Driftless Water Defenders’ First Kickoff Event

On June 15, 2024, Driftless Water Defenders hosted its first event in Decorah, Iowa. Here’s how it went:

Our student interns (left to right) Kris Nixon and Noah Gaber assisted our invitees at the sign-in table.

Our student interns (left to right) Nina Marquardt and Mark Prihoda set up the merchandise and donations table.

Musician Michael McElrath sang folk music as our invitees found spots to sit.

DWD registered agent and Attorney, James Larew, discussed his passion for water quality, needed changes for environmental law, the goals of the DWD, and much more.

Steve Veysey set the scene for our first speaker Tammi Thompson. Steve Veysey described the maps on the poster boards and how the nearby CAFO negatively affected Tammi Thompson’s farm property.

Tammi Thompson, neighbor to a CAFO, described the effects of the CAFO on her goat milk business and the tens of thousands of dollars it has cost her to begin to remediate those effects.

DWD president, Chris Jones, explained his qualifications as a water quality researcher, blogger, and avid outdoorsman. Chris Jones then discussed that change needs to happen through grassroots action, not just through the voting booth. There are few places in Iowa where one can step out and be immersed in nature, our parks are becoming smaller and of lesser quality, and our diminished water quality is a symptom of a greater environmental illness. Many Iowans feel hopeless and powerless, but there are ways to make a difference and make change for a greener future.

Chris Jones opened the floor for questions and comments.

Thank you for all those who attended. If you were unable to attend, but would like to listen to the meeting, see the buttons below.