Forwarded by Jane Clark.  This is not a Sierra Club sponsored event but might be of interest to people on this list.

Rivers: Iowa's Natural Capital, March 2-4, 2007

The second annual Iowa Rivers Revival conference & retreat is scheduled for March 2-4.  Come hear about the benefits Iowans reap from rivers and their valleys, and how Iowans are doing more for their rivers.  Day one of the conference will be held at the Lake Panorama National Conference Center in Panora and will focus on the economic impact of rivers and water trails. The keynote for the Friday luncheon is Tolif Hunt of the Whiterock Conservancy discussing new economic models with recreation and rural culture as a centerpiece.

The conference continues on Saturday/Sunday March 3-4 at the Iowa 4-H center near Madrid.  The day includes a variety of activities, from music and poetry about Iowa rivers, to information on the upcoming Farm Bill that could have big impacts on Iowa’s water quality, to a banquet celebrating the spirit of the Iowa Rivers Revival movement. The Saturday lunch keynote is Chad Pregracke of Living Lands and Waters. Chad is an inspirational speaker who has raised major corporate funds to support his clean-up of all big rivers in the Midwest.  Sunday’s activities include a workshop on the future of Iowa’s water trails with Paddling Iowa author Nate Hoogeveen, along with opportunities for a field trip on or along a river, weather depending.

Registration is $25 per day or $50 for the whole weekend (weekend rate includes Friday and Saturday lodging at the 4-H center).

For more information or to register, go to http://www.iowarivers.org/