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 Initiatives

Build an Alliance

Build an Alliance

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

Grow Outreach

Grow Outreach

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

Donate Funds to ICC

Donate Funds to ICC

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

Conservation Advocacy

Conservation Advocacy

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

Iowa Coldwater by the Numbers
73
Coldwater Streams in Iowa
$ 10,000
Dollars raised for habitat
3
Projects completed

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
I grew up on the South Side of Chicago but spent my weekends exploring the hollows of my family’s land in Driftless Wisconsin. I’d show up to school on Mondays smelling of campfire smoke, with burs in my hair, and with deer mandibles for show-and-tell. After college, I earned a JD and Master of Studies in Environmental Law from Vermont Law and my first job post-law school took me to Fairbanks, Alaska. I met my husband Mike in Fairbanks, and we adventured under the aurora and the midnight sun with our sled dog, Ayla. In 2011, we moved to Iowa City, my husband being from eastern Iowa, and we’ve since had two kiddos. I’m in-house counsel for a large transportation company, I occasionally write about water quality issues in Iowa, guide trips with Wander Women Midwest, and I’m an Iowa Master Naturalist and Iowa Master River Steward. When not lawyering, I enjoy spending time with my family outside, particularly at our off-grid cabin northeast of Decorah. I have been an active board member for several conservation organizations, and currently serve as President of the Johnson County Conservation Board.
STEVE HOPKINS
Steve is a Program Manager and Energy Coach with Clean Energy Districts of Iowa (CEDI) in Decorah where he helps farmers and small businesses apply for energy efficiency and renewable energy grants through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). In May of 2024 he retired from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) as Nonpoint Source Program Coordinator, where he managed programs that supported watershed projects and other water quality projects to improve Iowa’s lakes, rivers, and streams.  Steve had been with Iowa DNR for 24 years, had served as the Nonpoint Source Coordinator for 17 years, and has worked in natural resource protection for over 40 years.  He also farmed for 20 years and started up one of the first dairy farms in Iowa to use prescribed rotational grazing practices.  He began his career as a soil conservation intern with the Soil Conservation Service (now called Natural Resources Conservation Service) in Allamakee County, Iowa. He has a B.A. in Human Ecology from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, an M.S. in Land Resources from the University of Wisconsin- Madison, and he completed the Iowa Certified Public Management (CPM) Program at Drake University.
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
Dave is a retired business executive who now has more time to fly fish and support efforts to protect the ecosystems that include Iowa’s trout streams. He is a founding member and current treasurer of the Iowa Coldwater Conservancy (ICC). Dave is past board president and member of the Muscatine County Conservation Board and is still a current member of the Muscatine County Conservation Foundation. He has served as a board member for the Hawkeye Fly Fishing Association. Dave continues to serve on several other non-profit and for-profit boards.
Tom Murray
Tom Murray has lived in the Decorah area for over thirty-five years. He is a founding member and current President of the Iowa Coldwater Conservancy (ICC). In addition to ICC, Tom also continues to volunteer on conservation projects with the Iowa Driftless Chapter of Trout Unlimited, the Hawkeye Fly Fishing Association and the Winneshiek County Conservation Board.
KATE LODGE
Kate Lodge began her introduction to conservation projects and educational activities when she was introduced in 2007 to Hawkeye Fly Fishing Association and soon after, to Trout Unlimited. Kate has been in leadership roles in her local groups, Quad Cities HFFA and Spring Creeks TU. She has held various positions as a State Board member of HFFA and Iowa Trout Unlimited State Council. Kate has been an active participant in Fly Fisher’s International Women Connect, Fly Fishing Women of Minnesota, Driftless Women on the Fly, and co-founder of Iowa Women Fly Fishers. Kate especially loves introducing others to fly fishing and mentoring them as they develop their skills. Though fly fishing may appear to be Kate’s main focus, what she really enjoys is getting her hands dirty on workdays for projects that benefit the entire ecosystem.
DAVE KLEMME
Growing up on a family farm instilled a deep appreciation for hard work in Dave. This early connection to nature laid the foundation for a lifelong passion for the outdoors. Dave's career in I.T. for 35 years has developed a broad skill set and understanding, from troubleshooting and system management to strategic planning and innovation. Dave brings these skills into the outdoors and conservancy. In addition to ICC, Dave is actively involved in Trout Unlimited, as past president of the TU North Bear chapter and currently as chairman of the Trout Unlimited state council. He's also a member of the Hawkeye Fly Fishing Association. Dave's passion for the outdoors extends to his many hobbies of fly fishing, kayaking, and hiking. All of these activities allow Dave to observe the beauty and tranquility of nature, and to understand the challenges our rivers and streams face, and the importance of cold water conservancy and water quality. Dave's journey has helped grow a deep-rooted passion for the outdoors and a commitment to preserving our natural environment. He strives to make a positive impact and inspire others to appreciate and protect nature and our waters.
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.
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
Dr. William Silverman is an Emeritus Professor of Medicine at the University of Iowa. He has been active in advocating for healthcare reform and access, as well as colon cancer screening, as the former Iowa Governor for the American College of Gastroenterology. As a long time educator and clinician, he is very interested in the vitality of the Driftless cold water streams and their effect on human health.
MIKE STEUCK
Mike, who recently retired from the Iowa DNR Fisheries Bureau, has a varied and extensive background that spanned over 35 years working on Iowa’s rivers and streams. A native of the Driftless area, Mike is an avid angler and loves targeting trout, walleye and smallmouth. He and his wife Becky reside in Decorah and take advantage of Northeast Iowa’s natural resources every chance they get. They enjoy angling, biking, canoeing and hiking throughout the area. Mike has a passion for Iowa’s natural resources and strives to continually protect and improve those resources in Iowa.
Andrew Hosmanek
Dr. Andrew Hosmanek holds JD and PhD degrees from the University of Iowa. He has been an Iowa attorney since 2005, and is an Associate Professor of Instruction at the Tippie College of Business at the University of Iowa. He enjoys conservation activities and trout fishing throughout the Driftless area. He chronicles his adventures on the Professor Outdoors YouTube channel.
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