Our Work

Stream Improvement Projects

Create, implement and manage sustainable Coldwater river and stream improvement projects.

Permanent Access

Expand more permanent access to private lands for recreational use.

About Us

Why ICC was created?

Iowa’s Coldwater Conservancy organized in 2017 to protect and restore the ecosystems that sustain Iowa’s coldwater rivers and streams while expanding public access to these vital and unique natural resources.

ICC formed with the recognition that:

  • We could not continue to address the significant challenges to the ecosystems of our coldwater rivers and streams as stand-alone, volunteer-driven nonprofit organizations.
  • We could not continue to try to protect and restore watersheds and riparian zones of the unique rivers and streams in the “Driftless Area” of northeast Iowa by using the same practices which were used many years ago. We had to work with alliances of like-minded partners to raise the necessary resources to address these significant challenges.

Today’s Challenges

  • Climate change (more severe weather, flooding, rising water temps, plant and species extinction).
  • Antiquated and/or industrial agricultural practices.
  • Challenging political climate affecting environmental policy initiatives
  • Shrinking state and federal conservation budgets.
  • Challenges to public lands.
  • The need to create more outdoor opportunities for underserved populations
  • Increased competition for philanthropic dollars.
  • Rising cost of environmental restoration.

Our Vision

Iowa’s Coldwater rivers and streams will be complete, healthy eco-systems that improve our natural environment and enhance the lives of everyone who has the opportunity to experience these examples of our natural heritage.

Our Work

Build an Alliance

Build a diverse alliance of stakeholders interested in improving Iowa’s Coldwater rivers and streams.

Grow Outreach

Educate businesses and individuals as to the value and importance Coldwater rivers and streams.

Influence policy

Influence state/local/federal governments to gain resources for favorable environmental policy.

Raise Funds

Raise funds to improve the natural eco-systems along our Coldwater rivers and streams.

Our Board

The Iowa Coldwater Conservancy Board is made up of volunteers that donate their time and talents to promote ICC’s Mission and Vision.

Tim Wagner
Tim Wagner’s love of the outdoors and all its wonders is directly connected to his Iowa farm roots, where he first learned to appreciate the beauty of the Monarch and the tug on the lure in that deep pool. That awareness would eventually lead him to a full time career in conservation and environmental protection. This included more than two decades in Utah working on climate protection and energy policy, stewardship of the West’s vast public lands, water and air quality, and eventually back to Iowa where he recently retired from the Izaak Walton League in his advocacy for regenerative agriculture practices and policies to protect Iowa’s precious soils and water. He lives in Decorah, Iowa with his wife, Shawna where he enjoys the coldwater streams of northeast Iowa, the local bike trails, and canoeing the rivers of the Driftless.
CAROLYN BUCKINGHAM
STEVE HOPKINS
DAVID KEMP
David Kemp grew up on a farm in NE ND. He is a lifelong fisherman now pretty much a fly fisherman & spin fisherman. He has a BS in Biology & medical degrees from U of North Dakota & Iowa. He did his Pediatric residency at U of Iowa & practiced Pediatrics in Dubuque for 35 years. David is retired except for seasonal farm work on his son’s organic farm in MN. David is married & enjoys being a grandfather. David loves the Driftless Area generally & considers it a rare environment of much value personally & for public uses. In addition to fishing, Dave enjoys hiking, canoeing & nature study. David is a gun owner but do little if any hunting. David believes in conservation, clean water & involving the generations that are following his in outdoor activities. David has some ability to “talk farming” & appreciate farmers who are motivated to maintain healthy soils.
MIKE BIDERMAN
Mike Biderman is a personal injury attorney who lives and practices law in Iowa City. After earning his undergraduate and law degrees at the University of Iowa, Mike moved to Fairbanks, Alaska where he served as a public defender for over six years and had the privilege of experiencing numerous Alaskan outdoor adventures. Mike moved back to Iowa City in 2011 with his wife Carolyn Buckingham. Since moving back to Iowa, Mike & Carolyn spend much of their free time at their off-grid cabin in rural Allamakee County near a Coldwater stream, where they share their love of the outdoors with their two young children.
DAVE JONES
TOM MURRAY
KATE LODGE
DAVE KLEMME
KAYLA BOURQUIN
Kayla has spent a lifetime exploring the Driftless Region and has called all four corners of it home. An avid outdoors enthusiast, Kayla has paddled the entire Upper Iowa River and is working her way through the Turkey River. She also enjoys camping and loves to hike. Dabbling in fly fishing, Kayla often gets happily sidetracked by birdlife, insects, and native plants. Kayla shares these adventures with her husband and a dog who’s always up for the path less traveled. Passionate about the connections between ecological and human health, Kayla is dedicated to preserving cold water resources and the natural beauty of the Driftless Region for future generations.
ANDREW HOSMANEK
LIZ SIEPKER
Liz has a passion for many outdoor pursuits and preserving them for the enjoyment of future generations. Liz understands that ecological health is directly connected to human health and continues to be a lifelong steward of the natural world that supports all of humanity. Liz believes that through collaboration and open dialogue the Driftless region and its natural resources can remain an ecological gemstone that pays homage to its former inhabitants and those yet to embrace its beauty.
BILL SILVERMAN
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Get in touch


    WE ARE ACCEPTING NEW PROJECTS.

    Funding Request Form



    Iowa Coldwater Conservancy

    secretary@iowacoldwater.org