Hello,

I just submitted the letter below to the Des Moines Register.  In light of
the caucuses taking up all of the editorial space over the next few days, I
don't really think it will get printed before the Jan 2 deadline, but here
it is anyway.

Steve

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Dear Editor,


For just a moment I was encouraged to read DNR Director Leopold's statement
that "we'll get to the right place" in regards to stream designations
protective of aquatic life and recreational activities.  Then I recalled all
of the broken promises, half-truths and obfuscation the agency has used over
the years to deny, dodge, and delay implementing proper protections for our
rivers and streams.  So please excuse me for being a bit skeptical when the
fox tells me what a great job he is doing protecting the chickens.



The frustrating part is that these are not bad people, but every decision
they make about improving water quality is in the context of running
pollution permit programs.  The polluters are quite literally, "the
customers".  So until we demand that our local government officials and
business leaders protect water quality, and until we own up to the fact that
we all need to pay a bit more to poop, don't expect to see changes
implemented any time soon.



In the meantime, let's not buy into DNR's spin that downgrading these
streams is somehow an improvement.  Through some sort of twisted logic, they
want to assign an aquatic life designation that protects the fish but not
the people who eat the fish.  They want to protect for people swimming, but
not for kids splashing and playing and learning to swim.  It only makes
sense when you recognize that it costs money to reduce pollution, and that
doesn't sit well with their customers.  So let's change the dynamic once and
for all by letting them know who their customers really are.  Speak now or
forever hold your piece.



Steve Veysey

Ames, IA



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