2016 River Town of the Year

Manchester Whitewater Park on the Maquoketa River. Manchester, Iowa:  2015  “River Town of the Year.” Photo credit: Iowa Rivers Revival.

Iowa Rivers Revival, a Council member organization dedicated to protecting Iowa’s rivers and streams, is currently accepting applications for the 2016 River Town of the Year.

This annual award recognizes and celebrates an Iowa town or city for outstanding efforts to reclaim river-fronts as anchors for economic development, recreation and good ecological practices.

Examples of award criteria include, but are not limited to:

•  Innovative storm water controls and river protection measures.
•  Efforts to improve water quality.
•  Efforts to protect and enhance greenbelts and/or ecosystems.
•  Protection of threatened riparian habitat and species.
•  Participating with Iowa Water Trails program.
•  River tourism efforts.
•  Providing river access (programs, trails, portages, guide info)
•  Annual or seasonal river clean-up or event.
•  Partnerships to protect and enhance local river or stream.
•  Dam mitigation and/or safety awareness.

Cities or citizens may nominate their town. Applications must be received by Dec. 15, 2015. The award will be presented in early 2016 at a reception hosted by Iowa Rivers Revival in the River Town of the Year community.

Visit the Iowa Rivers Revival website for the application and information about the past award-winning communities.

1. conservation
2. water quality