they co-lead a paddle combining the local geology and archaeology of the area. Registration is required. Limited to 20 boats. Rentals available for $20. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Sponsored by Jefferson County Conservation. For more information or to register please call 641-472-4421 or email Brittney Tiller at DMRiverWaterTrail@gmail.com
Aquatic Life of the River
Saturday, August 6, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. Bonaparte Boat Ramp
Ever wondered what is swimming in the river? Now is your chance to find out! A team from the State Hygienic Laboratory from the University of Iowa will use various techniques including electroshocking, to collect and sample the aquatic life of the river. Free, no registration required. Sponsored by Jefferson County Conservation.
Kayak Training
Wednesday, August 10, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, Lake Sugema & the Des Moines River
Whether you need to fine tune your skills or would like to try kayaking for the first time, this is the program for you! The class, taught by a certified instructor, will help participants to learn basic maneuvers and strokes, parts of the kayak, how to navigate and “read” a river, and allow participants to make the most of their water-time. Enrollment is limited to nine participants. All gear, including canoes, paddles, and life jackets will be provided. The class is free, but pre-registration is required. Sponsored by Jefferson County Conservation. For more information or to register please call 641-472-4421 or email Brittney Tiller at DMRiverWaterTrail@gmail.com.