Loss of IGWS staffing hurts us, environment

In July, the Department of Natural Resources will eliminate 16 positions from the Iowa Geological and Water Survey (IGWS). These are the only (full-time) people within the DNR that are losing jobs, even though there are other employees with much less seniority, expertise and experience. It's unclear why the IGWS was singled out for these cuts.

Many of these folks did environmental monitoring and data management, and were paid with non-state funding. There is little money being saved from these cuts. This move will cost Iowa taxpayers, both financially and environmentally.

These folks were some of the brightest, hardest-working and most innovative people in the DNR. They were the future of the IGWS. These losses will make it difficult for the IGWS to monitor environmental changes.

The future of the IGWS is uncertain. There are pending retirements and budget reductions in the coming year.

When you fill a glass of water or drive down a road in Iowa, remember that the IGWS was involved in finding these valuable water and mineral resources, and is trying to sustain and protect them.

Please contact your legislators and the director of the DNR, and tell them that you're concerned about the lack of advocacy and support for the IGWS, and its ability to continue to monitor, interpret and protect the natural resources of Iowa.

Rhonda Rowden

Iowa City