Occasion marks the first time CEOs of Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever and Wild Turkey Federation have been together in Iowa
(DES MOINES) – Iowa’s Water and Land Legacy is sponsoring a major legislative day with a stage in the Capitol rotunda tomorrow, bringing hundreds of supporters to the Capitol to roundtable and rally for the WISE solution, which will finally fund the Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund that was created in 2010 with 63 percent support from Iowa voters.
The day will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with special celebrity guest emcee Outdoors Dan Young, and features a number of water quality roundtable discussions in the Capitol rotunda, including a panel on “The Great Outdoors” featuring the national CEOs of Ducks Unlimited(Dale Hall), Pheasants Forever (Howard Vincent) and the National Wild Turkey Federation (Becky Humphries.)
Other programming includes representatives from Iowa’s craft brewing industry, health associations, conservation experts and economic development leaders on why they support the WISE solution for water quality.
A schedule of the day’s events are as follows. Individuals interested in attending may do so by RSVP’ing here: http://www.iowaswaterandlandle
10 a.m. Radio and Television personality Outdoors Dan Young opens the program
10:05 a.m. Lobbying 101
Former state Rep. Doug Struyk discusses with attendees the importance of their voice in promoting this legislation with their state senators and representatives
10:30 a.m. WISE solution co-sponsors
Rep. Bobby Kaufmann, Rep. Jane Bloomingdale and Rep. Dave Heaton discuss their legislation
10 :45 a.m. Next Generation Leadership
University Ducks Unlimited and Pheasants Forever youth leaders discuss what this bill means for the future
11 a.m. Conservation Conversation
Leaders from farming and conservation come together to support water quality and talk about ways in which they’re working together for soil health
11:30 a.m. Real Talk: Public Health Benefits
Dr. Richard Deming from Above + Beyond cancer joins leaders from the American Heart Association, American Diabetes Association, American Cancer Society and the Iowa Public Health Association to discuss the benefits of vibrant trails and recreational system
Noon THE MAIN EVENT: The Great Outdoors Roundtable
CEOs from Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever and National Wild Turkey Federation discuss their support of the WISE solution and why habitat matters
12:30 p.m. THE MAIN EVENT II: BEER SUMMIT
Doll Distributing’s Mark Doll and Confluence Brewing owner Ken Broadhead discuss why the craft brewers support the WISE legislation, joined by Jewell City Council member Rick Young, who is helping develop trails where craft beer is growing in popularity with cyclists on the move
1 p.m. Clean Water and Iowa’s Economy
County supervisors are on the front lines of recruiting new businesses to locate within their county borders. Learn why they’re hearing more about water quality from potential job creators.
1:30 p.m. Wading into Bipartisan Waters
Leaders and die-hard activists from organizations across the political spectrum who don’t agree on much are coming together to support WISE legislation
2 p.m. #FundTheTrust Day adjourns
Becky Humphries, CEO, National Wild Turkey Federation
A long-time champion of conservation causes, Becky Humphries joined the National Wild
Turkey Federation (NWTF) in October 2013 where she now serves as the CEO as of April 10, 2017. She and her staff work with conservation partners to develop and implement NWTF’s trademark program, Save the Habitat/Save the Hunt.
Prior to joining NWTF, Becky served as the Director of Conservation for Ducks Unlimited’s Great Lakes/Atlantic Region from January 2011 to October 2013. Before Ducks Unlimited, much of Ms. Humphries’ career was spent with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, which she joined in 1978. She held a variety of hands-on positions—from habitat biologist to area biologist and then to district wildlife supervisor— and eventually took the reins as the Department of Natural Resources director, a post she held from 2004-2010. She holds a B.S. degree in Wildlife Management from Michigan State University, and was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Public Science by Central Michigan University.
Howard Vincent, CEO, Pheasants Forever/Quail Forever
Becoming the first Director of Finance for Pheasants Forever in 1987, he has been involved with Pheasants Forever as a volunteer and/or employee since shortly after the organization’s inception. Over the years he has also served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Pheasants Forever’s National Board of Directors appointed him CEO and successor to Jeffrey Finden, the organization’s first CEO, in January 2000. A native of Duluth, Minnesota, and a graduate of the University of Minnesota – Duluth, Howard and his wife Wendy live in White Bear Lake, Minnesota, where he enjoys chasing the wily ringneck with his two sons, Marco and Ian.
Dale Hall, CEO, Ducks Unlimited, Inc.
Mr. H. Dale Hall has been the Chief Executive Officer of Ducks Unlimited, Inc. since April 2010. He has led DU into the most financially secure time in their history, and has ensured that Ducks Unlimited continues as the leader in wetlands conservation. Under Dale’s leadership, DU continues to be guided by science and dedicated to program efficiency, works toward the wetlands sufficient to fill the skies with waterfowl today, tomorrow and forever. Mr. Hall served as the Chief of the Fish and Wildlife Service. He joined the Fish and Wildlife Service in 1978, after spending four years in the U.S. Air Force and one year managing a commercial aquaculture operation in Mississippi. He led the Fish and Wildlife Service from 2005 to 2009, leading efforts to restructure national wildlife refuges in the face of shrinking budgets and spoke out in favor of farm bill programs that would benefit waterfowl and other wildlife. Mr. Hall holds a master’s degree in fisheries science from Louisiana State University.
