22 Apr 2013

CONSERVATION COUNTS ON EARTH DAY AND EVERY DAY FOR IOWA FARMERS

By Laurie Johns

Virtual Tours Show Progress of Iowa Farmers

WEST DES MOINES, IOWA - April 19, 2013 - Iowans can see how today's farmers are always seeking new ways to protect the land and water, while providing a wide array of food choices for consumers, by taking virtual farm tours.  Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF) is launching 'Conservation Counts' (www.iowafarmbureau.com/conservationcounts), an online resource where consumers can see how farmers use conservation practices on their farm and the progress that statewide voluntary measures have brought in the last 30 years.  The Conservation Counts website goes live April 22nd, the 43rd observance of national Earth Day.

"Conservation methods are different on every farm because the terrain is different, the soils are different and the crops we grow are diverse.  So when it comes to conservation, forcing a one-size-fits-all approach would be a detriment to the progress we need to make in protecting the land and water," said IFBF President Craig Hill.

"Today's responsible farmers are always looking for new ways to help them not only maintain but improve the integrity of their land and watersheds.  Some farmers plant trees (http://www.supportfarmers.com/Programs/gfpp/case-studies ) through the Coalition to Support Iowa's Farmer's Green Farmstead Partner Program; many more farmers plant grassy buffer strips to protect streams; some use no-till methods or cover crops, or terraces to hold nutrients and reduce erosion.  On my farm, I use precision agriculture where I spoon feed plants nutrients/fertilizer at the right time, right place and right amount so they get only what they need which is better for the plant and the environment. And, there are also innovations in seeds and equipment which help today's farmers use less fertilizer," said Hill.  "Progress and new ideas are what it takes to meet our nation's food needs, while protecting the land.  One in six jobs in this state are tied to agriculture.  By 2050, it's estimated the global population will be over 9 billion, which requires 100 percent more food than we're growing today.  The Nutrient Reduction Strategy (http://www.nut\rientstrategy.iastate.edu/ ) shows farmers all the options they can use on their farms to get us there."

Voluntary conservation measures have brought progress.  In the last 30 years, soil erosion in the U.S. has been reduced by 43 percent, according to the USDA's National Resources Inventory report.  Iowa's erosion rate was down 33 percent, thanks to a combination of practices being put in place, such as buffer strips, terraces, no-till, cover crops, restoring wetlands, installing bio-filters and grassy waterways in fields.  Today's responsible farmers continue to search for new ways to protect the land and watershed; seven major conservation practices used on Iowa farms are estimated to remove as much as 28 percent of the nitrate, 38 percent of the total nitrogen, and up to 58 percent of the phosphorus that otherwise would be present, according to the Center for Agricultural and Rural Development's Conservation Practices in Iowa: Historical Investments, Water Quality and Gaps.

"Farming is never a one-year proposition. It's something we do over time and we are continually learning.  It's never static; you always want to be getting as much information as you can, and then putting it to work on your farm," said Ankeny farmer, Mark Kenney, who uses no-till, has restored grasslands on his farm and this year is taking more land out of production to plant new grassy buffer strips to reduce erosion on his Nevada-area farmland.

Learn more about how today's responsible farmers embrace new conservation methods by checking out 'Conservation Counts' at www.iowafarmbureau.com/conservationcounts or follow them on Facebook at IowaFarmBureau or Twitter at (#ConservationCounts13).

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About Iowa Farm Bureau

The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation is a grassroots, statewide organization dedicated to helping farm families prosper and improve their quality of life.  More than 153,000 families in Iowa are Farm Bureau members, working together to achieve economic growth, educational improvement, and environmental quality in their communities.  For more information about Farm Bureau and agriculture, visit the online media center at www.iowafarmbureau.com.

22 Apr 2013

Governor Quinn Declares 38 Counties State Disaster Areas

By Brooke Anderson

Disaster Declaration Issued to Ensure Continued Support for Affected Areas

SPRINGFIELD - Governor Pat Quinn today declared 38 counties state disaster areas after surveying flood damage caused by several days of severe storms and heavy rainfall across much of Illinois. The disaster declaration will accelerate and expand access to state emergency resources as well as allow the state to formally pursue federal relief and support. Flash flooding and rapidly rising rivers and streams have forced evacuations, damaged or destroyed homes and businesses, caused power outages and closed numerous roads.

"Illinois has seen an incredible level of devastation and reports indicate that conditions will get worse in the coming days," Governor Quinn said. "We want to ensure that every county gets the assistance they need and this declaration will give every affected community access to available resources. As we wait for the floods to pass, all Illinois residents should continue to take precautions, and stay off the roads if possible."

Counties included in the Governor's declaration include : Adams, Brown, Bureau, Calhoun, Carroll, Cass, Champaign, Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Fulton, Greene, Grundy, Hancock, Henderson, Henry, Jersey, Jo Daviess, Kane, Kendall, Lake, LaSalle, Marshall, Mason, McHenry, Mercer, Morgan, Peoria, Pike, Putnam, Rock Island, Schuyler, Scott, Tazewell, Whiteside, Will, Winnebago and Woodford.

The state disaster declaration makes available a wide variety of state resources that can help affected communities respond and recover from flooding. The state of Illinois has personnel and assets that can be mobilized to help local government officials with disaster recovery, including trucks, heavy equipment and work crews to speed debris removal, and provide assistance with security and other public safety issues. The state disaster declaration comes after assessments by emergency officials and the governor, and will begin the process of securing federal relief.

On Thursday morning, Governor Quinn was briefed on the state's flood assistance efforts at the State Incident Response Center (SIRC) in Springfield. He later surveyed damage on the ground and met with local officials in Elmhurst, Des Plaines, River Forest and Westchester.

The SIRC was activated Thursday morning and will remain operational as long as necessary. Liaisons from several state agencies are working with the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) to coordinate the deployment of state personnel and assets to assist local governments in the affected areas. As of late Thursday, assistance provided in response to requests from local government included water pumps and Illinois Department of Corrections inmates filling sandbags.

For flood safety information and real-time updates, please visit Ready.Illinois.gov. For traffic updates please visit GettingAroundIllinois.com/gai.htm.

The state's response to the floods includes:

·         Illinois Department of Transportation is ensuring public safety through road closures, message boards and other road-closure assistance to affected communities.

·         Illinois National Guard is coordinating with IEMA in the event troops are needed to assist flooded communities.

·         Illinois Department of Central Management Services is monitoring conditions at state facilities to ensure state agencies can continue to provide critical services to the public and is prepared to procure flood-fighting supplies if needed.

·         Illinois Department of Corrections had 30 inmates at the Pittsfield Work Camp in Pike County assist with filling sandbags for local public safety officials.

·         Illinois Department of Public Health is providing local public health departments, hospitals and medical offices in the affected areas with information on tetanus shots.

·         Illinois State Police is assisting motorists stranded by floodwaters and working with local public safety officials on road closures.

·         Illinois Emergency Management Agency is coordinating the state's response and has deployed staff throughout the affected areas to assist local officials.

·         Illinois Department of Natural Resources dispatched conservation officers to Sycamore to assist with evacuation of residents in a flooded mobile home park.

·         Office of the State Fire Marshal is coordinating with fire departments throughout the state to assess any flood-related issues they're experiencing.

·         American Red Cross has opened shelters in Roanoke, Oglesby and Lisle and is continuing to assess the need for shelters and other assistance.

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19 Apr 2013

Governor Quinn Declares State of Emergency In Wake of Flash and River Flooding

By Leslie Wertheimer

State Readies Personnel, Resources to Assist Local Governments

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today declared a state of emergency as state agencies prepared to provide assistance to local governments throughout the northern half of Illinois dealing with severe river and flash flooding. The state of emergency ensures that state resources are activated and that the federal government is aware that a disaster declaration is likely. It also allows the state to request resources as needed, such as personnel and equipment. State and local emergency personnel have been on the ground in hardest hit areas since early this morning.

"Heavy rainfall over the past few days has created dangerous flooding in areas across the state," Governor Quinn said. "Everyone should stay home and off the roads if possible. To ensure safety as these storms continue, people should be alert and avoid flooded areas."

For flood safety information and real-time updates please visit Ready.Illinois.gov, and for traffic updates please visit GettingAroundIllinois.com/gai.htm.

The State Incident Response Center (SIRC) is active and is coordinating the state's response to the floods:

·       Illinois Department of Central Management Services is monitoring conditions at state facilities to ensure state agencies can continue to provide critical services to the public and is prepared to procure flood-fighting supplies if needed.

·       Illinois Department of Transportation is ensuring public safety through road closures, message boards and other road-closure assistance to affected communities.

·       Illinois Department of Corrections will have 30 inmates at the Pittsfield Work Camp in Pike County assist with filling sandbags for local public safety officials.

·       Illinois Department of Public Health is providing local public health departments, hospitals and medical offices in the affected areas with information on tetanus shots.

·       Illinois State Police is assisting motorists stranded by floodwaters and working with local public safety officials on road closures.

·       Illinois National Guard is coordinating with IEMA in the event troops are needed to assist flooded communities.

·       Illinois Emergency Management Agency is coordinating the state's response and has deployed staff throughout the affected areas to assist local officials.

·       Illinois Department of Natural Resources dispatched conservation officers to Sycamore to assist with evacuation of residents in a flooded mobile home park.

·       Office of the State Fire Marshal is coordinating with fire departments throughout the state to assess any flood-related issues they're experiencing.

·       American Red Cross has opened shelters in Roanoke, Oglesby and Lisle and is continuing to assess the need for shelters and other assistance.

More information about the state's flood response and flood safety is available on the Ready Illinois website at Ready.Illinois.gov.

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19 Apr 2013

Governor Quinn Activates Flood Emergency Response

By Leslie Wertheimer
SPRINGFIELD - Governor Pat Quinn this morning activated the State Incident Response Center (SIRC) in Springfield to assess flooding and severe weather in several areas of the state and expedite assistance that may be needed by local public safety officials to protect citizens. The SIRC will remain open as long as needed to support local responders.

"I urge everyone to stay alert and avoid flooded areas," Governor Quinn said. "Residents should tune in to local TV and radio stations for updated information about any closed routes or evacuations."

This governor is currently being briefed by emergency officials at the SIRC before departing to assess storm damage and response across the state. An updated public schedule will be sent shortly.

For more information on flood safety and real-time updates on today's storms, please visit Ready.Illinois.gov.

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17 Apr 2013

State Farm® Names Top Ten States With Most Hail Losses

By Missy Dundov
IBHS Indoor Hail Storm Simulates Real Damage
April 17, 2013–State Farm announces the top ten states with the most wind, hail losses. Wind and hail storms remain some of the most frequent and severe causes of property damage. This year the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety Research Center conducted the first-ever indoor hailstorm, in an effort to research building products and ways to education consumers.
Damage caused by wind and hail cost State Farm and its policyholders more than $3.9 billion in 2012. The states with the most wind/hail losses include :
  • Texas–47,000 claims
  • Illinois–41,000 claims
  • New York–34,000 claims
  • Ohio–31,000 claims
  • Missouri–25,000 claims
  • Tennessee–24,000 claims
  • Indiana–23,000 claims
  • New Jersey–23,000 claims
  • Kentucky–22,000 claims
  • Colorado–16,000 claims
While hail storms most frequently impact the Great Plains and Midwest, every state in the nation is susceptible. See how your state compares to others when it comes to wind/hail and most common insurance claims.
Heading Off Hail Damage:
  • If weather conditions are prime for hail storms, pull cars, boats, RVs, lawn and patio furniture into a covered area.
  • When building or remodeling, consider impact resistant roofing to reduce hail damage to your home. State Farm currently offers insurance premium discounts to homes with qualifying impact-resistant roofing products in 26 states and one Canadian province.
If You Experience Hail Damage:
  • Work with your insurance agent or claims adjustor to fully understand the claims process and how covered repairs will be handled. State Farm customers who have reported a loss can expect to be contacted by a claim representative who will review your policy and explain your coverage, outline the claim process, and answer questions.
  • Choose a reputable roofing contractor. Look for a licensed or bonded roofer and request references. Not all jurisdictions require licensing of roofing contractors. Ask to see certificates of insurance to be sure both liability and workers compensation insurance coverage is carried, and are in force during the time the roofing work is being done.
  • You may also contact your local Better Business Bureau or the National Roofing Contractors Association for assistance in locating a professional contractor in a specific geographic area.
  • If anyone visits your home without an appointment and professes to represent your insurer, ask for identification and contact your insurer to confirm before allowing access.
16 Apr 2013

MARSHALLTOWN 1 TAKES TOP PLACE AT IOWA ENVIROTHON

By Andrew Wheeler

WEST DES MOINES- April 16, 2013 - The Marshalltown 1 Envirothon Team beat out 13 teams from around the state to win the 18th annual Iowa Envirothon title at Springbrook State Park in Guthrie Center on Monday.  The Marshalltown team receives an expense-paid trip to participate in the Canon National Envirothon competition held at Montana State University in Bozeman, Montana, August 4-9.

Team members of the Marshalltown team include (from left to right): Sean Finn, Adam Willman, Joe Metzger, Emma Runquist, Abby Snyder and Coach Susan Fritzell.

The Envirothon is a program for Iowa high school students who want to learn more about natural resources and current environmental challenges. Teams are tested in wildlife, aquatics, forestry, soils and current issues. This year's current issues oral competition theme was grazing and rangeland management: livestock, grazing and long-term management for absentee land owners in Iowa.

Participating teams included: Des Moines FFA, Decorah Supafly, Nodaway Valley FFA, Alburnett FFA, Decorah Eagles, Waverly Shell Rock Sharptails, Marshalltown 2, Iowa City High Benthos, Columbus Junction FFA, Mediapolis, Glenwood 3, Charles City FFA Blue and Muscatine FFA.  The top FFA team title went to Des Moines FFA.

The Iowa Farm Bureau has sponsored the Iowa Envirothon since the program began in 1996.  Today Iowa Farm Bureau works in cooperation with several farm organizations to offer Iowa high school students the opportunity to compete and increase knowledge and awareness of our natural resources.

For the complete results, visit https://sites.google.com/a/cfu.net/iowa-envirothon/.

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About Iowa Farm Bureau

The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation is a grassroots, statewide organization dedicated to enhancing the People, Progress and Pride of Iowa.  More than 153,000 families in Iowa are Farm Bureau members, working together to achieve farm and rural prosperity.  For more information about Farm Bureau and agriculture, visit the Newsroom page on the IBF website at www.iowafarmbureau.com.

16 Apr 2013

National Park Service Offers Tree Planting Demonstration on Arbor Day

By Adam Prato
WEST BRANCH, IOWA– Homeowners or anyone interested in learning about planting trees can join arborist Ed Rinderspacher and the staff of Herbert Hoover National Historic Site for an Arbor Day presentation on Friday, April 26. Arbor Day is a holiday in which individuals and groups are encouraged to plant and care for trees. The program is free and begins at 1:00 p.m. at the visitor center. It will last about one hour and may involve about a half-mile of walking to different areas of the park. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. In the case of inclement weather, please call (319) 643-2541 before attending.
Ed Rinderspacher is the owner and operator of Rindy Tree and Turf Care, Inc. and a West Branch, Iowa arborist certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). Mr. Rinderspacher will provide a one-hour demonstration as he plants two oak trees-- one packed in ball-and-burlap and one container-grown tree-- that he donated to Herbert Hoover National Historic Site. The new trees will replace dead trees that park staff cut down. Mr. Rinderspacher will also discuss how to find and buy a healthy tree, and about pruning the tree and its roots.
"There are about a thousand trees in this 187-acre national park commemorating Herbert Hoover's life," said Pete Swisher, superintendent of Herbert Hoover National Historic Site. "We hope our visitors can see examples of best practices as we pursue excellence in groundskeeping and horticulture. "
April 20 through 28 is National Park Week, the annual week for celebration and recognition of your National Parks. Herbert Hoover National Historic Site and the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum are in West Branch, Iowa at exit 254 off I-80. Both are open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time. Parking is limited so please allow extra time to find a parking space. For more information go online at www.nps.gov/heho or call (319) 643-2541.
Herbert Hoover National Historic Site
110 Parkside Drive
PO Box 607
West Branch, Iowa 52358
Twitter: @HooverNPS
Facebook: HerbertHooverNHS
15 Apr 2013

Governor Branstad Issues Disaster Proclamation for Ten Counties

By Office of the Governor of Iowa

(DES MOINES)  - Gov. Terry E. Branstad today issued a proclamation of disaster emergency in response to severe weather that impacted ten counties in northwest Iowa.

Counties included in the proclamation are Clay, Dickinson, Emmet, Kossuth, Lyon, O'Brien, Osceola, Palo Alto, Plymouth and Sioux. Beginning April 9, damaging winds, heavy rains, thunderstorms and freezing rains caused damage to public and private property, power outages from downed power lines and poles, and a large amount of debris.

The Governor's proclamation allows state resources to be utilized to respond to and recover from the effects of these storms, including for removal of debris and wreckage on publicly or privately owned land that may threaten public health and safety, or public and private property.

A copy of the proclamation of disaster emergency can be found at www.homelandsecurity.iowa.gov.

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03 Apr 2013

XSTREAM CLEANUP TURNS 10, SEEKS CLEANUP SITES

By Brandy Welvaert

QUAD CITIES–Xstream Cleanup, the Quad-Cities' annual, volunteer-based cleanup of area waterways, is turning 10 this year–and community input is needed.

Xstream organizers are looking for new cleanup sites and encourage members of the community to make suggestions. If a site is dirty, litter-ridden or host to illegal dumping, organizers want to hear about it! To make a suggestion, send an e-mail to info@xstreamcleanup.org or call (563) 468-4218.

The annual cleanup, which celebrates its 10-year anniversary this summer, will be held from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, August 10, 2013.

In celebration of this milestone, organizers plan to release a series of mini-documentaries over the summer to highlight event accomplishments, to recognize the volunteers and organizations that make it happen, and to raise awareness about water quality in the Quad-Cities.

"At its heart, Xstream Cleanup is about the community picking up, dragging out and hauling away unwanted trash and debris from its waterways. We value our water and our waterways, and Xstream Cleanup proves that, as a community, we're willing to sweat together to protect and improve them," says Curtis Lundy, longtime chair of Xstream Cleanup.

As the cleanup date approaches, mini-documentary releases, a complete media kit, photos, and more will be available for view and/or download at www.xstreamcleanup.org. Volunteer registration will begin online in June. In addition, periodic updates about the event will be released on the Xstream Cleanup Facebook page.

# # #
03 Apr 2013

Simon, river council to learn about Mississippi River forecast

By Kara Beach

SPRINGFIELD - Lt. Governor Sheila Simon will convene a quarterly meeting of the Mississippi River Coordinating Council (MRCC) on Wednesday. Dr. Jim Angel, state climatologist for the Illinois State Water Survey, will present a Mississippi River depth forecast to the group, and outline the impact the drought in Western states has had on Illinois water levels.

"It is important that we take a wide-angle view at drought and our waterways," Lt. Governor Simon said. "While we continue to recover from the 2012 drought, states west of Illinois are still facing drought conditions - something we need to keep an eye on as we plan for the 2013 agricultural season."

The MRCC will also hear an update on Asian carp migration from James Garvey, director of the Fisheries and Illinois Aquaculture Center at SIU Carbondale. Garvey recently released a report identifying the need to manage the Asian carp population so the species does not invade the Great Lakes.

DATE: Wednesday, April 3

TIME: 1:30 p.m.

PLACE: State Library, Room 403/404, 300 S. Second St., Springfield

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