Iowa State Honors IDALS Water Chief as "Extraordinary Partner"

AMES, Iowa — The government official who oversees water programs for the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) was honored July 7 by Iowa State University. Dean Lemke, IDALS water resource bureau chief, was presented the Impact Award for Extraordinary Partnership by Wendy Wintersteen, endowed dean for Iowa State University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. "Dean Lemke recognizes the importance of Iowa farmers producing food and fiber from our abundant soil and water resources, and the responsibility of doing so using sustainable methods," said Wintersteen. "While targeting his efforts towards agriculture, Dean maintains a balanced stance for all Iowans." Lemke was recognized during the Iowa-Mississippi Farmer to Farmer Exchange. In late May, a group of Iowa farmers and agricultural leaders traveled to Mississippi to participate in the first leg of the exchange, which is focused on developing relationships between agricultural leaders in both states and promoting the sharing of information and technologies to address the hypoxic area in the Gulf of Mexico. The Iowa group hosted a delegation of Mississippi farmers July 7-10. Lemke is a member of the Mississippi River Gulf of Mexico Watershed Nutrient Task Force, a five-state group of state agency personnel that oversees activities related to water quality and problems of hypoxia in the Gulf of Mexico. The farmer-to-farmer exchange was a part of the task force's efforts. He also coordinates the activities of the Upper Mississippi River Sub-Basin Hypoxia Nutrient Committee. Wintersteen said Lemke's balanced vision helps bridge urban and rural stakeholders in addressing issues that could cause conflict. "Dean works to find common ground upon which opposing views can jointly build working relationships," she said. "He is a dedicated contributor to numerous projects that have helped link Iowa State research with producers." In 2000, Dean Lemke began working with Iowa State researchers to develop the Iowa Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP). The program provides planning and financial support for the construction of nitrogen-removal wetlands that filter water from cropland. In addition to CREP, Lemke is the administrator responsible for another five IDALS programs related to watershed protection and water quality projects, including agricultural drainage well research and closure, and research funding for nutrient reduction strategies. Lemke was the motivating force in reestablishing the Iowa Water Resources Research Institute at Iowa State, which has been renamed the Iowa Water Center. He has been actively involved in finding ways to link sound research with in-field application through numerous demonstration programs. Lemke was born in Hampton, Iowa. He received a bachelor's degree in agricultural engineering from Iowa State in 1972. Prior to joining the IDALS staff, he directed the livestock compliance efforts for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Lemke is a registered professional engineer. He also operates and manages family farms in north-central Iowa.