Izaak Walton League of America, Inc. HQ

Efforts by the Izaak Walton League to address soil erosion date to 1937, when the League adopted a resolution calling for a national program to retire fields in mountainous areas from agricultural use. Today, League staff and members continue to advocate farming practices that sustain both natural resources and people.

CONSERVING FARMLAND

More than half of America’s land is used for agriculture. It’s critical that these lands, which provide food for our tables and habitat for wildlife, are managed in a way that balances production with conservation. At the local level, the League educates farmers about ways they can practice stewardship on their land. At the national level, we work to ensure strong legislation and funding to support agricultural conservation programs such as those found in the federal Farm Bill. Our goal is to ensure that American farms produce enough food to feed a growing nation while also conserving soil and water quality, wetlands, and habitat for fish and wildlife.

MANAGING THE UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER

As an organization with strong roots in the Upper Midwest, protection of the Upper Mississippi River basin has been a key issue for us since we led the fight to create the Upper Mississippi River Fish and Wildlife Refuge in 1924. The Upper Mississippi River is one of the most complex ecosystems on Earth. It provides habitat for 50 species of mammals, 45 species of reptiles and amphibians, 37 species of mussels, and 241 species of fish. The League spearheads efforts to reform the river’s lock-and-dam navigation system to ensure that flows and habitat remain as natural as possible. We also work to reduce agricultural impacts on the river, promote sustainable agriculture practices, and implement farm conservation programs to reduce polluted runoff.

MANAGING THE MISSOURI RIVER

In 2007, League members across three states joined together to create a new initiative that focuses on protecting and restoring the Missouri River. As America’s longest river (2,431 miles), the Missouri spans 10 states. Like the Mississippi River, it faces challenges from both agriculture and navigation. Due to man-made changes of the river’s natural flows, significant habitat for fish and wildlife—including a number of endangered and threatened species—is being degraded. By working with local, state, and federal agencies and other organizations on restoration and recovery of the river, the League is ensuring this national treasure remains intact for future generations.