Objectives, Strategies and Actions

Description:

This project will develop, fabricate and install informational and educational kiosks in strategic urban and rural locations where projects have been implemented. The kiosks will explain the practices and or the concepts associated with watershed resiliency and other priority topics like soil health, cover crops, permeable pavers, stream restoration etc.

Target Audience:

General Public

Key Messengers Target Audience:

Property owners who have implemented rural and urban practices, RC&D.

Potential Partners:

Private Landowners, Cities, Businesses, SWCDs, RC&D, Community Betterment Groups, NRCS, IDALS.

Methods/ Vehicles to Maximize:

Kiosks development fabrication, placement and care. Public and private kiosk ownership and care. Stories in local media, Mini-events at BMPs with kiosks.

Outcomes:

Increased public awareness of, understanding of and support for watershed resiliency and implementation of specific BMPs on private and public properties.

Evaluation Metrics:

Number of BMPs implemented by private and public partners and watershed community members

Description:

This activity is intended to introduce conservation issues through creative methods including music, dance, theater and visual art events that relate back to watersheds, stewardship of water, and stormwater management.

Target Audience:

General Public, Children & Youth

Key Messengers Target Audience:

Event Organizers, Communities, Schools, ECYL, Artists: Singers, Songwriters, Composers, Dancers, Actors, Visual Artists, etc.

Potential Partners:

Communities, Schools, Event Planners, Arts, Theater and Music Organizations and Businesses. K-12 School Art & Music Programs, College Art & Music Programs, Cultural Organizations. Local Businesses, RC&D, Driftless Art Collective, Northeast Iowa Artist Studio Tour, Event Organizers, Fair Boards

Methods/ Vehicles to Maximize:

Create a regional forum that fosters dialog about how water and art can enhance events, festivals and fairs and shares activities and programs that can be used by interested parties and partners. Encourage planners to incorporate stormwater and watershed education into existing events, festivals and fairs.

Outcomes:

Increased engagement related to water, increased public awareness of, understanding of and support for water resources.

Evaluation Metrics:

Number of forum users, number of activities and programs shared, number of activities and programs implemented, participation in activities and programs.

Description:

This activity recognizes and coordinates local activities with world efforts to draw attention to the UIRW. It includes coordinating and promoting a week of events & media around watershed concepts during World Water Week and Earth Day Week. It could include: local media blitz, youth classes/activities, river cleanup outing, mini film festival, BMP tours, field day(s), fishing tournament, canoeing/kayaking races, pool party, nature hikes, art contest, block party, etc.

Target Audience:

General Public, Children & Youth, Tourists/visitors

Key Messengers Target Audience:

Community Leaders, Private Nonprofit Environmental Organizations, City Park and Recreation Departments, CCBs, SWCDs, RC&D

Potential Partners:

Local Water-Related Business Owners such as Outfitters, Guides, etc., Chamber Offices, Tourism Offices, County Sanitarians, CCBs, Parks & Recreation, Hotel Motel Boards, SWCDs, UIR Alliance, RC&D.

Methods/ Vehicles to Maximize:

Outreach to potential partners, coordination and promotion of multiple events within the UIR Watershed before and during the watershed week, follow-up social media and press releases.

Outcomes:

Increased awareness of UIR Watershed, water quality, flood prevention, resiliency concepts and BMPs. Increased support for implementation of urban and rural BMPs, supporting local policy, and public and private water management. Increased watershed awareness, responsibility and stewardship.

Evaluation Metrics:

Number of events held during the target week, participation in each activity/event, number of related media events and web post/likes, shares, traffic

Description:

This activity will develop, fabricate and strategically place signage, including “Entering UIR Watershed” and “Exiting UIR Watershed” signs posted on highways and major roads at the watershed boundaries. It would linclude “Flows to” storm sewer stencils for use in UIRW communities. (Such as Flows to Trout Stream or Flows to Upper Iowa River etc.)

Target Audience:

General Public

Key Messengers Target Audience:

Iowa Coldwater Conservancy, SWCDs, County Farm Bureau, Iowa DNR, UIR Alliance, RC&D

Potential Partners:

Iowa DOT, County Engineers and Roadside Managers, Conservation Organizations, Iowa Coldwater Conservancy, SWCDs, County Farm Bureau, Iowa DNR, Local and Regional Private Foundations.

Methods/ Vehicles to Maximize:

Sign and stencil design, fabrication and installation, partner site agreements, dedications, press releases

Outcomes:

Increased awareness of watershed boundaries, water flow and water cycles.

Evaluation Metrics:

Implementation sites and numbers, road traffic numbers (views of road signs)

Description:

This activity was originally developed and will be implemented by the Winneshiek County CCB and other CCBs in partnership with the schools. It will provide children with outdoor recreational and environmental education in school physical education classes, such as how to fish and kayak but also how to monitor water quality in streams and identify healthy stream invertebrates etc. It will encourage students to experience nature in their free time and will teach them life-long outdoor skills while developing an appreciation for natural resources, including area streams and the Upper Iowa River.

Target Audience:

Children & Youth

Key Messengers Target Audience:

School Teachers, Districts and Administrators, Winneshiek CCB

Potential Partners:

Schools, CCBs, Local and Regional Nonprofits, Driftless TU, Local Outfitters and Businesses

Methods/ Vehicles to Maximize:

Coordination of programming between CCB and schools, equipment for various lessons, transportation as needed

Outcomes:

Foster a culture of stewardship and environmental leadership among youth who will grow into community members and leaders. Create a sense of connection and relevance that fosters life-long responsibility and engagement. Secondary effect of parents learning through conversation with kids, take-home materials and projects in the community.

Evaluation Metrics:

Number of classes, types of classes, number of students participating

Description:

Discovery Camps are week-long Luther College summer programs that provides hands-on outdoor learning activities for children and youth from around the region. Through this activity, the UIRW WMA would encourage and empower the Discovery Camps team to incorporate hands-on, outdoor, summer educational programming for elementary and middle school students that includes water quality, watershed resiliency, flood prevention and other topics related to the WMAs vision, mission and goals.

Target Audience:

Children & Youth

Key Messengers Target Audience:

Luther College Discovery Camps

Potential Partners:

Local and Regional Nonprofits, Local Educators and Experts

Methods/ Vehicles to Maximize:

Develop summer learning modules and programming that supports the vision, mission and goals of the WMA, secure equipment, sponsorships and technical assistance as needed to ensure program implementation, promotion

Outcomes:

Foster a culture of stewardship and environmental leadership among youth who will grow into community members and leaders. Create a sense of connection and relevance that fosters life-long responsibility and engagement. Secondary effect of parents learning through conversation with kids, take-home materials and projects in the community.

Evaluation Metrics:

Number of classes related to the vision, mission and goals of the UIRW WMA, number of experts assisting, number of participants

Description:

Northeast Iowa RC&D has already developed a website for the UIRW. This activity is ongoing management of the UIRW website, which provides important, current, information on relevant topics including water monitoring data, publications, recreation information, resources, and WMA updates. It also includes development of social media associated with those same topics, which would reach a different audience.

Target Audience:

General Public

Key Messengers Target Audience:

RC&D, SWCDs, UIR Alliance, and other Contributing Partners

Potential Partners:

Local, Regional and State Partners, Organizations and Agencies

Methods/ Vehicles to Maximize:

Develop and continuously update content. Promote via social media, partner websites and press releases.

Outcomes:

Watershed residents and visitors have continuous access to information about the watershed. Home for watershed information.

Evaluation Metrics:

Unique visits

Description:

This activity will develop and distribute promotional materials to attract the attention, engage and educate each of the WMA target audiences, including, but not limited to promotional materials such as brochures, banners, posters, displays, press releases billboards, and 1-page or postcard handouts and mailings.

Target Audience:

General Public. Targeted audiences including: Producers, Community Members, Landowners, Homeowners, Youth

Key Messengers Target Audience:

SWCDs, RC&D, City Stormwater Boards, County Departments and other Partners depending on target audiences

Potential Partners:

SWCDs, RC&D, NRCS, ISU Extension, Producer Agencies, Cities, Conservation Groups depending on target audiences

Methods/ Vehicles to Maximize:

Identify topics and focus areas for publications and specific target groups, design, develop and print/fabricate promotional materials, Identify partner funders and distribute.

Outcomes:

Promote watershed concepts and increase familiarity with watershed resiliency, water quality, flood prevention, conservation, BMPs, urban storm water runoff practices and other WMA priority issues.

Evaluation Metrics:

Number of materials distributed, traffic/views of billboards and banners

Description:

This activity will develop a series of public workshops for residents who might be interested in learning more about building stormwater practices at home.The public workshops will cover simple-to-construct and manage best management practices for homeowners, such as how to construct rain barrels, install native plantings, rain gardens, or native turf, roof water collection, installation of grassed pavers for sidewalks, etc. It may be implemented in combination with city cost-share or grants secured for private BMP implementation.

Target Audience:

General Public, Urban Homeowners.

Key Messengers Target Audience:

WMA Cities and City Storm Water Management Boards

Potential Partners:

SWCDs, Producer Groups, ISU Extension, Local and Regional Nonprofits including UIR Alliance and RC&D, Schools, Local Businesses, Luther College, Local Churches and Museums, Local Landscapers and Garden Shops

Methods/ Vehicles to Maximize:

Development of Workshop content and schedule, promotion and coordination with city and city storm water management boards

Outcomes:

Increase the visibility of low-cost, easy-to-maintain BMPs and general awareness of water conservation and management. Increase familiarity with urban BMPs.

Evaluation Metrics:

Number of participants in workshops, number of practices implemented

Description:

This activity will include regular development and distribution of a paper and/or e-newsletters that will include updates to watershed residents about UIRW WMA activities, programs, incentives, successes, how to participate, etc. It may include producer/resident and practice photographs and/or testimonies.

Target Audience:

General Public and producers

Key Messengers Target Audience:

UIRW WMA Board and Coordinator

Potential Partners:

SWCDs, Cities, Counties, RC&D, Producers, Residents

Methods/ Vehicles to Maximize:

Develop and distribute newsletter. Identify target audience and develop USPS and/or e-mailing lists.

Outcomes:

Increased participation and implementation in flood reduction and water quality improvement practices. Increase pride in participation and peer encouragement. Increased awareness of UIRW WMA activities. Overall improved communications between WMA Board and Coordinator and watershed residents.

Evaluation Metrics:

Number of newsletters distributed

Description:

This activity includes participation in and input to the WMAs of Iowa Board, statewide meetings and other events.

Target Audience:

Partnering WMAs and state leaders

Key Messengers Target Audience:

WMA Board Members and Coordinator

Potential Partners:

Other WMA Boards, Board Members and WMA Coordinators, State Agencies, Legislators, Iowa Flood Center, IIHR, IEDA, ISU Extension, and other State Partners

Methods/ Vehicles to Maximize:

Attend statewide meetings, participate on the state board

Outcomes:

Increased statewide understanding of WMA issues, challenges and needs

Evaluation Metrics:

Number of meetings attended

Description:

The StormReady Program helps arm Aerica’s communities with the communication and safety skills needed to save lives and proerty – before, during and after the event. Using a grassroots approach, it helps community leaders and emergency managers strengthen local safety programs.

Target Audience:

General Public

Key Messengers Target Audience:

UIR WMA Emergency Managers, Counties and Cities

Potential Partners:

UIR WMA Emergency Managers, Counties and Cities, Luther College, NICC

Methods/ Vehicles to Maximize:

Encourage cities, counties, colleges, and other groups to become StormReady by 1) establishing a 24-hour warning point and emergency operations center 2) having more than one way to receive severe weather warnings and forecasts and to alert the public 3) creating a system that monitors weather conditions locally 4) promoting the importance of public readiness through community seminars 5) developing a formal hazardous weather plan, which includes training severe weather spotters and holding emergency exercises.

Outcomes:

Increased emergency preparedness and understanding of flood and other emergency issues, increased awareness of emergency management

Evaluation Metrics:

Number of Storm Ready entities in the UIRW

Description:

Two watershed resident surveys were completed in the UIR Watershed as part of the Iowa Watersheds approach. Periodic repeat surveys could inform future work, inform watershed residents and be used to education state partners and leaders.

Target Audience:

Watershed residents

Key Messengers Target Audience:

Luther College, RC&D

Potential Partners:

SWCDs, ISU Extension, NRCS, Farm agencies, Producer Groups, RC&D, business sponsors

Methods/ Vehicles to Maximize:

Survey development, distribution and analysis, result comparison with previous surveys and distribution

Outcomes:

Increased understanding of the implementation of the plan, of the WMA and partner work, and outreach and education efforts, increased awareness and understanding of ongoing efforts

Evaluation Metrics:

Number of returned surveys, percentage returned surveys, response analytics

Description:

This activity will recognize UIRW leadership by establishing an UIRW WMA Producer Leader of the Year award, an UIRW WMA Urban Leader of the Year award, and an UIRW WMA Youth Leader of the Year award. These awards may be presented in an independent ceremony or in partnership with UIRW SWCDs or others who already distribute awards annually.

Target Audience:

General Public, Producers who are implementing practices that help improve watershed resiliency, City Residents who are implementing urban conservation practices or leading urban initiatives, Youth who are implementing conservation practices or leading urban/rural initiatives

Key Messengers Target Audience:

SWCDs, Cities, WMA Partners

Potential Partners:

Conservation Districts of Iowa, Producer Groups, Local businesses, IDALS, Local and Regional Nonprofits including UIR Alliance

Methods/ Vehicles to Maximize:

Develop nomination criteria, promote the program, develop a selection committee, identify sponsors, present award

Outcomes:

Increased participation and implementation in flood reduction and water quality improvement practices. Increase pride in participation and peer encouragement

Evaluation Metrics

Number of nominations, press coverage

Description:

This activity will implement field days that are educational events on local farms. Producers will voluntarily participate. The farms that are selected will have already implemented practices that the UIRW WMA is promoting. Topics could range from cover crops, no-till and other soil conservation practices implemented on working land, to structural practices such as ponds and on-road structures.

Target Audience:

Producers, Landowners

Key Messengers Target Audience:

Producers, SWCDs, NRCS, IDALS, Producer Groups, RC&D, ISU Extension, Driftless Chapter Trout Unlimited, national TU, NIFAC

Potential Partners:

Producers, SWCDs, NRCS, IDALS, Producer Groups, RC&D, ISU Extension, Driftless Chapter TU, National TU, NIFAC, Groups, County Engineers.

Methods/ Vehicles to Maximize:

Coordination of event and speakers, invitations, press releases and promotion in local media and through partners, secure donations for meals, develop handouts, video and post event activities on social media

Outcomes:

Increased dialog, familiarity, understanding of, and comfort with, watershed resiliency, agricultural BMPs and structures

Evaluation Metrics:

Number of Producers and producers who attend events. Enrollment in related farm programs and/or number of Producers requesting follow-up assistance from farm agency staff.

Description:

This activity will develop 7-12 grade school field trips to UIRW farms that have implemented practices that are promoted by the URW WMA Board. The school farm field trips will include opportunities for student classes to interact with farmer-conservation leaders and see first hand agricultural BMPs.

Target Audience:

Children & Youth

Key Messengers Target Audience:

Producers, SWCDs, NRCS, Teachers (esp. Ag teachers & FFA leaders)

Potential Partners:

SWCDs, School districts, teachers, FFA, ISU Extension, SWCDs, NRCS, Farm agencies, Producer Agencies, 4H

Methods/ Vehicles to Maximize:

Work with high school and middle school ag teachers who already cover the topics to do outreach to colleagues in other districts, and with NRCS, and Farm and Producer Agencies to find Producers to host field days close to schools.

Outcomes:

Foster a culture of stewardship and increase familiarity with agricultural BMPs and structures among youth who will grow into Producers, farm leaders, and community leaders. Recognize and honor the leadership of farmer-conservationists.

Evaluation Metrics:

Number of field trips, number of different schools participating, number of students participating

Description:

This activity will develop and distribute promotional materials to attract the attention, engage and educate each of the WMA target audiences, including, but not limited to promotional materials such as brochures, banners, posters, displays, press releases billboards, and 1-page or postcard handouts and mailings.

Target Audience:

General Public. Targeted audiences including: Producers, Community Members, Landowners, Homeowners, Youth

Key Messengers Target Audience:

SWCDs, RC&D, City Stormwater Boards, County Departments and other Partners depending on target audiences

Potential Partners:

SWCDs, RC&D, NRCS, ISU Extension, Producer Agencies, Cities, Conservation Groups depending on target audiences

Methods/ Vehicles to Maximize:

Identify topics and focus areas for publications and specific target groups, design, develop and print/fabricate promotional materials, Identify partner funders and distribute.

Outcomes:

Promote watershed concepts and increase familiarity with watershed resiliency, water quality, flood prevention, conservation, BMPs, urban storm water runoff practices and other WMA priority issues.

Evaluation Metrics:

Number of materials distributed, traffic/views of billboards and banners

Description:

This project will recognize and work with producers and other watershed residents who have implemented urban and rural storm water runoff practices. The participants and their practices will be professionally photographed so the WMA Board and partners have photos of local producers and practices to incorporate into UIRW WMA promotional and educational materials that support implementation of the WMA Plan. The participating producers will also be interviewed so they can be quoted in publications as well.

Target Audience:

General Public and Producers

Key Messengers Target Audience:

SWCDs, RC&D, Producer Groups

Potential Partners:

RC&D, Producer Groups, SWCDs, UIR Alliance

Methods/ Vehicles to Maximize:

Identify specific use of photographs and goals of specific outreach efforts and then identify appropriate producers and practices to meet the goals. Secure photographs, video and other visual media and incorporate into print and social media efforts.

Outcomes:

Increased participation and implementation in flood reduction and water quality improvement practices. Increase pride in participation and peer encouragement Number of participating producers and number of practices photographed, number of different media developed and number distributed

Description:

This activity will include regular development and distribution of a paper and/or e-newsletters that will include updates to watershed residents about UIRW WMA activities, programs, incentives, successes, how to participate, etc. It may include producer/resident and practice photographs and/or testimonies.

Target Audience:

General Public and producers

Key Messengers Target Audience:

UIRW WMA Board and Coordinator

Potential Partners:

SWCDs, Cities, Counties, RC&D, Producers, Residents

Methods/ Vehicles to Maximize:

Develop and distribute newsletter. Identify target audience and develop USPS and/or e-mailing lists.

Outcomes:

Increased participation and implementation in flood reduction and water quality improvement practices. Increase pride in participation and peer encouragement. Increased awareness of UIRW WMA activities. Overall improved communications between WMA Board and Coordinator and watershed residents.

Evaluation Metrics:

Number of newsletters distributed

Description:

This activity will recognize UIRW leadership by establishing an UIRW WMA Producer Leader of the Year award, an UIRW WMA Urban Leader of the Year award, and an UIRW WMA Youth Leader of the Year award. These awards may be presented in an independent ceremony or in partnership with UIRW SWCDs or others who already distribute awards annually.

Target Audience:

General Public, Producers who are implementing practices that help improve watershed resiliency, City Residents who are implementing urban conservation practices or leading urban initiatives, Youth who are implementing conservation practices or leading urban/rural initiatives

Key Messengers Target Audience:

SWCDs, Cities, WMA Partners

Potential Partners:

Conservation Districts of Iowa, Producer Groups, Local businesses, IDALS, Local and Regional Nonprofits including UIR Alliance

Methods/ Vehicles to Maximize:

Develop nomination criteria, promote the program, develop a selection committee, identify sponsors, present award

Outcomes:

Increased participation and implementation in flood reduction and water quality improvement practices. Increase pride in participation and peer encouragement

Evaluation Metrics

Number of nominations, press coverage

Description:

This activities will provide support for individual watershed residents who want to host landowners from a specific sub-watersheds, subwatershed area or social group, at the host’s house to talk about watershed resiliency, challenges within a defined land area and potential projects and solutions the group could implement in their rural or urban “neighborhood”. The support provided may include things like giving a presentation, providing maps and handouts, helping with development and mailing of the invitations, etc.

Target Audience:

Neighborhood Associations and Groups, Producers and Landowners within a subwatershed or common land area, other public and private groups within a defined sub-watershed area or within a defined social sector or group

Key Messengers Target Audience:

Watershed Residents, Producers, Neighborhood Associations and Social Groups

Potential Partners:

SWCDs, RC&D, NRCS, CCBs, Producer Groups, UIR Alliance, Driftless Chapter TU, PF Chapters, Youth Groups, Church Groups, Community and Social Groups

Methods/ Vehicles to Maximize:

Invitations and personal outreach and promotion, agendas, supporting maps and information, speakers and presentations as requested, technical expertise for follow-up projects

Outcomes:

Empowered watershed residents who want to conduct farmer-to-farmer and neighbor-to-neighbor outreach that considers and addresses watershed resiliency concerns within a HUC 12 or within a defined land area or neighborhood. Increased public and private understanding, support for and implementation of BMPs and resiliency projects.

Evaluation Metrics

Number of meetings held, number of participants at meetings and number of project implemented as a result of the meetings.

Description:

This activity will result in the adoption of watershed concepts and water conservation practices in middle and high school agricultural education programs. It will also develop FFA experiences that focus on or include water conservation as a key component.

Target Audience:

Children & Youth

Key Messengers Target Audience:

School Teachers, Districts and Administrators including but not limited to Agricultural Educators, SWCDs, ISU Extension, Parents, Producer Groups

Potential Partners:

SWCDs, FFA, ISU Extension, NRCS, Farm agencies, Producer Groups, RC&D, 4H

Methods/ Vehicles to Maximize:

Work with high school and middle school ag teachers who already cover the topics to do outreach to colleagues in other districts. Make curricula, lesson plans and activities available to interested teachers. Work with interested FFA and 4H chapters to increase interest in watersheds within those programs.

Outcomes:

Foster a culture of stewardship and increase familiarity with agricultural BMPs and structures among youth who will grow into Producers, farm leaders, and community leaders.

Evaluation Metrics

Number of teachers including watersheds and water conservation practices & structures in their curricula, number of students exposed, number of 4H projects and FFA agricultural experiences

Description:

This activity includes development and implementation of guided tours of UIRW implemented projects and/or practices especially the practices implemented through the Iowa Watershed Approach Project. It also includes tours of urban conservation practices in UIRW communities, tours of the NE Iowa RC&D’s Urban Stormwater Demonstration Site, and other urban and rural sites residents, leaders, and visitors can go to see first hand examples of the urban and rural practices being promoted by the UIRW WMA Board. It may include bus tours and will include a guide who explains the practices to the participants.

Target Audience:

Community and county leaders. City officials and city staff. Community-level partners, including staff, members and boards of Master Gardeners, Downtown Betterment, Chamber of Commerce, Park and Recreation, school boards and administrations, businesses and any other community members that might implement urban stormwater practices.

Key Messengers Target Audience:

NRCS, SWCDs, Winneshiek County, RC&D, leaders from cities with existing stormwater BMPs

Potential Partners:

County Engineers, ISWEP, USFWS, NFWF, Alliant Energy, Local Schools, Iowa Flood Center, IIHR, EPA , Local Businesses, Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Betterment, Master Gardeners, 4-H, Eagle Scouts, Local Churches and other partners interested in investing in Watershed Resiliency

Methods/ Vehicles to Maximize:

Event planning, scheduling, site summaries, invitations to, educational events/tours, publicity, secure partners, donations for meals, speakers and transportation as needed, coordination with property owners, post event activities on social media

Outcomes:

Increased dialog, familiarity, understanding of, and comfort with, watershed resiliency, and urban and rural BMPs

Evaluation Metrics:

Number of tours, participants, entities (such as cities, counties and organizations) attending/represented.

Description:

This activity is intended to bring interested watershed residents together to hear about the UIRW WMA’s efforts and plan over a meal. A host would give an Informational talk during a meal (breakfast, lunch or supper). Topics may include urban stormwater management, the importance of protecting vulnerable populations, on-road structures, rural BMPs, local water resources, potential local policy, WMA project updates and other education & programming.

Target Audience:

General Public, Community Leaders, Decision Makers, Ag Lenders, Chamber of Commerce

Key Messengers Target Audience:

SWCDs and other WMA members and partners

Potential Partners:

Chamber of Commerce, Community Betterment Groups, RC&D, Ag Lender Groups, Local Banks, ISWEP, IDALS, NRCS, Producer Groups, UIR Alliance, Driftless TU, ICC

Methods/ Vehicles to Maximize:

Develop, coordinate, promote and present a series of topics, press releases, direct invitations to target audience. Identify, secure and coordinate sponsors, space, meal, and speakers

Outcomes:

Increased familiarity and comfort with the WMA, urban and rural BMPs, watershed resiliency, and the return on investment for implementation of practices. Increased understanding and appreciation for the resource

Evaluation Metrics:

Number of events, number of partner, sponsorships and attendance

Description:

This activity will implement K-12 School field trips to the RC&D’s new Urban Stormwater Demonstration Site and other watershed resiliency focused sites for guided tours that demonstrate multiple BMPs and provide interactive lessons.

Target Audience:

Children & Youth

Key Messengers Target Audience:

School Teachers, Districts and Administrators, SWCDs, RC&D School Districts, Teachers and Administrators, SWCDs, RC&D, Area Education Agencies, Local and Regional Nonprofits Development of off-school grounds field trip options including RC&D Stormwater Education Program, Decorah Fish Hatchery and other sites that welcome school groups, have interpretation, programming and hands-on learning opportunities, recruit sponsors and partners to help pay for school travel expenses, equipment, and engagement. Assist with development of site amenities when needed. Foster a culture of stewardship and environmental leadership among youth who will grow into community members and leaders. Create a sense of connection and relevance that fosters life-long responsibility and engagement. Secondary effect of parents learning through conversation with kids, take-home materials and projects in the community. Number of quality field trip sites available, number of field trips taken, number of different schools participating, number of students participating

Potential Partners:

School Districts, Teachers, Iowa Coldwater Conservancy, SWCDs, CCB, Park and Rec, Cities, UIR Alliance.

Methods/ Vehicles to Maximize:

Development of River Guardian Program guidelines, recruit partner organizations and sponsors, create rewards/recognition for achievement

Outcomes:

Individual pride in learning about and implementation of stormwater practices. Peer encouragement to participate in River Guardian activities

Evaluation Metrics:

Number of River Guardians

Description:

This activity will develop and distribute promotional materials to attract the attention, engage and educate each of the WMA target audiences, including, but not limited to promotional materials such as brochures, banners, posters, displays, press releases billboards, and 1-page or postcard handouts and mailings.

Target Audience:

General Public. Targeted audiences including: Producers, Community Members, Landowners, Homeowners, Youth

Key Messengers Target Audience:

SWCDs, RC&D, City Stormwater Boards, County Departments and other Partners depending on target audiences

Potential Partners:

SWCDs, RC&D, NRCS, ISU Extension, Producer Agencies, Cities, Conservation Groups depending on target audiences

Methods/ Vehicles to Maximize:

Identify topics and focus areas for publications and specific target groups, design, develop and print/fabricate promotional materials, Identify partner funders and distribute.

Outcomes:

Promote watershed concepts and increase familiarity with watershed resiliency, water quality, flood prevention, conservation, BMPs, urban storm water runoff practices and other WMA priority issues.

Evaluation Metrics:

Number of materials distributed, traffic/views of billboards and banners

Description:

This activity will develop a series of public workshops for residents who might be interested in learning more about building stormwater practices at home.The public workshops will cover simple-to-construct and manage best management practices for homeowners, such as how to construct rain barrels, install native plantings, rain gardens, or native turf, roof water collection, installation of grassed pavers for sidewalks, etc. It may be implemented in combination with city cost-share or grants secured for private BMP implementation.

Target Audience:

General Public, Urban Homeowners.

Key Messengers Target Audience:

WMA Cities and City Storm Water Management Boards

Potential Partners:

SWCDs, Producer Groups, ISU Extension, Local and Regional Nonprofits including UIR Alliance and RC&D, Schools, Local Businesses, Luther College, Local Churches and Museums, Local Landscapers and Garden Shops

Methods/ Vehicles to Maximize:

Development of Workshop content and schedule, promotion and coordination with city and city storm water management boards

Outcomes:

Increase the visibility of low-cost, easy-to-maintain BMPs and general awareness of water conservation and management. Increase familiarity with urban BMPs.

Evaluation Metrics:

Number of participants in workshops, number of practices implemented

Description:

This activity will include regular development and distribution of a paper and/or e-newsletters that will include updates to watershed residents about UIRW WMA activities, programs, incentives, successes, how to participate, etc. It may include producer/resident and practice photographs and/or testimonies.

Target Audience:

General Public and producers

Key Messengers Target Audience:

UIRW WMA Board and Coordinator

Potential Partners:

SWCDs, Cities, Counties, RC&D, Producers, Residents

Methods/ Vehicles to Maximize:

Develop and distribute newsletter. Identify target audience and develop USPS and/or e-mailing lists.

Outcomes:

Increased participation and implementation in flood reduction and water quality improvement practices. Increase pride in participation and peer encouragement. Increased awareness of UIRW WMA activities. Overall improved communications between WMA Board and Coordinator and watershed residents.

Evaluation Metrics:

Number of newsletters distributed

Description:

This activity will recognize UIRW leadership by establishing an UIRW WMA Producer Leader of the Year award, an UIRW WMA Urban Leader of the Year award, and an UIRW WMA Youth Leader of the Year award. These awards may be presented in an independent ceremony or in partnership with UIRW SWCDs or others who already distribute awards annually.

Target Audience:

General Public, Producers who are implementing practices that help improve watershed resiliency, City Residents who are implementing urban conservation practices or leading urban initiatives, Youth who are implementing conservation practices or leading urban/rural initiatives

Key Messengers Target Audience:

SWCDs, Cities, WMA Partners

Potential Partners:

Conservation Districts of Iowa, Producer Groups, Local businesses, IDALS, Local and Regional Nonprofits including UIR Alliance

Methods/ Vehicles to Maximize:

Develop nomination criteria, promote the program, develop a selection committee, identify sponsors, present award

Outcomes:

Increased participation and implementation in flood reduction and water quality improvement practices. Increase pride in participation and peer encouragement

Evaluation Metrics

Number of nominations, press coverage

Description:

This activity includes participation in and input to the WMAs of Iowa Board, statewide meetings and other events.

Target Audience:

Partnering WMAs and state leaders

Key Messengers Target Audience:

WMA Board Members and Coordinator

Potential Partners:

Other WMA Boards, Board Members and WMA Coordinators, State Agencies, Legislators, Iowa Flood Center, IIHR, IEDA, ISU Extension, and other State Partners

Methods/ Vehicles to Maximize:

Attend statewide meetings, participate on the state board

Outcomes:

Increased statewide understanding of WMA issues, challenges and needs

Evaluation Metrics:

Number of meetings attended

Description:

This activity will develop a consistent UIR WMA “brand” so that all the education and informational materials have the same look, including printed materials, the WMAs website, mass media, informational and educational outreach materials developed by and for the UIRW WMA. This will include layout and design of interpretive kiosks, watershed signs, billboards, brochures, postcards and any other educational materials developed by or for the UIR WMA.

Target Audience:

Watershed residents, students, leaders, partners, and visitors

Key Messengers Target Audience:

WMA Board with WMA Coordinator and RC&D.

Potential Partners:

Producer organizations, UIR Alliance, Local and Regional Nonprofits

Methods/ Vehicles to Maximize:

Input meetings with WMA Board or committee, selection of specific characteristics such as colors, fonts, style and other, draft brand review and final selection of branding characteristics, draft component design standards for specific types of education and outreach.

Outcomes:

A unified, consistent and cohesive education and outreach effort that is highly recognizable as being associated with the UIR WMA. Increased public awareness of, understanding of, and support for, watershed resiliency and future implementation of BMPs on private and public properties.

Evaluation Metrics:

Number of unique component design standards that are utilized and overall number of times the design standards are applied.

Description:

This activity is organized events for K-12 children and youth in informal education settings. It could include hands on projects, like building rain barrels, or outdoor recreation activities like canoeing clean-ups, playing with a stream table during a public library youth program time, learning about trout and how to fish through a Park and Recreation program, or creative water activities at a fair or festival.

Target Audience:

Children & Youth

Key Messengers Target Audience:

SWCDs, CCBs, School Clubs 4H and Scout Groups, Park and Recreation, Daycare Providers, Libraries, Fair, Festival and Event Organizers, RC&D

Potential Partners:

Teachers, School Administrators, Education Professionals, ISU Extension K-12 program staff, CCBs, Libraries, Youth Organizations, Camps, UIR Alliance, RC&D, Faith-based Youth Groups, Park and Recreation

Methods/ Vehicles to Maximize:

Identify existing programs, festivals, events and activities that draw youth or would like to draw youth. Develop and provide program activity kits that empower partners and foster fun learning about watershed resiliency, water quality, best management practices and other related topics. Promote use of activity kits.

Outcomes:

Foster a culture of stewardship and environmental leadership among youth who will grow into community members and leaders. Secondary effect of parents learning through conversation with kids, take-home materials and projects in the community

Evaluation Metrics:

Number of events that refer to and/or use program activity kits to inform implementation of youth water conservation programming, participation in events.

Description:

This activity is intended to introduce conservation issues through creative methods including music, dance, theater and visual art events that relate back to watersheds, stewardship of water, and stormwater management.

Target Audience:

General Public, Children & Youth

Key Messengers Target Audience:

Event Organizers, Communities, Schools, ECYL, Artists: Singers, Songwriters, Composers, Dancers, Actors, Visual Artists, etc.

Potential Partners:

Communities, Schools, Event Planners, Arts, Theater and Music Organizations and Businesses. K-12 School Art & Music Programs, College Art & Music Programs, Cultural Organizations. Local Businesses, RC&D, Driftless Art Collective, Northeast Iowa Artist Studio Tour, Event Organizers, Fair Boards

Methods/ Vehicles to Maximize:

Create a regional forum that fosters dialog about how water and art can enhance events, festivals and fairs and shares activities and programs that can be used by interested parties and partners. Encourage planners to incorporate stormwater and watershed education into existing events, festivals and fairs.

Outcomes:

Increased engagement related to water, increased public awareness of, understanding of and support for water resources.

Evaluation Metrics:

Number of forum users, number of activities and programs shared, number of activities and programs implemented, participation in activities and programs.

Description:

This activity will help increase the availability of and quality of curricula and hands-on activities that are easily accessible for K-12 teachers to use in their classrooms. It would include curricula related to watersheds, watershed resiliency, water quality, water conservation, in-stream and near stream habitat, urban and rural BMPs, stormwater management, and other related concepts.It will also increase support for and opportunities for students to actively participate in related service projects through schools (development of rain gardens, rain barrel building workshops, etc.) in the watershed.

Target Audience:

Children & Youth

Key Messengers Target Audience:

School Teachers, Districts and Administrators, SWCDs, RC&D

Potential Partners:

School Districts, Teachers and Administrators, SWCDs, RC&D, Area Education Agencies, Local and Regional Nonprofits

Methods/ Vehicles to Maximize:

Development of on-line database of tools and resources for teachers including but not limited to high quality curricula, hand-on activities and links. Development and implementation of RC&D Stormwater Education curricula and program

Outcomes:

Foster a culture of stewardship and environmental leadership among youth who will grow into community members and leaders. Secondary effect of parents learning through conversation with kids, take-home materials and projects in the community.

Evaluation Metrics:

Number of teachers that add watersheds to their curricula and/or expand watershed units. Number of students participating in watershed units, implementation of BMPs by students, number of service projects by students

Description:

This activity will develop and implement a fun children/youth program that requires students to complete a series of educational requirements and tasks that qualify them as “River Guardians”. Once the tasks are completed, the students will receive a reward for their effort, such as a backpack pull in the shape of a fish.

Target Audience:

Children & Youth

Key Messengers Target Audience:

RC&D and School Teachers, Districts and Administrators

Potential Partners:

School Districts, Teachers, Iowa Coldwater Conservancy, SWCDs, CCB, Park and Rec, Cities, UIR Alliance.

Methods/ Vehicles to Maximize:

Development of River Guardian Program guidelines, recruit partner organizations and sponsors, create rewards/recognition for achievement

Outcomes:

Individual pride in learning about and implementation of stormwater practices. Peer encouragement to participate in River Guardian activities

Evaluation Metrics:

Number of River Guardians

Description:

This activity will implement K-12 School field trips to the RC&D’s new Urban Stormwater Demonstration Site and other watershed resiliency focused sites for guided tours that demonstrate multiple BMPs and provide interactive lessons.

Target Audience:

Children & Youth

Key Messengers Target Audience:

School Teachers, Districts and Administrators, SWCDs, RC&D School Districts, Teachers and Administrators, SWCDs, RC&D, Area Education Agencies, Local and Regional Nonprofits Development of off-school grounds field trip options including RC&D Stormwater Education Program, Decorah Fish Hatchery and other sites that welcome school groups, have interpretation, programming and hands-on learning opportunities, recruit sponsors and partners to help pay for school travel expenses, equipment, and engagement. Assist with development of site amenities when needed. Foster a culture of stewardship and environmental leadership among youth who will grow into community members and leaders. Create a sense of connection and relevance that fosters life-long responsibility and engagement. Secondary effect of parents learning through conversation with kids, take-home materials and projects in the community. Number of quality field trip sites available, number of field trips taken, number of different schools participating, number of students participating

Potential Partners:

School Districts, Teachers, Iowa Coldwater Conservancy, SWCDs, CCB, Park and Rec, Cities, UIR Alliance.

Methods/ Vehicles to Maximize:

Development of River Guardian Program guidelines, recruit partner organizations and sponsors, create rewards/recognition for achievement

Outcomes:

Individual pride in learning about and implementation of stormwater practices. Peer encouragement to participate in River Guardian activities

Evaluation Metrics:

Number of River Guardians

Description:

This activity was originally developed and will be implemented by the Winneshiek County CCB and other CCBs in partnership with the schools. It will provide children with outdoor recreational and environmental education in school physical education classes, such as how to fish and kayak but also how to monitor water quality in streams and identify healthy stream invertebrates etc. It will encourage students to experience nature in their free time and will teach them life-long outdoor skills while developing an appreciation for natural resources, including area streams and the Upper Iowa River.

Target Audience:

Children & Youth

Key Messengers Target Audience:

School Teachers, Districts and Administrators, Winneshiek CCB

Potential Partners:

Schools, CCBs, Local and Regional Nonprofits, Driftless TU, Local Outfitters and Businesses

Methods/ Vehicles to Maximize:

Coordination of programming between CCB and schools, equipment for various lessons, transportation as needed

Outcomes:

Foster a culture of stewardship and environmental leadership among youth who will grow into community members and leaders. Create a sense of connection and relevance that fosters life-long responsibility and engagement. Secondary effect of parents learning through conversation with kids, take-home materials and projects in the community.

Evaluation Metrics:

Number of classes, types of classes, number of students participating

Description:

ECYL, the Environmental College for Young Leaders, is a Luther College summer program that provides a week of hand-on outdoor learning activities for children and youth from around the region. Through this activity, the UIRW WMA would encourage and empower ECYL Director and team to incorporate hand-on, outdoor, summer educational programming for elementary and middle school students that includes water quality, watershed resiliency, flood prevention and other topics related to the WMAs vision, mission and goals.

Target Audience:

Children & Youth

Key Messengers Target Audience:

Luther College Discovery Camps

Potential Partners:

Local and Regional Nonprofits, Local Educators and Experts

Methods/ Vehicles to Maximize:

Develop summer learning modules and programming that supports the vision, mission and goals of the WMA, secure equipment, sponsorships and technical assistance as needed to ensure program implementation, promotion

Outcomes:

Foster a culture of stewardship and environmental leadership among youth who will grow into community members and leaders. Create a sense of connection and relevance that fosters life-long responsibility and engagement. Secondary effect of parents learning through conversation with kids, take-home materials and projects in the community.

Evaluation Metrics:

Number of classes related to the vision, mission and goals of the UIRW WMA, number of experts assisting, number of participants

Description:

This activity will develop and distribute promotional materials to attract the attention, engage and educate each of the WMA target audiences, including, but not limited to promotional materials such as brochures, banners, posters, displays, press releases billboards, and 1-page or postcard handouts and mailings.

Target Audience:

General Public. Targeted audiences including: Producers, Community Members, Landowners, Homeowners, Youth

Key Messengers Target Audience:

SWCDs, RC&D, City Stormwater Boards, County Departments and other Partners depending on target audiences

Potential Partners:

SWCDs, RC&D, NRCS, ISU Extension, Producer Agencies, Cities, Conservation Groups depending on target audiences

Methods/ Vehicles to Maximize:

Identify topics and focus areas for publications and specific target groups, design, develop and print/fabricate promotional materials, Identify partner funders and distribute.

Outcomes:

Promote watershed concepts and increase familiarity with watershed resiliency, water quality, flood prevention, conservation, BMPs, urban storm water runoff practices and other WMA priority issues.

Evaluation Metrics:

Number of materials distributed, traffic/views of billboards and banners

Description:

This activity will include regular development and distribution of a paper and/or e-newsletters that will include updates to watershed residents about UIRW WMA activities, programs, incentives, successes, how to participate, etc. It may include producer/resident and practice photographs and/or testimonies.

Target Audience:

General Public and producers

Key Messengers Target Audience:

UIRW WMA Board and Coordinator

Potential Partners:

SWCDs, Cities, Counties, RC&D, Producers, Residents

Methods/ Vehicles to Maximize:

Develop and distribute newsletter. Identify target audience and develop USPS and/or e-mailing lists.

Outcomes:

Increased participation and implementation in flood reduction and water quality improvement practices. Increase pride in participation and peer encouragement. Increased awareness of UIRW WMA activities. Overall improved communications between WMA Board and Coordinator and watershed residents.

Evaluation Metrics:

Number of newsletters distributed

Description:

This activity will recognize UIRW leadership by establishing an UIRW WMA Producer Leader of the Year award, an UIRW WMA Urban Leader of the Year award, and an UIRW WMA Youth Leader of the Year award. These awards may be presented in an independent ceremony or in partnership with UIRW SWCDs or others who already distribute awards annually.

Target Audience:

General Public, Producers who are implementing practices that help improve watershed resiliency, City Residents who are implementing urban conservation practices or leading urban initiatives, Youth who are implementing conservation practices or leading urban/rural initiatives

Key Messengers Target Audience:

SWCDs, Cities, WMA Partners

Potential Partners:

Conservation Districts of Iowa, Producer Groups, Local businesses, IDALS, Local and Regional Nonprofits including UIR Alliance

Methods/ Vehicles to Maximize:

Develop nomination criteria, promote the program, develop a selection committee, identify sponsors, present award

Outcomes:

Increased participation and implementation in flood reduction and water quality improvement practices. Increase pride in participation and peer encouragement

Evaluation Metrics

Number of nominations, press coverage

Description:

This activity will result in the adoption of watershed concepts and water conservation practices in middle and high school agricultural education programs. It will also develop FFA experiences that focus on or include water conservation as a key component.

Target Audience:

Children & Youth

Key Messengers Target Audience:

School Teachers, Districts and Administrators including but not limited to Agricultural Educators, SWCDs, ISU Extension, Parents, Producer Groups

Potential Partners:

SWCDs, FFA, ISU Extension, NRCS, Farm agencies, Producer Groups, RC&D, 4H

Methods/ Vehicles to Maximize:

Work with high school and middle school ag teachers who already cover the topics to do outreach to colleagues in other districts. Make curricula, lesson plans and activities available to interested teachers. Work with interested FFA and 4H chapters to increase interest in watersheds within those programs.

Outcomes:

Foster a culture of stewardship and increase familiarity with agricultural BMPs and structures among youth who will grow into Producers, farm leaders, and community leaders.

Evaluation Metrics

Number of teachers including watersheds and water conservation practices & structures in their curricula, number of students exposed, number of 4H projects and FFA agricultural experiences

Description:

This activity recognizes and coordinates local activities with world efforts to draw attention to the UIRW. It includes coordinating and promoting a week of events & media around watershed concepts during World Water Week and Earth Day Week. It could include: local media blitz, youth classes/activities, river cleanup outing, mini film festival, BMP tours, field day(s), fishing tournament, canoeing/kayaking races, pool party, nature hikes, art contest, block party, etc.

Target Audience:

General Public, Children & Youth, Tourists/visitors

Key Messengers Target Audience:

Community Leaders, Private Nonprofit Environmental Organizations, City Park and Recreation Departments, CCBs, SWCDs, RC&D

Potential Partners:

Local Water-Related Business Owners such as Outfitters, Guides, etc., Chamber Offices, Tourism Offices, County Sanitarians, CCBs, Parks & Recreation, Hotel Motel Boards, SWCDs, UIR Alliance, RC&D.

Methods/ Vehicles to Maximize:

Outreach to potential partners, coordination and promotion of multiple events within the UIR Watershed before and during the watershed week, follow-up social media and press releases.

Outcomes:

Increased awareness of UIR Watershed, water quality, flood prevention, resiliency concepts and BMPs. Increased support for implementation of urban and rural BMPs, supporting local policy, and public and private water management. Increased watershed awareness, responsibility and stewardship.

Evaluation Metrics:

Number of events held during the target week, participation in each activity/event, number of related media events and web post/likes, shares, traffic