Local
Nishnabotna Water Defenders File Lawsuit Against NEW Cooperative Over Catastrophic Fertilizer Spill, Citing “Grossly Inadequate” State Enforcement
RED OAK — The Nishnabotna Water Defenders (“NWD”), a grassroots organization formed in the wake of one of the largest environmental disasters in Iowa’s history, announced today that they have filed a lawsuit against NEW Cooperative, Inc., an Iowa-based cooperative with nearly $3 billion in annual revenue. The petition, filed Read more
Local
Golden Hills Update On The Spill
Golden Hills Resource Conservation & Development recently posted new information on the East Nishnabotna River Fish Kill incident that happened in March 2024. The update includes information that the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, the Nebraska Department of Environment & Energy, and the US Read more
Local
Via Western Iowa Today: Earth Day Success: iJAG Students and Community Team Up to Clean Red Oak Creek
Our Earth Day celebration at Dutton Park along Red Oak Creek in Red Oak went very well. Western Iowa Today recently covered our Earth Day event. You can read more about it here. You can also check out our photo gallery of the event on our Facebook page.
Local
Fish in the Nish Watershed Talk
The Iowa Izaak Walton League recently hosted a 2025 Watershed Talk. We recently participated in the discussion, as it was about the Nishnabotna River. Our very own Jodi Reese did the presentation. You can watch the entire presentation below. You can also view a PDF of the presentation here.
Read
Via Iowa Capitol Dispatch: Citizen scientists take to Iowa’s waters to monitor nitrate levels
Citizens around the state are taking matters into their own hands by testing Iowa’s waters to see what the nitrate levels look like. The Capitol Dispatch has more on this story.
Statewide
Chris Jones Iowa Water Quality Presentation
If you missed our first meeting on April 6th, you can check out Chris Jones, Ph.d, speaking on water quality in Iowa. We recorded his presentation for you to watch
Local
Via KMA: Nishnabotna Water Defenders hold first meeting in Red Oak
Our first meeting also included a mention from KMA. You can read more about it here.
Local
Via KMTV: One year after fertilizer spill, Red Oak neighbors take action to protect water
Our first meeting as the Nishnabotna Water Defenders was featured on KMTV recently. You can learn more about it here.
Local
Via KMA: Local advocates urge action from state on NEW Cooperative fertilizer spill
The Nishnabotna Water Defenders recently appeared in an article on the KMA News website. We’re making our presence known in Southwest Iowa. You can read our story here. If you come across a story you feel we need to add to the website, let us know by contacting us.