June 19, 2017
Last Saturday, we returned to the Des Moines River for our 2nd annual river protection flotilla at the Dakota Access pipeline’s river crossing.
“It was nice to have people there who had never been in a canoe before or on the river even though their drinking water comes from that river,” said Mark Edwards of Boone, IA.
Paddlers on the Protect Our River! Flotilla relax along the Des Moines River on June 17th, 2017. Photo: Angie Carter
Seventy-five community members gathered for a press conference, flotilla, river ceremony, and community gathering. Channel 5, Iowa Informer, and Ames Tribune covered the event.
“We are celebrating all that we have achieved over the last three years,” explained Patsy Larson, of Boone, IA, referencing our ongoing collaboration in resistance to Dakota Access’s pipeline and our continued commitment to protect Iowa’s soil, water, communities, future generations, and climate.
We called on the state of Iowa to revoke the pipeline’s permit given the recent federal court decision validating environmental concerns brought forward by the Cheyenne River and Standing Rock Sioux tribes.
Our water has never been threatened by anything with such potential for catastrophe as Dakota Access’ pipeline. The pipeline can transport 570,000 barrels of toxic crude oil per day with the potential of spilling roughly one million gallons an hour. One gallon of oil has the capacity to pollute and make undrinkable 750,000 gallons of fresh water.
“We are working for all Iowans, hoping they will wake up and join us,” said Peter Clay, of Des Moines, IA.
We will keep returning to celebrate and protect the Des Moines River, and you’re always invited!
In gratitude,
The Bakken Pipeline Resistance Coalition
Paddlers pass over the Dakota Access’ pipeline river crossing by the E18 bridge in Boone County, IA. Photo: Mark Edwards