Shannon Ramsay’s comments at the American Rivers “Cedar River Top Ten” Press Conference

June 2, 2010

For over 20 years, Trees Forever has provided funding and assistance to many communities and farmers up and down the Cedar River watershed. I know from personal experience that much has been done and that people are willing to do the right thing.

In communities, we need to plant more trees, install more rain gardens, add natural areas to our lawns, mow and pave less. Plant and grow more living green infrastructure.

On farms, we need to maintain buffers along all streams and rivers. That includes planting trees, shrubs and native grasses or any combination of those. When water rushes across a crop field, without a buffer water enters the river with lots of sediment and other pollutants. With a buffer, water is filtered, with as much as 95% of sediment and chemicals removed before the water reaches the river.

In short, we need to get back to Mother Nature and mimic our natural eco-systems at home, along streets, in parks, at schools, businesses and on farms.

In Cedar Rapids, street trees alone save us $1.8 million dollars in storm water reduction every year. Just think if we could have these natural systems working for us in every community and sub-watershed along the Cedar River. Our vision today is that every stream and river in Iowa have a buffer of native plants and/or woodlands,, ideally a 500 ft. buffer set back. Our streams and rivers were always buffered naturally. Farmers need more economic incentives to plant and maintain more conservation practices. Communities need the same.

Trees Forever is a proud sponsor of Iowa’s Water & Land Legacy, which will give us part of the economic boost we need to get things done on the ground.

By working together as stakeholders in the watershed, whether as a nonprofit organization, a corporation, individuals and farmers, we can get this done. Let’ s protect our families, our valuable farm land, communities and future generations.