Special interest groups want to alter the Wapsi

The Wapsipinicon River and people living along it are under siege by special interest groups. They want the Department of Natural Resources to tear out the dams to create white-water areas for kayaks and canoes. And, since the DNR claims to have no money, where will this funding come from?

The newest kid on the block is a group called Wapsi Wild, and they want to take over the river from the Minnesota border to Independence. The frontman for this group appears to be a sport shop owner from Waverly who would directly benefit from this venture as he sells canoes, kayaks and related equipment. Of course, the DNR will benefit as well with registration fees for the watercraft.

Sounds like a win-win situation for everyone except the landowners along the river who will be subjected to increased trespassing and litter along the stream. Also, unfortunately, law enforcement on the Wapsi falls under the DNR and they have a poor record when it comes to trespassing by deer hunters.

I believe hunters and boaters have been afforded favorite son status by the DNR because they fund the DNR.

Merle Wilson

Jesup