By Mikael Mulugeta
The Benton County Board of Supervisors has selected Adam Rodenberg to serve as the project coordinator for the Middle Cedar Watershed Management Authority.
As project coordinator, Rodenberg will work with the Middle Cedar WMA to facilitate and carry out watershed planning activities, collaborate with IWA partners and stakeholders, and will be especially involved in working with landowners to identify and explore conservation practices for implementation. His role will be vital in helping communicate and disseminate information across the watershed to ensure the program’s effectiveness.
Originally from Garnavillo, Iowa, Rodenberg received his B.A. in ecology & systematics and a master’s in ecosystem management from the University of Northern Iowa.
We caught up with Rodenberg to discuss his new position.
Q: Where did you work before you took this position?
A: I was the Roadside Manager for Winneshiek County. I was responsible for developing and implementing an integrated roadside vegetation management program that utilized approved management techniques and environmentally friendly principles that provided a safe, healthy, and multi-functional roadside. This program included careful use of herbicides, spot mowing, prescribed burning, mechanical tree and brush removal, erosion control, and the use of native perennial vegetation to establish diverse stands of native prairie throughout the counties right of way.
Q: What do you hope to accomplish as a WMA project coordinator?
A: – To successfully execute all aspects of the grant.
– To provide the groundwork for future funding opportunities for additional conservation work throughout the entire watershed.
– To assist landowners, farmers, and communities implement the best management practices that will not only benefit them, but those downstream as well.
– To have a positive, measureable, long lasting impact on the land and water quality within the Middle Cedar Watershed.
Q: How did you hear about the opening and what was appealing about the position?
A: I heard about this position from a colleague through a social media outlet.
There are many positive aspects about this position. It’s close to home and closely relates to my past work experiences. But the big selling point for me is that it provides me with the opportunity to have a great impact on the environment, water quality, and the people and communities within the watershed.
Q: Is there anything you’d like to tell the Middle Cedar WMA and IWA partners?
A: I am very excited to be here and am ready to get to work.
Q: What’s a hobby of yours?
A: I enjoy doing many activities outdoors: hunting/fishing, boating, and hiking to name a few. I am a very active person and love to exercise and play/watch sports, particularly college basketball. I also love to spend time recreating and conducting various conservation activities on several properties that I manage in Northeast Iowa.
Q: What is the last book you read?
A: “Undeniable: Evolution and the Science of Creation” by Bill Nye
Q: What’s your favorite movie?
A: It’s hard to pick just one so here are a few:
Action: The Equalizer
Comedy: Zoolander or Super Troopers (it’s a tough one)
Sci-Fi: The Matrix trilogy
Adventure: The Lord of the Rings trilogy
Q: Where would you like to go that you’ve never been?
A: There are several places I would love to go someday: Alaska, Italy, and Germany.
Q: What’s your hidden talent?
A: I deer hunt with a hand crafted long bow and arrows.
Contact Adam at ARodenberg@co.benton.ia.us or at 319-365-9941.
