September 8, 2025

Cleaner waterways, updated recreational opportunities and a boost to economic development are a few of the outcomes of a partnership between two statewide organizations. The Great Outdoors Foundation and Iowa Confluence Water Trails are leading an effort to activate water trails and improve conservation efforts throughout the state. Their projects have found success with public-private partnerships, as the groups’ goals overlap with that of business and government interests: attracting and retaining residents.