Boone River Protected Water Area Selected as Pilot Project

DES MOINES - The Iowa Department of Natural Resources selected the Boone River Protected Water Area (PWA) for a pilot project to demonstrate new techniques in working with landowners and community members to protect the scenic and cultural heritage of the Boone River, and to develop support for cleaner water.

The Boone River project was selected due to a high degree of citizen and agency support and the presence of a new watershed association called the Boone River Watershed Association.

"Folks in the Boone River Protected Water Area appear eager to team up with us to develop new strategies that we hope leave this river well-protected for our kids and grandkids," said Nate Hoogeveen, water trails coordinator for the Iowa DNR. "It was a tough choice. What we learned by conducting statewide workshops was that many people care deeply about a river in their own region."

Iowa DNR staff will begin partnering with the Boone River PWA in December with a kick-off workshop. Local agency partners and community members will determine specifics of the plan with Iowa DNR facilitation.

For more information, contact Nate Hoogeveen, Protected Water Areas planning coordinator, Iowa DNR, at 515-281-3134.