A Century of Conservation: Why Local Partnerships are the Key to Saving Our Outdoors

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This is an article written by the Prairie Woods Chapters of the Izaak Walton League of America and published in the Park Rapids Enterprise. 

In 1924, the Izaak Walton League’s magazine, Outdoor America, published a glowing tribute to a force of nature: the American woman. The League’s founder, Will Dilg, recognized early on that no movement for the "betterment of life" could succeed without the backing of what he called the "finest type of American womanhood. "He pointed to the defeat of the Bursum Bill—a notorious piece of legislation favored by the administration of the time—as proof. While the bill sailed through the Senate, it was stopped cold in the House. Why? Because two million women from the General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) entered the political arena and demanded action.

Today, one hundred years later, that spirit is alive and well right here in northern Minnesota.
As we prepare for Earth Week, the Detroit Lakes and Cass County chapters of the Izaak Walton League (the "Ikes") find ourselves once again proud and grateful for the collaboration of women’s groups. Leaders from the League of Women Voters (LWV) in Park Rapids, Walker, and Detroit Lakes, alongside the GFWC of Mahnomen County, have been working side-by-side with the Ikes to produce the upcoming "Will Dilg" shows. We recognize what Dilg knew a century ago: protecting our natural heritage is a task too massive for any one group. To safeguard our waters and woods, women’s organizations remain indispensable partners.

Today’s threats range from groundwater contamination and industrial agriculture to high-impact boats and vehicles damaging our lakes and forests. The evidence is everywhere; wildlife populations are a fraction of what they once were. Just look at the "bug screens" of the 1970s—a relic from a time when insects were plentiful. As any bird watcher can tell you, when the insects vanish, our entire ecosystem feels the loss. 

During Earth Week, you have a rare opportunity to look back to look forward. Steven Marking will bring Will Dilg to life in a series of performances across the region. We must ask ourselves: "What would Will Dilg do today?" Watch the film trailer here: https://vimeo.com/933763507?share=copy

Can the combined forces of the Ikes, the LWV Park Rapids, and the GFWC mount a campaign strong enough to overcome these growing threats? The honest answer is likely no—not by themselves. It will take everyone.

We invite you to join us to celebrate  Earth Day in Park Rapids at the Armory & Arts Center at 7 pm for "A Visit From Will Dilg." The show will be followed by "table-talk" sessions where we can discuss these local issues while enjoying free Manoomin Porridge. Please click on this site to purchase your tickets: https://donorbox.org/events/919479: Tickets are available at the door but there is a discount to buy early. 

A century ago, women stepped up to save our outdoor heritage. Today, the call is sounding again. We hope to see you there.

A Visit From Will Dilg: (How one man moblized people to lobby Congress to save the Upper Mississippi River)

Experience the gripping story of the man who refused to let the Mississippi River be destroyed.

The Prairie Woods and Cass County Chapters of the Izaak Walton League invite you to a unique multimedia program produced by Steven Marking. This immersive presentation brings to life the legacy of Will Dilg, the driving force behind the formation of both the Izaak Walton League and the 240,000-acre Upper Mississippi National Wildlife & Fish Refuge.

In a masterstroke of 1920s organizing, Dilg forged a powerful alliance with women’s groups fresh off their victory securing the 19th Amendment. By enlisting the trailblazers who formed the League of Women Voters and the General Federation of Women’s Clubs, Dilg proved that a united front could move mountains—and Congress. Today, over 100 years later, all three organizations remain vital guardians of our civic and natural world.

This program is more than a history lesson; it is a celebration of what happens when citizens "call a halt" to environmental destruction.

Join the Conversation

The experience doesn't end when the curtain falls. Following the presentation, attendees will be served a traditional treat of Wild Rice porridge with maple syrup and cream—a nod to the native bounty Dilg fought to protect. Guests will then transition into breakout groups to discuss the urgent conservation issues currently affecting our region.

Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind evening of history, advocacy, and community.

• Tickets: Available now at [https://donorbox.org/events/913753/steps/choose_tickets.

• Location: Armory Arts & Events Center, 203 Park Avenue South
  Park Rapids, Minnesota 56470

• Date/Time: April 21, 2026  Doors open at 6:30: 
  Program from 7 to 8:
  Treats and Breakout groups from 8 to 9. 

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The Redistricting War: How It Affects Voters

On March 18th at 4 pm the League of Women Voters (LWV) Park Rapids will continue its discussion on how politicians, reporters, and pundits are reshaping the rules of voting. To help demystify these changes, our 100-plus-year-old organization continues to host programs designed to educate the public. We are a nonpartisan group; we do not support or endorse candidates or political parties.

The March 18th event will be a virtual program focusing on the redistricting process. While redistricting was once considered a "once-per-decade" task following the census, several states have recently begun mid-cycle redistricting. To help us understand these shifts and how they might affect Minnesota, we have invited Paul Huffman, the LWV Minnesota Elections and Redistricting Policy Coordinator, to provide an expert overview.

Paul works with national and state organizations to provide resources and support to Minnesota Leagues and community groups. He served on the Our Maps Minnesota Redistricting Campaign Steering Committee during the 2022 cycle and has been deeply involved in developing redistricting legislation.
 

Presentation Highlights:

• The Basics: An overview of what redistricting is, why it matters, and how methods vary by state.
• The "Mid-Cycle" Wave: A look at current redistricting trends across the U.S. and the potential impact of upcoming United States Supreme Court decisions (such as Louisiana v. Callais).
• Minnesota’s Outlook: Addressing whether national redistricting trends could take hold here in MN.

This program reflects the League’s core belief that an informed electorate is the backbone of a healthy democracy. Given the unpredictability of March weather, this program will be held via Zoom, allowing you to participate from the comfort of your home or from your winter home. 

How to Participate:
Email lwvparkrapids@lwvmn.org with your name and email address to request the meeting link.
Note: Zoom links will be distributed to registrants on March 15, 2026.

Follow-Up on Precinct Caucuses: What to Know

Link to YouTube video of Precinct Caucuses: What to Know .  This is the video of our zoom call from Wednesday 1/28/2026.  

Link to pdf of slides from 1.28.2026 program 

Secretary of State's webpage with links to their slides and video of their webinars 
(for the caucus webinar scroll down to the Jan. 16th meeting) 

2026 DATES VOTE EARLY
June 26 - Aug. 10

REGISTER IN ADVANCE
By July 21

PRIMARY ELECTION
Tuesday, August 11

VOTE EARLY
Sept. 18 - Nov. 2

REGISTER IN ADVANCE
By October 13

ELECTION DAY
Tuesday, November 3     

 

Precinct Caucuses: What to Know.

 

Over six decades ago, an eighth-grade teacher asked a class of puzzled students,“Who is the government?” When the students guessed the President, the Governor, orthe Mayor, the teacher shook his head. The answer was simpler and more profound:“You.”As we look toward the consequential elections on Nov. 3, 2026, that lesson remains more relevant than ever. Democracy is a shared civic responsibility - a duty to participate so decisions are made by the many rather than the few. In Minnesota, that work begins at the grassroots level with precinct caucuses.

The First Step in the Election Cycle
On Tuesday, Feb. 3, political parties in counties across Minnesota will hold their
precinct caucuses. These meetings are the official starting point for political parties to
determine who will appear on the November ballot for local legislative seats, statewide
offices including Governor, Attorney General and Secretary of State, our Congressional
Representatives and one U.S. Senator.

For many, the process can feel intimidating, but it is the most direct way to ensure
your voice is heard. The core of the caucus is the resolution. If you have a problem you
want addressed at the state or federal level, you simply write it down along with your
desired solution. That’s it. Your idea becomes part of the political conversation.

To help demystify this process, the League of Women Voters of the Park Rapids
Area (LWV) is hosting an educational program and discussion Jan. 28th.  

Our 100 years-plus organization is a non partisan group, who does not support or endorse candidates,
but holds timely programs to educate voters.

The League believes that an educated and well-informed electorate is the backbone
of a healthy democracy. Because weather in January can be unpredictable, this
program will be held at 4:00 pm via ZOOM, allowing citizens to participate from the comfort and
safety of their homes.

How to Participate: Email lwvparkrapids@lwvmn.org  with your name and email address to
request the meeting link.

Note: Zoom links will be distributed to registrants Jan. 26.
Beyond the caucuses, there are many ways to stay involved, whether through phone
calls, emails or letters to the editor. Government is not something happening
to us. It is: We the People; doing the work.

Plan to get involved this year starting on February 3rd. Do not be silent; your voice matters.

Aging in the Heartland: Challenges and Opportunities in Northwest Minnesota

The nonpartisan League of Women Voters Park Rapids Area (LWVPRA) invites the public to a meeting on Wednesday, November 19th featuring a presentation on key health and wellness concerns facing Hubbard County residents. The program will start at 6 pm in the Community Room of the Northwoods Bank at the corner of HWY 34 and Cty RD 6. (Refreshments will be available)

  

D'Anne Johnson, the  Senior Program Manager for Community Health & Wellness at the Northwest Minnesota Foundation (NMF), will be our main speaker.  Her primary focus is on strengthening elder care and supporting the well-being of older adults across the region. Ms. Johnson works with local organizations, service providers, and policymakers to address the evolving needs of the aging population. Her goal is to develop innovative and sustainable approaches that allow older residents to age with dignity, connection, and independence in their communities.

She will share the findings from her work identifying priority concerns and issues in the Northwest region and will be discussing potential solutions. This is a vital opportunity for local residents to hear about continuing challenges and help shape the priorities for local projects here in the Park Rapids area. She will explore how resources like the Park Rapids Community Fund or other programs offered through the Northwest Minnesota Foundation (NMF) could be used to strengthen community support for vulnerable populations.

Adding to the discussion, Connie Carmichael, Director of the Living at Home program, will provide an update on the progress of the consolidated Senior Center. She will highlight how its programs are essential in offering continuous support and resources to our senior citizens.

The LWVPRA requests support for our local Hubbard County food shelf. The public is kindly asked to bring a donation for the collection basket. While food items are always welcome, monetary donations are often the most flexible and efficient way for the food shelf to purchase the specific items they need most.   

Please contact the LWV PRA at lwvparkrapids@lwvmn.org with any questions about this program or for information about joining your local league. 

 

 

LWV PRA Impact by the Numbers for 2024

 

 

 

You can make an impact on our Democracy. 

Join Us

We need your talents, energy and ideas! 

email us at lwvparkrapids@lwvmn.org