Iowa Stars in "King Corn" Sequel 
Big River to Show in Des Moines - Thursday, February 18
Fleur Cinema & Cafe - Reception and Snacks at 6 p.m.
An Abbreviated version of King Corn will be shown at 6:45 pm.; Big River begins at 7:45 and a discussion with Iowa farmers follows at 8:15.
Iowa gets top billing in a new documentary film that will soon make its way to Des Moines. The film, "Big River,” tracks the trail of fertilizers and chemicals used to produce a single acre of corn. It examines how farm run-off travels through waterways to eventually reach the Gulf of Mexico, where that pollution causes an aquatic dead zone.
Filmmaker Curt Ellis says they're not pointing fingers at farmers, just trying to highlight how important it is to scrutinize the safety of farm chemicals and help agricultural producers find ways to minimize ecological impacts.
"Farmers are in a tough spot. They're asked by the government, and by the economy, and by consumers to produce as much food as possible, and that means that much of agriculture has become a chemical operation," said Woolf.
"Big River" is a sequel to the documentary "King Corn," which won several awards. There's a screening at Fleur Cinema in Des Moines at 6 p.m. on February 18.
A panel of farmers will hold a brief question and answer session after the films. Tickets and more information are available by calling 515-244-1194, ext 202.
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Environmental Lobby Day
Thanks for letting lawmakers know you care
Iowa Environmental Council staff, members and representatives from our member organizations gathered January 19, 2010, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., on the first floor rotunda of the Iowa Capitol Building in Des Moines. We announced our 2010 legislative priorities at a press conference at 11:00 a.m. You can download a document summarizing our 2010 priorities by clicking on the link in the "What's New" sidebar.
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206 Recreational Lakes Omitted from New Water Pollution Rule 
Public Comments Needed
A newly proposed Iowa DNR rule ignores the advice of their own scientists and omits hundreds of lakes, and the people swimming and recreating in them, from protection from excess nutrient pollution. Please follow this LINK to learn more.
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The Iowa Environmental Council is a non-profit organization, working in collaboration with its member organizations and others, to ensure that Iowa rules, regulations and laws sufficiently protect our water, air, soil, plants and wildlife for current and future generations. Please consider supporting our work. You can make a donation and/or become a member by clicking on the "Donate Now" button, on the blue sidebar.