DNR needs to get its priorities straight

I attended the first meeting of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and the county conservation board held in Independence about the removal of the Littleton dam. I knew from past meetings that it was going to be a waste of time; they don't pay any attention to anyone who disagrees with them. And the removal already was a done deal. They had already qualified for $250,000 in I-JOBS funds (our tax dollars) for the removal.

The DNR refers to the dams as “drowning machines” but the DNR's deer herd kills more people than the dams. In addition, deer cause millions of dollars in property damage every year and the DNR denies any responsibility for that.

I don't believe safety is the issue here; it's money. The DNR readily admits the deer herd generates millions of dollars every year. Have any of you heard them say the deer herd must be annihilated to save lives and stop the property damage?

The sole reason for the removal of the Littleton dam is for kayak enthusiasts to have a white water effect instead of having to portage their craft. Iowa doesn't have natural oceans, mountains or white water.

To make things unnatural, the DNR will changes the lives of everyone living along the river and protests from local people will fall on deaf ears.

Merle Wilson

Jesup