Iowa Department of Natural Resources
PROJECT AWARE TO GO ON DESPITE HIGH WATER

DES MOINES - The Iowa DNR's 2004 Project AWARE (A Watershed Awareness River
Expedition) will go on as planned June 19 to 26.  High water levels will
keep volunteers from paddling the river, so the program will shift its focus
to watershed issues.

By focusing on the watershed - the region of land draining into a body of
water - this year's event will reveal the importance land plays in water
quality. Indeed, the land matters just as much as the river.

The estimated 150 volunteers who would have paddled down the Des Moines
River will instead clean up the watershed region. Participants will shuttle
overland among previously planned camping sites. They will also paddle over
state lakes, clean up their banks, and combat invasive species.  Educational
programs will go on as before. Other activities include brush clearing and
guided hikes.

Once the high stream and river waters subside, they will leave behind a
layer of trash.  Project AWARE participants will work hard to combat this
environmental damage and to educate the public so that the trash gets
removed.

This project will increase awareness of and advocacy for water quality
issues important to Iowans' health. By including all interested parties -
including average citizens, governments at all levels, businesses, and
community groups - it will emphasize the importance of partnerships.
Moreover, Project AWARE gives citizens the opportunity to take action and
see tangible results.

Evening educational events include programs on state lakes' history, local
geology, edible plants and insects, wildlife and water quality.

The event is free to all volunteers. The public is encouraged to
participate.

For more details, visit www.iowadnr.com and click on the Project AWARE icon,
then open the Project Agenda link.

For more information, contact Tom O'Neill at (515) 281-4539.
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