National News

National Quarterly Meeting

On April 2, the League hosted the second quarterly conference call of 2024. All chapter and division leaders and national directors were invited, and approximately 35 attended. The following is a brief summary of the conversation.

National Convention Updates

NOTE About Key Bridge Collapse in Baltimore

You have likely heard about the collapse of the Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland, and the tragic loss of six people who were working on the bridge when it collapsed. It is important to note that this bridge is NOT on the route convention attendees will follow to and from Cambridge, Maryland. Attendees will cross the Chesapeake Bay Bridge on Route 50.

Make Hotel Room Reservations Soon to Secure Best Rate

The discounted room rate for League members is $175 per night, approximately $200 less per night than usual market rates for this hotel.

The League’s room block is filling up so reserve your room now to ensure you get the very best rate. Visit the League’s convention website to reserve your room online or for the phone number to call the hotel and make a reservation.

Online Registration Now Open

The window for registering for the convention online is now open! Using a platform developed by the Maryland Division, you can register, select meal functions, register children or grandchildren for the youth convention, and pay with credit card or PayPal.

A printed convention kit, including a paper registration form, will be mailed to chapter, division and national League leaders, past convention attendees and others later this month. The full convention kit and registration form are also posted on the national convention website. If preferred, download the form, complete it, and mail it to the Maryland Division with a check for payment.

More Speakers Confirmed

The Manager of the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, which is close to the convention site, will share her perspective on managing refuges in a time of accelerating change during the Conservation Lunch.

Learn about these and other speakers.

Key Deadlines Coming Up

There are a number of critical convention-related deadlines coming up. More detailed information, contacts and forms (if applicable) are available on the League's national convention website.

· Officer Nominations – Nominations for national officers, Executive Board, Directors at large and the IWLA Endowment Board of Directors must be received by the national office no later than May 31. Please note: Any candidate running for reelection must also submit a nomination form.

· Bylaw amendments – The national bylaws require proposed amendments to the bylaws be submitted to the national office at least 45 days before the meeting at which the amendments could be considered. The deadline for submitting proposed bylaw amendments is May 31.

· National awards nominations – The deadline for submitting awards nominations to the national office is June 1 (postmarked). Detailed information about each award and nomination forms are available online. Please note: Many award nominations require division approval before they are submitted to the national office.

· Delegate accreditation – Only accredited delegates can vote on behalf of their chapter at the convention. Delegate accreditation forms, signed by the relevant chapter official, must be received by the national office by June 30.

Resolutions

Resolutions approved by committees will be distributed to chapters in May, providing chapters with two months to evaluate them and provide direction to their delegates for voting at the convention. All votes on resolutions will be in person at convention.

Workshops

Workshops will be held virtually before convention. More information will follow via email about workshop topics, dates and times.

100th Anniversary Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge

Throughout 2024, members of the Izaak Walton League and many other Americans will celebrate the 100th anniversary of one of the League’s earliest conservation victories — establishing the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge. This anniversary is about more than reflecting on the past; it’s a call to action to tackle the conservation challenges of our time and the years ahead.

A new film by Steven Marking – A Visit from Will Dilg – brings the past, present and future together in a visually compelling story narrated by Will Dilg.

Showing the film at a chapter or division event is an incredible opportunity to raise the visibility of the League and educate the public about the League’s enduring efforts to conserve our woods, waters and wildlife and connect generations of Americans to the outdoors.

This film:

· showcases the League’s leading role in the campaign to establish the refuge and conserve wetlands, forest and wildlife and protect world-class fishing, hunting and other outdoor recreation along the Mississippi River in Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin

· highlights the conservation, outdoor recreation and economic benefits of the refuge today

· concludes with a call to action for audiences today to get involved in conservation as a volunteer, a policy advocate – as a member of the Izaak Walton League. Although the setting of the film is the upper Mississippi River, the call to action is relevant to audiences everywhere.

Plan to show the film at:

· a regularly scheduled chapter or division meeting

· a special chapter or division event focused on the refuge anniversary

Through a sponsorship agreement with the national office and several state divisions, League chapters and divisions will have access to the film for their events. Steven Marking expects the film to be available during the week of April 15.

Additional resources related to the Refuge anniversary

Find additional resources for public education and outreach related to the Refuge anniversary on the League’s special Upper Miss refuge website.

Open Discussion / Q&A

Participants brought up three topics this quarter:

One member asked how chapters can get more members to volunteer at the chapter?

Every chapter faces a similar challenge expanding the pool of active volunteers. Some tips include:

Communicate about events

· Ask for volunteers via email, social media, at chapter meetings

· If Scouts or other groups regularly use chapter facilities and/or grounds for their activities or events, ask these groups to volunteer

One member encouraged every Ike to contact their U.S. Senators and Representative to urge them to support prompt passage of a new Farm Bill that prioritizes investment in conservation.

· Conservation Director Jared Mott explained that Congress is still writing the legislation and ongoing advocacy is critically important. He also highlighted a new action alert members can use to urge Congress to act quickly.

Another member expressed concern that the League’s presence is primarily concentrated in the Midwest and eastern U.S. and asked how we can foster growth of chapters in the western U.S.?

· The League’s presence in the West is certainly limited, with large chapters remaining in Colorado and Oregon, for example. We all appreciate establishing new chapters is hard work, even more so in areas without other League chapters that can provide active support for a new chapter.

· A more effective strategy could be growing within the existing geographic base – and there are encouraging developments over the past few months. There is strong interest in establishing as many as two new chapters in Wisconsin, including the first chapter on the Mississippi River, and a group in New Jersey is very interested in forming a new chapter there focused on clean water and wetland conservation.

· It’s also important to keep in mind the League has engaged thousands of new volunteers in citizen science over the past three to five years, and many of these volunteers live in regions with little or no League presence currently. This is another group of people with growing awareness of and engagement with the League.

Next Quarterly Call

The next quarterly call will be held on Tuesday, July 2, 2024 beginning at 7:30 p.m. Eastern / 6:30 p.m. Central time.

In a little more than three months, Ikes from across the country will meet in Cambridge, Maryland, for the Izaak Walton League of America national convention. This email includes new information about online registration, more confirmed speakers and critical upcoming deadlines.

NOTE About Key Bridge Collapse in Baltimore

You have likely heard about the collapse of the Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland, and the tragic loss of six people who were working on the bridge when it collapsed. It is important to note that this bridge is NOT on the route convention attendees will follow to and from the convention site in Cambridge. Attendees will cross the Chesapeake Bay Bridge on Route 50.

Make Hotel Room Reservations Soon To Secure Best Rate

The convention will be held at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa and Marina on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. The hotel offers something for every visitor, including incredible restaurants, pools and a beach, kayaking and water sports, walking trails and so much more.

The discounted room rate for League members is $175 per night, approximately $200 less per night than usual market rates for this hotel. Reserve your room online or by calling the hotel directly at (410) 901-1234 and providing our group code (G-IZWL) to receive the League’s discounted rate. This room rate is available three days before and three days after the convention (between July 11 and 19, 2024), provided rooms are available.

The League's room block is filling up, so reserve your room now to ensure you get the very best rate.

Online Registration Now Open

The window to register for the convention online is now open! Using a platform developed by the Maryland Division, you can register, select meal functions, register children or grandchildren for the youth convention, and pay with credit card or PayPal.

A printed convention kit, including a paper registration form, will be mailed to chapter, division and national League leaders, past convention attendees and others later this month.

More Speakers Confirmed

The League has confirmed participation from a range of speakers, including senior staff from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and state departments of natural resources who direct large-scale restoration initiatives focused on the Great Lakes, upper Mississippi River and Chesapeake Bay. During the Conservation Lunch, the Manager of the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, which is close to the convention site, will share her perspective on managing refuges in a time of accelerating change. Learn more about these and other speakers.

Key Deadlines Coming Up

There are a number of critical convention-related deadlines coming up. See more detailed information, contacts and forms (if applicable).

Officer nominations – Nominations for national officers, Executive Board, Directors at large and the IWLA Endowment Board of Directors must be received by the national office no later than May 31. Please note: Any candidate running for reelection must also submit a nomination form.

Bylaw amendments – The national bylaws require proposed amendments to the bylaws be submitted to the national office at least 45 days before the meeting at which the amendments could be considered. The deadline for submitting proposed bylaw amendments is May 31.

National awards nominations – The deadline for submitting awards nominations to the national office is June 1 (postmarked). Get detailed information about each award and nomination forms. Please note: Many award nominations require division approval before they are submitted to the national office.

Delegate accreditation – Only accredited delegates can vote on behalf of their chapter at the convention. Delegate accreditation forms, signed by the relevant chapter official, must be received by the national office by June 30.

Resolutions

League committees will meet virtually this month to consider policy resolutions submitted by chapters and divisions. Any member can observe the committee meetings; however, only committee members are authorized to vote. Information about committee meeting dates and times will be posted on the convention website and will be shared with members via email. Resolutions approved by committees will be available to chapters in May, providing chapters with two months to evaluate them and provide direction to their delegates for voting at the convention. All votes on resolutions will be in person at convention.

Ads for the Onsite Program

The Maryland Division invites chapters, divisions, candidates and others to submit ads for inclusion in the onsite convention program. Download the order form and specifications for ads.

Watch your inbox for more monthly convention updates – and plan to join us for our 2024 national convention, happening July 15-16 in Cambridge, Maryland. I'll see you there.

Exciting Speakers Already Confirmed

One of the highlights of any convention is hearing from speakers addressing a wide range of issues important to the League. The following speakers are already confirmed for July.

Steven Marking – A Visit from Will Dilg

Will Dilg was the driving force behind and the first national president of the Izaak Walton League of America. In 1924, he led an unprecedented grassroots campaign to establish the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge. One hundred years later, the Refuge is an anchor for conservation and bastion for outdoor recreation along the river in Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Drawing on impassioned speeches and editorials in Outdoor America magazine, Marking brings Dilg to life describing the imperiled environment along the upper Mississippi in the early 1920s and the extraordinary campaign to convince Congress to establish the Refuge. As importantly, Marking channels Dilg to talk with audiences today about the important work ahead to conserve natural resources, fish and wildlife, and special places for future generations.

Millicent Sparks -- Harriet Tubman: Living History Experience

Harriet Tubman’s life and legacy are deeply rooted in Maryland, from her early life as a slave on the Eastern Shore to her extraordinary bravery as a “conductor” on the Underground Railroad freeing more than 70 slaves from this region over a 10-year period. Millicent Sparks’ portrayal of Harriet Tubman blends accounts of special events in Tubman’s life with an acute sense of Tubman’s personal qualities—her emotional depth, profound spirituality, immense intelligence, extraordinary dignity and astounding courage.

2023 National Convention Information

Convention Day 1 Recap:

This week, Ikes from across the country arrived in Lincoln, Nebraska, for the League's national convention. Here's a recap of what happened as the convention officially opened on Thursday.

With a focus on putting solutions into action, the convention kicked off with discussions on a variety of challenges that have put “conservation at a crossroads,” including nitrate pollution, biodiversity and how to engage new generations in outdoor traditions like hunting and fishing.

Presiding over the opening general session, League National President Vicki Arnold welcomed a crowd that included many first-time attendees from across the United States. President Arnold urged all Ikes to advance the League’s vision for a second century of conservation leadership by selecting one program from the vision and becoming a leader for that priority in their community. Read the whole vision statement.

Kim Morrow, chief sustainability officer for the City of Lincoln, described some of the host city’s climate adaptation and water stewardship programs, and she thanked the League for its perseverance and hard work.

"You Are Nature's Best Hope"

In a detailed presentation about the fragility of biodiversity, author Doug Tallamy, Ph.D., described the essential role of insects and native plants in balancing nature and ecosystem health. Only five percent of the land and water in the lower 48 states, he said, is even close to its natural condition. And that puts many species of plants and animals – including humans – at risk because life depends on a healthy and biologically diverse environment. This is an idea he explores in his recent book, “Nature’s Best Hope.”

But through better stewardship of land and water, starting with our own neighborhoods and back yards, people can reduce the damage of habitat loss and climate change. Tallamy introduced the idea of “homegrown national parks” – a concept of building resilience and awareness in our local communities. Just a few key actions where we live can help transform traditional landscaping, which offers few benefits to wildlife, into a homegrown national park:

· Reduce the lawn area (there are 44 million acres of lawn in the U.S.)

· Plant more native shrubs, trees and ground cover

· Remove invasive plants

· Protect natural areas

Who Has Grit and Patience?

Women who go fishing are more likely to exhibit confidence, grit, patience, happiness and health. That’s one of the insights shared by Dave Chanda (shown above), president and CEO of the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation. RBFF seeks to attract more people to fishing and boating, and one of the Foundation’s demographic targets is women. Chanda described the group’s Take Me Fishing campaign, including the Spanish-language version, Vamos a Pescar.

There are firearms in nearly half of households in the U.S., noted Bill Dunn, vice president for marketing at the National Shooting Sports Foundation. That includes a lot of new gun owners, and training is a top priority for the new owners. He proposed a “plus one” program to include these new owners in visits to shooting ranges.

Award-Winning Chapters and Members

At the awards luncheon Thursday, the League recognized many members and chapters for their achievements in the areas of membership, communications, programs and individual leadership. See the full list of recipients.

Much more is still to come as the convention continues Friday and Saturday. Tomorrow's highlights (all times in Central) include:

· Green Crew – A Model for Leadership (9:15 a.m.)

· Election of National Officers (9:35 a.m.)

· Art and Conservation on Indiana Waterways (11:00 a.m.)

· Clean Water at a Crossroads: Panel Discussion (11:30 a.m.)

· Conservation Lunch with Andrew McKean, Conservation Editor for Outdoor Life (12:30 p.m.)

· League Merchandise Sales (2:30 – 4:30 p.m.)

· Workshops (2:15 and 3:30 p.m.)

· Lincoln Chapter Dinner

Convention Day 2 Recap:

On the second day of the League's national convention, Ikes enjoyed fascinating presentations and workshops from a variety of experts. They also participated in our tradition of bottom-up governance by electing their fellow members to national officer positions. Here's a recap of what happened on Friday.

The Green Crew Rocks the Convention

Three young adults representing the Green Crew received a standing ovation after their presentation to the League Friday morning. The Crew provides an opportunity for youth who want to tackle conservation challenges and develop leadership experience at the same time.

In partnership with the League’s Minnesota Valley Chapter, the Green Crew has already accomplished a number of conservation projects – and has raised interest from other chapters nationwide.

On Friday, the message from the Crew was clear: if you want youth to be involved in the future, involve them in the present! Read more about the Green Crew in Outdoor America.

National Officer Elections

The League members present at convention on Friday elected a slate of national officers:

· National President - Jodi Arndt Labs

· National Vice President - Herbert Pritchett, Sr.

· National Secretary - Jim Storer

· National Treasurer - Scott Meyer

Hope for America's Outdoor Traditions

Outdoor Life editor Andrew McKean gave convention attendees food for thought at the conservation luncheon. He described a broad trend away from the hunting and fishing traditions that shaped the League’s early popularity.

But he said the League’s focus on regional and local conservation is a strength, and its work to provide accessible on-ramps to outdoor recreation and conservation advocacy could help the organization to thrive in the decades ahead.

Water Panel Looks at Big Challenges

The League invited experts from Des Moines and the Washington DC region to share their expertise about providing clean water to their respective communities. Nicole Horvath of the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission and Ted Corrigan of the Des Moines Water Works talked about the challenges of dealing with nitrate and chloride pollution respectively.

Later in the day, Samantha Briggs, Heather Wilson and Abby Hileman from the League’s national staff provided insights into the progress of Salt Watch, Nitrate Watch and outreach to an expanding universe of partners and volunteers.

Heather presented about the League’s Clean Water Hub database, a powerful tool for water quality monitors and the public. At this workshop, attendees saw how to navigate the Hub to view data in their communities and make the most of the maps, graphics, and other resources the Hub provides. Attendees also explored how to take the next step and turn data in the Hub into action in their communities.

Meanwhile, Abby (shown above) presented a workshop on how to start a local Salt Watch campaign. The workshop covered the background of the Salt Watch program, road salt application in the United States, deep dives into different applicator groups and how to approach them, and case studies of individuals who made (and continue to make) a difference by reducing road salt pollution in their communities. Attendees thought about road salt use in their own communities and considered how they might start their own road salt reduction campaign or Salt Watch monitoring program. They also received a workbook for creating a road map to success. Get your own copy of the workbook.

How to Combine Art and Conservation: Indiana Waterways

A small initiative that allowed a group of Indiana artists to continue painting during the pandemic turned into a much larger project that highlighted the threats to Indiana waterways – and the work by the Izaak Walton League to improve the state’s streams and rivers. Avon Waters presented the story of the innovative program and ways League chapters could undertake similar programs. Catch up on the fascinating partnership in Outdoor America.

Convention Day 3 Recap:

It's been an amazing week. Ikes from all over the country came together in Nebraska to hear about today's most important conservation topics, shape the League's path for the coming years, and, of course, enjoy time together. Here's what happened on the final day of our convention.

League Approves Resolutions on PFAS, Performance-Based Conservation on Farms, Renewable Energy and Carbon Dioxide Pipelines

On Saturday, delegates to the convention approved four resolutions addressing conservation issues.

Dangerous PFAS and microplastics. This resolution amends the League’s conservation policy so as to identify PFAS and PFOS as chemicals that contaminate water and land and threaten human health and wildlife, and information about these threats should be shared with the public.

Performance-based compensation for agriculture programs. This resolution amends the League’s conservation policy to urge a transition from practice-based to performance-based compensation that incentivizes conservation steps that enhance soil health, reduce erosion and improve water quality.

Equitable net metering. This resolution urges state utility authorities to create incentives for “net metering,” where a non-utility that generates electricity from solar, wind or other renewable sources can get credit for power fed back into the electric grid.

Carbon dioxide pipelines and enhanced oil recovery. This resolution directs the League to oppose the use of eminent domain to condemn private land for construction of carbon dioxide sequestration pipelines, and also to oppose use of captured carbon dioxide for enhanced oil recovery.

The resolutions will be officially added to the League's policy handbook in the coming weeks. They will also appear in the next issue of Outdoor America.

Izaak Walton League of America Endowment Awards

The Izaak Walton League of America Endowment awarded 22 grants totaling $116,610 to League chapters and offices. The grants, selected by the Endowment board, are focused on conservation, education and outdoor recreation programs. Twenty-eight grant applications were submitted.

Endowment President Patty Nunn noted that they hate to turn down any application, but the Endowment has a limited amount of funds to distribute each year.

National Youth Convention

The League’s Youth Convention completed its three-day adventure and presented a short summary to the adults Saturday morning. Along with some memorable parties and meals in between events, the youth visited the Nebraska State Capitol, the Lee G. Simmons Conservation Park and Wildlife Safari, the Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum, the Schramm Education Center and the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s Eugene T. Mahoney State Park.W

Watch your mailbox for the next issue of Outdoor America, containing more convention highlights. And be sure to mark your calendar for the 2024 national convention. We'll be in Cambridge, Maryland, July 14-16 - and we hope to see you there.

2022 National Convention Information

National Convention Recap

Second Century Vision