Communities across the globe are celebrating World Rivers Day on Sunday (http://worldriversday.com/). The observance was founded 10 years ago in Western Canada, and now is being celebrated in dozens of countries.
World Rivers Day is a good time to take stock of our rivers in Iowa – a state bordered by our nation’s two greatest rivers, and laced with 70,000 miles of rivers and streams between the Mississippi and the Missouri.
Our rivers and river valleys hold much of Iowa’s remaining wildness — marvelous corridors to enjoy nature, wildlife, beauty, and recreation. Rivers give us drinking water and water for everyday use. Unfortunately, our rivers and streams also are victims of pollution and erosion, sedimentation, flooding, careless agricultural practices, and neglect.
World Rivers Day reminds us that we must care for Iowa’s precious river resources. Iowans do not want to wait to protect and restore our threatened waters.
On World Rivers Day, we encourage all Iowans to reconnect with your local stream or river. Reflect on the extraordinary value of our rivers and watersheds. Join river stewardship and cleanup opportunities in your community. Reach out to your state and local elected officials and ask, “What are you doing to improve and protect our rivers?”
You can make a difference. We all can make a difference. We have a responsibility to leave this planet better than we found it.
Luna Leopold said: “Water is the most critical resource issue of our lifetime and our children’s lifetime. The health of our waters is the principal measure of how we live on the land.”
On World Rivers Day, please join us and pitch in to protect and restore Iowa’s rivers and streams.
Jerry Peckumn, chair, Iowa Rivers Revival (www.iowarivers.org)
Mike Delaney, president, Citizens for a Healthy Iowa (http://citizensforahealthyiowa.org/)
Tom Hazelton, CEO, Iowa’s County Conservation System (www.MyCountyParks.com)
Ralph Rosenberg, executive director, Iowa Environmental Council (http://www.iaenvironment.org/)
Steve Roe, president, Raccoon River Watershed Association (http://northraccoon.org/North_Raccoon/RRWA.html) 
