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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