Tackling water pollution, amping up advocacy top the agenda for League’s national convention

Taking action to protect our air, water and the $1.2 trillion outdoor recreation economy has taken on new urgency across the U.S. 

“The nitrate water pollution crisis, the rollback of bedrock protections for our air and water and the federal refusal to employ every tool available to mitigate the growing damage caused by climate change present serious threats to human health as well as the environment,” says Jodi Labs, National President of the Izaak Walton League of America.

At its national convention in Green Bay, Wisc. July 18-19, the League will build on its strengths in community-based conservation, volunteer science and advocacy to inform Americans about these threats and galvanize action to address the challenges. Accredited press are invited to attend.

Building on momentum from this convention, the League, its 40,000 members and its growing network of volunteer scientists nationwide will:

  • Reduce water pollution at the source with grassroots-driven campaigns targeting salt and nitrate pollution and national level advocacy focused on scaling up conservation on millions of acres of farmland—the single largest source of runoff polluting streams, lakes and drinking water in America;
  • Engage more people in Salt Watch, Nitrate Watch and other League volunteer science initiatives that test for pollution, raise public awareness and advocate for change;
  • Ensure that Americans can continue to access their public lands and enjoy outdoor traditions like hiking, fishing, hunting and camping;
  • Host a Nitrate Awareness Week to draw attention to the growing threat to human health from nitrate in the nation’s drinking water supplies.

The League helped to score a victory for public lands in June when Congress removed a provision in a budget reconciliation bill that would have required the sale of millions of acres of the nation’s public lands, which are owned by and managed for the benefit for all Americans.

To address the economic value of the outdoors, Matthew Winden, Associate Dean of Graduate Business Programs at the University of Wisconsin, will speak at the convention. His research focuses on natural resource economics including the dollar value of environmental impacts. 

Other speakers at the national convention include:

  • Buddy Huffaker, Executive Director, Aldo Leopold Foundation
  • Jayne Black, Field Consultant, Moms Clean Air Force
  • Adam Nickel, Fisheries Team Supervisor, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

Founded in 1922, the Izaak Walton League fights for clean air and water, healthy fish and wildlife habitat and conservation of our natural resources for future generations. The League plays a unique role in leading community-based conservation and volunteer science and has a long legacy of shaping sound national policy. See www.iwla.org.

For details contact:

Michael Reinemer, Director of Communications, Izaak Walton League

mreinemer@iwla.org, 301-548-0150 ext 220