Midwinter Thaw - Nature Photography Workshop

Get a jumpstart on spring by attending a nature photography workshop on Feb. 20, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at Iowa Lakes Community College, in Emmetsburg.

The goal of the workshop, titled "Midwinter Thaw," is to encourage more people to get outside and become involved in nature. Topics include picking out the right camera equipment and its proper use; and marketing and selling your work.

There is a dramatic upswing in wildlife and nature viewing locally and throughout the country and photography is often the next step. There are many types of nature photography ranging from wildlife to landscapes. Close up views of a honeybee on a wild bergamot prairie flower can be just as captivating as a panoramic photo of a sunset over Lost Island Lake.

The workshop will be lead by professional photographers from northwest Iowa, including Don Poggensee, from Ida Grove, Stan Buman, from Carroll, Dan Ruf, from Spirit Lake and Bruce Morrison, from Hartley. They will offer insight into how they achieve success in nature photography.

The northwest Iowa watchable wildlife project will also be highlighted at the workshop. Currently, this project covers 13 counties and emphasizes the nearly 500 county conservation and DNR public areas throughout the region.

To learn more about the watchable wildlife project, visit the northwest Iowa watchable wildlife web site at: http://www.watchablewildlifenwia.org.

The public workshop is sponsored by Iowa Lakes Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D), Palo Alto County Conservation Board, O'Brien County Conservation Board and Clay County Conservation Board.

There is a $20 registration fee which includes lunch. Registration is required.

To register or for more information about the workshop, contact the Iowa Lakes RC&D office at 712-262-2083, the County Conservation Board Naturalists from Palo Alto County at 712-837-4866, O'Brien County at 712-295-7200, or Clay County at 712-262-2187.

Iowa Lakes Resource Conservation and Development: http://www.iowalakesrcd.org/NewsMedia.htm
- PSA, Flyer and Registration Form

National Parks: America's Best Idea

National Parks: America's Best Idea

The award winning series by Ken Burns and Dayton Duncan is being re-broadcast on Iowa Public Television. Programs may be viewed on broadcast or on-lne from the IPTV web site.

Local broadcast of The National Parks is sponsored in part by the Iowa Parks Foundation.

The Last Refuge (1890-1915) (#102)
At the end of the 19th century a conservation movement takes shape to protect America's wilderness.

■Wed, February 3, 8:00 PM on IPTV
■Fri, February 5, 7:00 AM on IPTV World
■Fri, February 5, 1:00 PM on IPTV World
■Fri, February 5, 6:00 PM on IPTV World

The Empire of Grandeur (1915-1919) (#103)
Established in 1916, the National Park Service protects the Grand Canyon from commercial interests.
■Wed, February 10, 8:00 PM on IPTV
■Fri, February 12, 7:00 AM on IPTV World
■Fri, February 12, 1:00 PM on IPTV World
■Fri, February 12, 6:00 PM on IPTV World

Going Home (1920-1933) (#104)
The automobile allows more people to visit the parks.

The Smoky Mountains and Tetons become parks.
■Wed, February 17, 8:00 PM on IPTV
■Fri, February 19, 7:00 AM on IPTV World
■Fri, February 19, 1:00 PM on IPTV World
■Fri, February 19, 6:00 PM on IPTV World

Great Nature (1933-1945) (#105)
During an economic crisis and a world war the parks provided a source of jobs and much-needed peace.
■Wed, February 24, 8:00 PM on IPTV
■Fri, February 26, 7:00 AM on IPTV World
■Fri, February 26, 1:00 PM on IPTV World
■Fri, February 26, 6:00 PM on IPTV World

Local Brodcast is sponsored in part by the Iowa Parks Foundation.


Visit the Foundation's fan page on Facebook.

RePost of the Parks Foundation RFP/RFQ documents

This is a reposting of the December 18, 2009 post with new document links. Some prospective applicant vendors were unable to download the documents before the links expired.


The Iowa Parks Foundation issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) and a Request for Qualifications for two important projects. In both cases, IPF hosted pre-application meetings to describe the projects and answer questions from prospective vendors.
The first meeting presented the RFP for:
• Marketing Research Services
• Public Opinion & Research Services
• Audience Research, Development and Associated Services

The Board's intention is to select a consultant with experience and ability to provide the IPF with research and community engagement services that will refine and inform the foundation’s long range strategic planning efforts. The consultant will assist the foundation to acquire information from targeted groups and individuals as part of a key strategic goal to create an operationally sustainable organization and to advance the foundation’s mission.

You'll find the pre-application meeting files at these hotlinks:
Registration: https://rcpt.yousendit.com/799944264/46821601dcc583eaaefb261abfc1168c
Audio/Media Files: https://rcpt.yousendit.com/799981424/b5b0abbb94ae3954fc7e2339596e0ef3
Revised Schedule: https://rcpt.yousendit.com/799958480/9ecd5cef165cd921343f5090c7b39ee3
Revised RFP: https://rcpt.yousendit.com/799942700/2efa3a70d0a180babbec094ea63ad3aa
These files will be available for download thru January 13, 2009.

The second meeting described the RFQ for a Fundraising Consultant.
The principle function of the fundraising counsel will be to:
• Coach and assist the IPF to design and conduct an investment campaign intended to raise $150MM for a capital investment and IPF operations for the benefit of Iowa's parks before the state park system's centennial in 2020.

You'll find the pre-application meeting files for the fundraising project at:
Registration: https://rcpt.yousendit.com/799212310/3a5b884c4d91adc9623005e8aa099613
Audio/Media Files: https://rcpt.yousendit.com/799221240/f45b82557c5e03bdb83e0275bee41982
Revised Schedule: https://rcpt.yousendit.com/799195294/bd13356d3eab94b47e1cd801492cf8c4
Revised RFQ for Fundraising: https://rcpt.yousendit.com/799186152/0f5d2dcfa02193138e067e6a6dba1ba0
These files will also be available for download thru January 13, 2009.

Interested????
Contact Kent at iaparks@mchsi.com or call at 515-255-0776 if you have questions.

Play More in Iowa... Eagle Watching on the Mississippi River

January is a great month for Eagle Watches in Iowa.

Every year tens of thousands of people flock to the Mississippi River to take part in Bald Eagle Watches. They have come to catch a glimpse, perhaps for the first time, of our national symbol.

Up to 2,500 bald eagles winter along the Mississippi near the lock and dams. Turbulence created below the dams provide open water and a smorgasbord of stunned fish for eagles to feast upon. In addition, the wooded bluffs that overlook the Mississippi are excellent habitat for roosting and an increasing number of cases nesting.

Bald Eagle Watches occur throughout January and February, but eagles can be seen from mid December through early March. It all depends on the weather. As warm weather arrives, most eagles will begin their journey back north to northern Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Canada to prepare for the nesting season.

2010 Bald Eagle Watch Events

Quad Cities Bald Eagle Days
Friday, Saturday and Sunday, January 8-10
QCCA Expo Center, 2621 4th Avenue, Rock Island, Illinois
Hours: NEW 4:00p.m. - 8:00p.m. Friday, 10:00a.m.-7:00p.m. Saturday, 10:00a.m.-5:00p.m. Sunday

LeClaire Bald Eagle Watch
Saturday and Sunday, January 30-31, 2009
Outdoor viewing at Lock and Dam 14, Sat. 10:00 am - 1:00 pm; Sun. 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Indoor programs: Sat. at 10:00 am, 11:00 am, and 12:00 pm; Sun. at 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm & 3:00 pm

Indoor programs: Mississippi Valley Welcome Center
900 Eagle Ridge Road, LeClaire, IA (I-80 exit 306)
For more information, please call 563-322-3911 563-322-3911 x120
http://www.iowawelcomecenter.com

Bald Eagle Safaris
Get an up close view on a Bald Eagle Safari with Bob Motz. He provides spotting scopes that magnify 15 to 45 times and mount on the car window frame for good viewing of eagles in trees. You can see the yellow of their eye, the nostrils in the beak, and the black talons of their feet. Binoculars are also provided to see eagles in flight. The safaris make good birthday and anniversary gifts. Cost is $20 per hour for one to four people. Two or three-hour safaris are recommended. Call Bob at 309-788-8389 309-788-8389 or email him at eaglemotz@aol.com to arrage a safari.

Live Eagle & Bird of Prey Programs by The World Bird Sanctuary
Special Attractions - Niabi Zoo
For more information contact the Mississippi River Visitor Center 309/794-5338 309/794-5338 or Arlynn Hartwig 309/788-2543 309/788-2543

Mississippi River Visitor Center - Eagle Watch / Clock Tower Tours
January 2-3 and January 16 - February 14, Weekends Only
Combination eagle watches and historical clock tower tours
Saturday and Sunday times are: 9:30, 11:00 and 1:00
Reservations required. Group size is limited. Call 309/794-5338 309/794-5338

Clinton Bald Eagle Watch
Saturday, January 9
Outdoor viewing: Lock & Dam 13, 8:30-3:30
Live Bird and Nature Programs: Clinton Community College, 9:30-2:00
Exhibits: Clinton Community College from 9:00 - 2:30
Free bus service from college to the outdoor viewing area.
For more information call: 815/259-3628 815/259-3628 .

Muscatine Bald Eagle Watch
Saturday, January 9
Outdoor viewing from 9:00 to 3:00 at Riverside Park & Lock and Dam 16
Live Eagle programs at 9:30 & 12:00 at the Riverview Center in Riverside Park
Eagle Dance performances at 11:00 and 2:00, Riverview Center
Conservation and environmental booths, Riverview Center
For more information call: 563/263-7913 563/263-7913

Dubuque Bald Eagle Watch
Saturday, January 23
Outdoor viewing at Lock and Dam 11 from 9:00–4:00
Live Eagle & Bird of Prey Programs by the University of Minnesota Raptor Center at 9:30, 12:15 & 3:00
Indoor Exhibits from 9:00 - 4:30 at the Grand River Center - Port of Dubuque
Trolley rides from Grand River Center to the National Mississippi River Museum and the outdoor viewing area.
For more information call: 563/556-4372 563/556-4372 or 563/582-0881 563/582-0881

Keokuk Bald Eagle Days
Saturday and Sunday, January 16 - 17
Indoor programs and Environmental Fair at the River City Mall, Keokuk, Iowa
Live Eagle Programs Saturday 9:00-3:00 and Sunday 10:00-3:00
Outdoor viewing along the River Front
For more information call: 1-800-383-1219

American Bald Eagle Information

Eagle Information Guide (for educators)

DNR Video Hot Link

Budget bind means parts of state parks to be shut

From 12/28/09 Des Moines Register
By PERRY BEEMAN
pbeeman@dmreg.com

The state is moving to close selected trails, parks and beaches and might close entire parks if budget cuts grow, the Department of Natural Resources' director said.

The department has lost 25 percent of its general-fund cash in the past year because of weak state revenues, Richard Leopold said. Last summer, federally paid help bolstered his crews, but that money is gone, too.

Next summer, some areas that don't generate cash will be roped off, Leopold said. Campgrounds and other spots that do bring in cash should be open, though maintenance may suffer a bit.

As it stands today, all parks will be open next summer, with selected parts of them closed.

"We're not closing anything yet," Leopold said. "We will offer fewer services everywhere. If we get further cuts, we'll probably close whole parks."

Any closures would most likely affect lesser-used parks, he said.

"It's kind of ironic because we are at record attendance but at historic lows with staffing," Leopold said.

Iowa's 85 state parks draw a combined 14 million visits a year. The DNR usually has 300 summer workers on board to help with the vacation season.

"Now, we have 40 budgeted for next summer, and we'll be lucky to hold on to those," Leopold said.

That means some beaches, playgrounds and picnic areas will simply be off-limits because the state won't be able to maintain them. The one wild card: volunteers. If a park's "friends group" can pick up the slack, its areas might stay open.

Department spokesman Kevin Baskins said several initiatives might ease the pain. The DNR has asked for $40 million in stimulus money for parks projects but has not received word on the application. That money would pay for constructing beach buildings, playgrounds and cabins, for example. There is also talk of coming up with money for volunteer coordinators at the DNR.

In the long term, there may be more cash. A private foundation is looking to raise cash for parks. Also, voters will decide in November whether to back a constitutional amendment that would clear the way for devoting $150 million a year to natural resources if lawmakers approve a sales tax increase.

IPF Request for Proposal - Research & Fundraising

The Iowa Parks Foundation issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) and a Request for Qualifications for two important projects . I both cases, IPF hosted pre-application meetings to describe the projects and answer questions from prospective vendors.

The first meeting presented the RFP for:

• Marketing Research Services


• Public Opinion & Research Services


• Audience Research, Development and Associated Services

The Board's intention is to select a consultant with experience and ability to provide the IPF with research and community engagement services that will refine and inform the foundation’s long range strategic planning efforts. The consultant will assist the foundation to acquire information from targeted groups and individuals as part of a key strategic goal to create an operationally sustainable organization and to advance the foundation’s mission.

You'll find the pre-application meeting files at these hotlinks:
Registration: http://download.yousendit.com/Z01NY05wY3lrUmwzZUE9PQ
Audio/Media Files: https://download.yousendit.com/Z01OMFhxZy9lM1RIRGc9PQ
Revised Schedule: https://download.yousendit.com/Z01OMFhqMGNlcExIRGc9PQ
Revised RFQ: http://download.yousendit.com/Z01OZFh1d0E4Q1NGa1E9PQ

These files will be available for download thru December 24, 2009.

The second meeting described the RFQ for a Fundraising Consultant.

The principle function of the fundraising counsel will be to:

• Coach and assist the IPF to design and conduct an investment campaign intended to raise $150MM for a capital investment and IPF operations for the benefit of Iowa's parks before the state park system's centennial in 2020.

You'll find the pre-application meeting files for the fundraising project at:

Registration: https://download.yousendit.com/Z01PcXl0R0Z5UkYzZUE9PQ
Audio/Media Files: https://download.yousendit.com/Z01PcXlnNDR0d0dGa1E9PQ
Revised Schedule: https://download.yousendit.com/Z01PcXlyTERvQnVGa1E9PQ

Revised RFQ for Fundraising: https://download.yousendit.com/Z01OZFhxV3IzeUtGa1E9PQ

These files will also be available for download thru December 24, 2009.

Interested????

Contact Kent at iaparks@mchsi.com or call at 515-255-0776 if you have questions.

Have a Joyous Holiday Season!

Iowa Parks Foundation - Pre-Application Meetings rescheduled

Due to the developing weather situation and winter storm, we are moving the vendor pre-application meetings scheduled for this week to next week. (Watch… now the storm will miss us).

The meetings will be at RDG Planning and Design at 301 Grand Avenue in Des Moines if you can make it in person.

Here is the remote access information that will be used for the pre-application meetings on Wednesday and on Thursday of next week.

Join us via your computer if you are interested.

The Wednesday meeting will be held at 2:30 PM (CST) and is for those firms interested in the research, public opinion and associated services (agenda attached).

The Thursday meeting will be held at 3:30 PM CST and is for those firms interested in the fundraising consultant and associated services (agenda attached).

If you are unable to attend the Wednesday December 16th IPF Pre-Application Meeting at 2:30 PM in person, you may follow the following instructions for remote access.
1. Please join IPF Pre-Application Meeting for
a. Marketing Research Services
b. Public Opinion & Research Services
c. Audience Research, Development and Associated Services
https://www1.gotomeeting.com/join/791695088


2. Use your microphone and speakers (VoIP) - a headset is recommended. Or, call in using your telephone.
Dial 312-878-0206
Access Code: 791-695-088
Audio PIN: Shown after joining the meeting
Meeting ID: 791-695-088



____________________________________________________________________________________
1. If you cannot attend the fundraising consultant services meeting in person, you may join our pre-application meeting on Thursday, December 17 at 3:30 PM Central Standard Time.
https://www1.gotomeeting.com/join/426485992



2. Use your microphone and speakers (VoIP) - a headset is recommended. Or, call in using your telephone.
Dial 712-338-7131
Access Code: 426-485-992
Audio PIN: Shown after joining the meeting
Meeting ID: 426-485-992