IOWATER Volunteer of the Year - Curtis Lundy.

Curtis began monitoring Duck Creek in Davenport in 1998 with the Izaak Walton League's Save Our Stream program and has been with IOWATER since near its inception as an active proponent of water quality monitoring. He was largely responsible for the first IOWATER Level 1 workshop held in Davenport in April 2000. Curtis's enthusiasm and coalition-building skills helped form the Iowa Riverbend Streamkeepers, uniting teachers, state and federal government agencies, conservation groups, and the Riverboat Development Authority in a five-county area monitoring strategy. Left: Dr. Mary Skopec of the Ambient Monitoring Program presents Curtis with his award. 

IOWATER Professional of the Year - Lora Friest.

Lora is the project coordinator for the Upper Iowa River Watershed Project (RC&D for NE IA Inc.) in northeast Iowa. Through her efforts, over 80 IOWATER sites and dozens of volunteers and professionals have been coordinated and focused on the 640-thousand acre watershed. Future activities could expand the coordinated activities to the Turkey and Yellow river watersheds. Lora has repeatedly helped IOWATER “push the limits” on procedures through advising and participation. Left: Lora receives her award from Dr. Mary Skopec.

 IOWATER Volunteer Organization of the Year - Hawkeye Fly Fishing Association.

The Hawkeye Fly Fishing Association was founded in 1975 by a small group of Iowa anglers and conservationists dedicated to the promotion of fly fishing and conservation work to preserve Iowa's fly-fishing waters. Many of their members participated in early IOWATER “pilot” workshops in 1999 and have continued to actively support the program. The association is an active advocate for environmental policy, participating directly in the saving of French Creek and expressing support for strong water-quality standards through the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Left: Accepting for the Hawkeye Fly Fishing Association is President Steve Veysey.

Outstanding Individual Volunteer Award - Eric Meyer, Lake View. 

 Eric planned and implemented a difficult swimming beach renovation at Black Hawk State Park Campground as an Eagle Scout Project.  He lined up donations of railroad ties and 68 tons of sand, the drivers and trucks to deliver it, and 23 volunteers to complete the project. Left: Pictured with Eric Meyer are Eric Haakenson, park ranger with the Iowa DNR and former DNR Director Paul Johnson.

Outstanding Volunteer Group Award - Friends of Discovery, Lewis & ClarkState Park, Onawa. 

 The Friends of Discovery are dedicated to maintaining and displaying three wooden boat replicas of Lewis & Clark expedition boats, the only place along the Lewis & Clark Trail where we can see authentic replicas on the water.  This year the friends contributed over 4,500 hours giving historical programs, raising money, and performing maintenance activities.  Left: Park Ranger Kevin Pape of the Iowa DNR nominated the Friends of Discovery for their award. Also pictured with the Friends is Paul Johnson, former Iowa DNR director.

Formed in 1996, the Friends have worked thousands of hours to restore the historic grist mill at Wildcat Den State Park.  They restored the mill's machinery, installed lighting, staff the mill on Sunday afternoons during the summer, and staff the annual Heritage Day that showcases various pioneer crafts and skills.  They have raised approximately $60,000 for the restoration. No photo available.

Outstanding DNR Staff Award - Pat Schlarbaum, Boone. 

 Pat has worked with volunteers in the Wildlife Diversity Program since 1985.  His most notable efforts have been with the Peregrine Falcon Reintroduction Program, Iowa's Bluebird Recovery Program, and the Osprey Introduction Project.  Much of the success of these three programs has been because of Pat's long-term dedication to working with the volunteers and key players who help make these projects happen. Left: Bruce Ehresman of the Iowa DNR nominated his colleague Pat for this award. Also pictured - former Iowa DNR Director Paul Johnson.

2001 Director's Award - Lewis & Clark Festival Committee, Onawa. 

 The Festival Committee has a 17-year history of partnering with DNR in planning, promoting and working at the annual Lewis & Clark Festival, drawing an estimated 10,000 participants in 2001.  Sixty key volunteers work an estimated 500 hours during the weekend selling souvenirs, parking cars, registering participants, and ensuring the smooth running of the festival.  The money raised goes back into making the festival self-sustaining. Left: Kevin Pape and Paul Johnson present Deanna Burgess with the 2001 Director's Award.