www.mvr.usace.army.mil/PublicAffairsOffice/TowerTimes Dan Crone Natural Resource Specialist Saylorville Lake By Hilary Markin or some employees the Flood of Crone. He surveys more than 200 miles “I witnessed the choking smell of burn- 2008 was their first disaster experi- of government boundary line and resolves ing debris under a low hanging artificial Fence testing their abilities to work illegal trespasses and encroachments. “I sky, trees snapped off half way up, and outside their comfort zone enduring long have had to confront many persons for the highest relief point being the highway hours and unpleasant conditions. For oth- using government land contrary to our overpass and debris piles at Corps dump- ers like Dan Crone this was another event regulations. Some of the individuals had sites,” Crone said regarding the aftermath to add to his memories of working for the previously owned the same land prior to of Hurricane Andrew in Homestead, Corps of Engineers. the government purchase for the Saylor- Florida. His exposure to the Corps began when ville Project.” Following the Super Typhoon Pongso- he worked two seasons for the principle na in Guam, Crone was assigned a prob- contractor on the construction of Say- lem dumpsite in Tiyan in the Village of lorville Dam. He directed 16 Caterpillar Barrigada. “Days were endless, hot and earthmovers where and when to unload filthy. Working constantly amidst blow- compactable material on the dam. ing dirt, flies and debris,” said Crone. “I was in awe regarding the planning He also worked the temporary roofing and engineering skill used to design and mission in Puerto Rico following Hur- build these structures that have performed ricane Georges. “I truly felt that we did so well. It also boggles the mind when I some good in Puerto Rico. The disaster think about all of the tracts of land that was well run and as I flew out, it was Corps real estate personnel negotiated gratifying to see blue roofs everywhere,” and procured from so many entities to said Crone. make things come together,” said Crone. Outside of work, one of the Crones’ He would later become a Park Ranger most memorable experiences was their with the Corps of Engineers performing decision to hike to Everest Base Camp. dam safety duties along the same mile- Crone and his wife spent a year studying long structure during the floods of ‘84, and training in (836 feet above sea ‘91, ‘93, and the most recent ‘08. level) for the trip of a lifetime in Nepal. Crone began his career with the Corps “We climbed over 100 miles to Everest at Saylorville Lake in 1979. “The office Base Camp (17,600 feet) and then to then was using carbon paper and the Kala Patar (18,200 feet) and back down project was like the Wild West. We had to Lukla (9,200 feet) in 16 days with 26 a young staff with one station wagon Dan Crone on the climb to Mt. Everest. yaks and 27 Sherpa. Afterward and now, that had a radio with a five-pound micro- we still have a great feeling of accom- phone,” said Crone. A few of those other Crone has never been one to rely on plishment. It remains the most physically young staff members are still there today. television for a glimpse at the outside and mentally demanding thing we have “I have worked with them so long that I world. “Some of my greatest challenges ever done,” said Crone. know what they are going to say before and rewarding experiences with the Corps Slowly but methodically Crone has they speak.” Crone also remarked on the have been while deployed by Emergency visited a lot of places off the beaten path true worker/family relationship that still Management representing our District in around the world and has learned a lot prevails today at Saylorville Lake. the aftermath of hurricanes,” said Crone. from the different cultures. “It has always Since the early 80s, Crone has been He has participated in eight disasters, step- been my intent to experience these things involved with inspecting project dams and ping out of his comfort zone and gaining throughout life, and not leave them to the as the real estate ranger, with the current a better understanding of his strengths and end,” said Crone. title of Natural Resource Specialist. “I weaknesses. Crone enjoys spending time at his fam- am in the compliance business. The job For most of the disaster missions that ily’s cabin on the , the place of requires a bit of outdoor endurance, di- Crone worked he was performing quality his roots, where he sleeps well and actu- plomacy, an even temperament, an ability assurance for the debris removal mis- ally relaxes. It is here that he falls back on to resolve problems, and a sincere belief sion. This often required working in very longtime interests of fishing, photography, in what one is trying to accomplish,” said unpleasant conditions. and expression through poetry.

2 Tower Times www.mvr.usace.army.mil/PublicAffairsOffice/TowerTimes November/December 2008 Tower Times U.S. Army Corps of November/December 2008 Engineers Rock Island District Vol. 31 No. 2 Tower Times Contents November/December 2008 4 A Year of Records for the Rock Island District Col. Robert Sinkler, District Commander District Commander Col. Robert A. Sinkler 5 First-Ever Concrete Breaking Ceremony Congressman Bruce Braley kicks off major rehabilitation Stage III-A Chief, Corporate Communications 6 2008 Flood Recovery Update Ron Fournier Status of levee repairs following 2008 Midwest Flood

Editor 8 Student Environmental Conference Hilary Markin High school students learn about the

9 Signing of Davenport Flood Risk Partnership This newsletter is an authorized Water treatment plant will be protected from 200-year flood event publication for members of the U.S. Army. Contents of the Tower Times are not necessarily official 10 2009 Rock Island District Eagle Watches views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Learn about our nation’s symbol at an Eagle Watch Government, Department of De- fense, Department of the Army, or 12 Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday - Observance Jan. 19 the Rock Island District U.S. Army “Remember! Celebrate! Act! A Day On, Not a Day Off!” Corps of Engineers.

It is published monthly using 13 Fall Forestry Day offset press by the Corporate Com- Saylorville Lake hosts forestry students from Iowa State University munications Office, Rock Island District, U.S. Army Corps of Engi-

neers, Clock Tower Building, Box 14 Winter Safety Tips Tips for driving and walking on snow and ice 2004, Rock Island, IL 61204-2004. Phone (309) 794-5730. Circulation 1,500.

Send articles to Editor, Corpo- rate Communications Office, U.S. On the Cover Army Corps of Engineers, Clock Keith Traynor, St. Paul District Tower Building, P.O. Box 2004, dredge MV Dubuque, moves dredge Rock Island, IL, 61204-2004; or e- material to repair the levee at Two mail at [email protected]. Rivers on November 7, 2008. Photo by Ron Fournier, Corpo- rate Communications.

On the web at: www.mvr.usace.army.mil/PublicAffair- sOffice/TowerTimes

November/December 2008 www.mvr.usace.army.mil/PublicAffairsOffice/TowerTimes Tower Times 3 By Col. Robert Sinkler, District Commander

2008 has been an action-packed year every area. We will estab- for the Rock Island District, and the perfor- lish the new Rock Island mance of the team has been exceptional all New Orleans Support Of- year. Many of us will remember 2008 as fice which will be headed the year of the devastating floods. All five up by Tom Hodgini, a for- will have a program of nearly half a billion of our 300-mile, multi-state river basins mer commander of the St. dollars. To accomplish this additional were hit by floods. Records were broken Louis District. The New Orleans Support work, we will have to change the way we in the Des Moines, the Rock, the Office will be assisting the New Orleans think about ourselves a little bit. We have and the Mississippi River Basins. It is hard District in the design and construction of clearly moved into the civil works big to believe that the water level in Cedar the multi-billion dollar Greater New Or- league for Fiscal Years 2009, 2010 and Rapids was eleven feet above the previous leans Area Hurricane and Storm Damage 2011. record. The speed and professionalism at Risk Reduction System. As most of you know, we have a great which our flood fighting and emergency Our flood recovery effort will continue story to tell. I appreciate it that each of you response teams performed was a model for which will include several hundred mil- help tell it. We are a medium-sized district the Nation. With your assistance, more lion dollars of levee repairs, lock and dam in a relatively small city. Many times we than 200 miles of levees and floodwalls repairs and flood damage repairs at our get overlooked and forgotten about. It is were raised in a matter of days to protect reservoirs. These important projects will important for our future as a public service vital infrastructure and property. Hun- continue to be highly visible, and have engineering organization that we continue dreds of millions (and probably billions) of a significant amount of public interest. to host as many conferences and meet- dollars of property damage was prevented There will be a great amount of pressure ings as possible in the Quad Cities, make due to your efforts. Most importantly, to complete all of these projects early in presentations at National and Regional numerous lives were saved by the techni- 2009. conferences about the great things that we cal assistance provided to local govern- Our “normal” program will also con- are doing, continue to be obsessed about ment officials in their emergency response tinue to expand because of the National doing great things and sharing our best decision making. Within a few short days engineering needs in the five-state area that business practices with others in the Corps after the flooding, our navigation channel we serve. Right now we have more ribbon of Engineers, and continue to serve on Re- was back open for business. Everyone did cutting and ground breaking ceremonies gional and National teams, committees and a superb job. Our National leaders clearly scheduled in Fiscal Year 2009 than we boards. Rock Island District’s light should appreciated the support from the public probably have had in all of the last 6 years shine and never be hidden. servants in the Rock Island District. combined. During this time of economic downturn, The professionalism you demonstrate As most of you know we generally have it is important that we do all that we can daily, and the Midwest values and work more work lined up for over the next three to strengthen our Regional and National ethic exhibited by each of you is clearly years than we have people to accomplish it. economy. It wouldn’t surprise me if we what makes the Rock Island District a To ensure we can accomplish the mission are asked to do even more work in 2009 high-performance family. that our Nation has given us, we will need to support a National economic recovery Most of you know that I do not care as to hire about 200 people in 2009 to replace stimulus package. In 2008, Rock Island much about safety statistics as I do people. those retiring, backfill those who accept District gave more of its contracts to Right now I am more concerned than ever jobs elsewhere, fill our current vacancies Regional small businesses than any other about your safety because we have had and increase the size of our workforce District in the Mississippi Valley Division. a significant increase in accidents where to meet the additional workload we will Our Nation will continue to invest in us people put their job ahead of their per- have. I need all of your help in making as long as we continue to add value to the sonal safety. This trend has to be reversed, these hiring actions occur as quickly as Region by constructing important National and all of us need to be more engaged in possible. I strongly encourage you to start projects, providing important National ser- protecting our workforce. As I see it, the hiring against planned retirements up to 24 vices, support economic development, and primary goal of our safety program is to months in advance to support training and remain a solid, transparent, science-based ensure that everyone makes it to retirement education requirements, and help meet the organization. with their health intact. We owe this to the increased workload. Brandie and I hope that you had a great Rock Island District family. Many of you have grown accustomed 2008 and wish you the very best in 2009. Next year will be even more action to an annual program of a little more than As you know, we both thoroughly enjoy packed, but in different ways. Our support $100 million. With everything we have serving a part of the Nation we call home. to the region will continue to increase in going on in the Rock Island District, we

4 Tower Times www.mvr.usace.army.mil/PublicAffairsOffice/TowerTimes November/December 2008 To signify the begin- ning of Stage III-A rehabilitation on Lock & Dam 11, ceremony participants used sledge hammers to break concrete. From left, Mary Day, re- gional director, Sena- tor Charles Grassley’s Office; Mayor Roy D. Buol, Dubuque; Congressman Bruce Braley; and Col. Rob- ert Sinkler, District Commander.

First-Ever Concrete Breaking Ceremony By Hilary Markin espite temperatures in the employment crisis during the Great De- ment of roller and Tainter gate chains; single digits and snow falling, the pression. installation of new pocket wheels; re- Dgroundbreaking ceremony for the “I can’t think of a better metaphor of moval, relining, and reinstallation of roller U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ $8.5 mil- why we’re here today,” he said, citing gate and Tainter gate machinery brake lion Lock and Dam 11 major rehabilitation President-elect Barack Obama, who has shoes; removal and replacement of speed project, Stage III-A took place at Lock and proposed spending on infrastructure proj- reducer seals on Tainter gate and roller Dam 11 in Dubuque, Iowa, on Dec. 16. ects like locks and dams and highways as a gate machinery; removal and replacement Ceremony participants included way to stimulate the economy. of Tainter gate trunnion pin and bushing; Congressman Bruce Braley; Mayor Roy “The recovery program is going to be removal of service bridge timber planking D. Buol, Dubuque; Col. Robert Sinkler, a massive investment in infrastructure and installation of steel grating; removal commander, Rock Island District; and because that’s going to create jobs, it’s and replacement of service bridge hatches; Matt Binsfeld, chief operating officer, going to put people to work, and it’s going removal and replacement of below deck J.F. Brennan and Civil Constructors Joint to improve our ability to transport goods, Tainter gate pier grating; concrete pier Venture. services and people throughout the coun- repairs; removal and disposal of lockwall The Stage III-A contract was awarded try,” said Braley. abutment stairwell roof structure; removal to J.F. Brennan, LaCrosse, Wis., for a In his first term in Congress, Braley and replacement of selected operating total of $8,538,506. Construction at Lock helped secure $5.1 million for rehabilita- houses’ concrete roof panels, EPDM and Dam 11 is part of the Corps’ major tion and repair at the lock and dam. He roofing, and roof drains; removal and re- rehabilitation program which began on the noted that for every billion dollars invested placement of operating houses steel entry Mississippi River in the 1980s to improve in infrastructure, 40,000 jobs are created. doors; and miscellaneous mechanical and the efficiency, durability and reliability of “That puts people to work,” Braley electrical work. the navigation locks and dams. Lock and said. “It puts money back into the federal Stage III-A is the third of four stages of Dam 11 has been in operation since Sept. treasury. It attracts people to stay and work a $72.1 million rehabilitation of the lock 14, 1937 and as the structure and equip- in communities just like this. It’s a smart and dam which is targeted for completion ment approach the end of their projected investment for our long-term economic in 2012. lives, breakdowns and failure of equip- recovery.” Craig Reber, Telegraph Herald, con- ment become more probable. The Stage III-A involves the rehabilita- tributed to this article. Braley said Lock and Dam 11 was tion of the navigation dam. It will consist placed in Dubuque to alleviate a major of minor demolition, repair and replace-

November/December 2008 www.mvr.usace.army.mil/PublicAffairsOffice/TowerTimes Tower Times 5 By Hilary Markin

he June 2008 Midwest Flood caused an enormous amount Repair Status Highlights of property damage and the recovery process is in full As of this writing, five levee breach repairs have been com- Tswing. More than 200 counties in five states were heavily pleted at Two Rivers (Iowa), Henderson #2 (Illinois), Gregory impacted by the flooding and are working to rebuild their com- () Breach #2 and #3, and Union Township (Missouri). munities and lives. The Rock Island District responded to the Contracts have been awarded for the remaining breach repairs and flood by deploying nearly 300 employees throughout the Upper work has begun on many of them. This would not have been pos- Mississippi River Valley to provide technical and flood-fight com- sible without the hard work and dedication provided to the Rock mand support. We also provided nearly 13 million sandbags, 100 Island District from the St. Paul District. The Mississippi River pumps, and more than 30 miles of plastic to assist local communi- Maintenance Crew also went above and beyond to help speed up ties and levee districts in their flood fight effort. the repair process. During the floods everyone was watching the levees. In all, there were 13 levee overtopping incidents due to the rising Examples of Completed Work: flood waters. The levees were designed to provide time for local The Mississippi River breach in the Two Rivers Levee Drain- emergency management officials to safely evacuate residents and age District was completed three weeks ahead of schedule. The they did just that, even though some of them overtopped. Now breach was repaired by the St. Paul District dredge crew of the the recovery process and rebuilding of these levees is critical to MV Dubuque who were able to mine sand from Huron Chute and accomplish prior to the next high-water event. place it in the breach. They were also able to stockpile some ma- In cooperation with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Headquar- terial for the later wave-wash repairs that will occur in the spring ters, Division leadership and partner agencies at the local, state, of 2009. and federal level, the District is fully engaged with flood recovery In the Union Township Levee Drainage District, Breach #3 operations for the levee systems. It is the District’s goal to have was filled by the St. Paul District dredge crew of theMV Goetz. all levee breaches repaired by 21 March 2009. The site was first prepared by the Mississippi River Maintenance Repairs to flood-damaged levee systems and flood risk man- Crew who removed large trees from the breach and scour holes. agement projects within the 78,000-square-mile jurisdic- tion of the District following a flood event are authorized by Public Law 84-99 (PL 84-99). To be eligible under this law, a levee system of a flood risk management project has to be inspected and certified by the Corps to be able to provide the design level of protection. To date, the Rock Island District has performed dam- age survey reports on 35 levee systems with the damages ranging from minor erosion to a major overtopping inci- dent. These assessments helped the Corps prioritize the repairs to re-establish the system to once again protect lives and property.

At left, the crew of the MV Dubuque complete the Mississippi River Levee breach at Two Rivers. Above, the Mississippi River Maintenance Crew unloads material from a barge at Site 1 of the Oquawka Reach Dredge Material Management Program.

6 Tower Times www.mvr.usace.army.mil/PublicAffairsOffice/TowerTimes November/December 2008 At left, members of the MV Goetz from the St. Paul District move material to repair a levee breach in Union Township. Above, members of the MV Dubuque, St. Paul District, re- move debris at Union Township.

Levee Task Force (ILTF) to provide a uniform approach to flood recovery across the region impacted by the Midwest floods. Interagency Levee Work Groups will operate in state Joint Field Offices to review assistance requests from local enti- ties, evaluate non-structural alternatives (creation of expanded During material placement the Goetz crew did additional prep by floodways and ecosystems), and participate in the levee restora- removing smaller debris and clay “contaminants” from the levee tion process. The Rock Island District is the lead for the states of core. A stockpile of material is also available for wave-wash Illinois and Iowa. repairs this spring. This joint effort will hopefully help facilitate the healing pro- These are just examples of the work that has been done by cess to areas damaged by the Midwest floods. For more informa- the dredge crews of the MV Dubuque and MV Goetz from the tion on the ILTF visit their website at www.iwr.usace.army.mil/ St. Paul District and the Rock Island District’s own maintenance iltf/. crew. The coordination and cooperation has proved to be very The 2008 Levee Flood Recovery Team has been working ex- successful allowing the completion schedule to remain on target. tremely hard and continues to do so. They have multiple weekly One of the biggest challenges the recovery team has faced was meetings to discuss status updates and issues that need to be ad- the lack of available dredges. This caused a delay in contracts dressed. They have also been working hard to get information out being awarded to do the repair work. The other challenge has to the public by updating their website regularly and created an been the early freeze and cold weather making work difficult and informative newsletter. The most challenging and rewarding part equipment stranded. has been that new news is old news. Progress is constantly being The maps created using Geographical Information System made in the field making it hard to keep status reports up to date. technology during the flood-fight efforts continue to be an asset For more information on the 2008 Midwest Floods visit the during recovery. The maps are updated as work is completed Rock Island District website at www.mvr.usace.army.mil and and levees are returned to pre-flood conditions. These maps have select the 2008 Flood and Recovery link. been a very valuable communication tool providing up-to-date information on the recovery status for all affected areas and entities.

What the Future Holds The Corps of Engineers is leading a collaborative regional approach to the long-term restoration of flood management sys- tems damaged by the June 2008 Midwest Floods. The Corps is working with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and The dredge MV Goetz from the St. Paul District stationed in the other federal, state, and local agencies as a Regional Interagency Mississippi River while working on the Gregory breach.

November/December 2008 www.mvr.usace.army.mil/PublicAffairsOffice/TowerTimes Tower Times 7 By Sharryn Jackson, Programs and Project Management

At left, Dennis Weiss, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, is teaching students how to identify different species found in the Mis- sissippi River. Below, participants watch a demonstration on the newly installed perme- able pavement at Swiss Valley Nature Center in Dubuque County.

hey say that education is a never ending process, and being able to nurture that process by teaching others about your passion is not something that very many people get the op- hauled previously set fish nets onto the boats for a lesson on the T identification of fish species. After a discussion about the diversity portunity to do. Such an opportunity, however, was experienced by seven individuals passionate about the environment, the river, and of native mussel species, the students tried to gather and identify working together to preserve and sustain this planet at the second mussels to learn about invasive species. The students Student Environmental Conference held October 2-3, 2008 at the cleaned some of the fish from the nets and Denny treated them to a National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium in Dubuque, fish fry when they returned to the museum. The evening was open Iowa. This intensive two-day workshop brought 15 high school for exploring all the different museum exhibits and was highlighted students and their teachers together with major river stakeholders by the opportunity to sleep in the state rooms or the crew’s quarters to learn about and experience the river and the land environment. on the William M. Black dredge boat. Under the coordination of Mark Wagner, Education Director at On the morning of Day 2, Theresa Weiss took the group into the National Museum and Aquarium, state and federal staff from Catfish Creek Watershed adjacent to the river where six different agencies engaged the students and teachers in field they observed soil and water conservation “best management prac- trips, educational programs and hands-on learning lessons that al- tices” on farms and watersheds, viewed erosion and learned about lowed them to experience new ideas and things they may the impacts of different crops on erosion. have never seen if it were not for this conference. The staff includ- The conference concluded with afternoon breakout sessions ed Bill Franz (Environmental Protection Agency), Dorie Bollman in which the students developed ideas for environmental projects and Hilary Markin (Corps of Engineers), Pam Steinhaus (Fish and to implement at their school or in their community. This activity Wildlife Service), Theresa Weiss (Natural Resources Conserva- helped the students to think and react to how they feel about envi- tion Service), Mike Steuck and Denny Weiss (Iowa Department of ronmental problems, and about what they can do about these prob- Natural Resources). The teachers and students represented Dav- lems as individuals, or as a class. Students used their creativity and enport West High School, Davenport, Iowa; Linn-Mar Community the information learned about the environment at the conference to High School, Marion, Iowa; Belvidere High School, Belvidere, Ill.; verbally and visually editorialize on environmental problems. and Rock Island High School, Rock Island, Ill. An underlying purpose of this conference was to get students Day 1 began with a field trip to Eagle Point Park. Staff presen- at this level to understand and care about resources, and perhaps tations highlighted the different agency programs that focus on the to spark some interest in pursuing a career in science. Feedback Mississippi River watershed problems and issues, gave a perspec- such as “everything was fabulous,” “the museum is awesome,” and tive on federal initiatives, and focused on how agencies partner “very pleased with the information and activities,” helped organiz- together to solve problems through collaboration. A virtual lock ers know that their time was well spent. And responses such as and dam tour took place from the park bluff overlooking the river. “would like more hands-on activities,” “need a little background After lunch everyone set out on boats for an exciting hands-on knowledge of what a watershed is,” and “would like to go through experience provided by Denny Weiss and Mike Steuck. They the lock and dam on a boat,” will be used to start the planning talked about the history and diversity of fish in the river, and then process for the next conference.

8 Tower Times www.mvr.usace.army.mil/PublicAffairsOffice/TowerTimes November/December 2008 The Davenport Water Treatment Plant was surrounded by clay levees during the 2008 Midwest Floods.

By Hilary Markin avenport Mayor Bill Gluba and the Assistant Secretary The preconstruction, engineering and design work has been of the Army (Civil Works) Mr. John Paul Woodley, Jr., ongoing for the $9 million flood risk management project. Major Dsigned the Davenport Flood Risk Management Project components of the project include 2,160 feet of flood wall (both Partnering Agreement on November 17. The signing signifies the L-wall and I-wall types), a 200-foot portion of earth embankment, next step prior to the start of construction in early 2009. road and railroad closure structures, interior drainage structures, The original Davenport flood damage reduction project was and an operation and maintenance access road. authorized by Congress for construction on 31 De- cember 1970 to reduce flooding along Davenport’s riverfront from Centennial Bridge to just north of the Iowa American Water treatment plant. Due to the costs associated with the project and the public’s desire to stay connected to the Missis- sippi River the project did not materialize. The high water events since 1993 have caused extensive damage to areas along the riverfront in Davenport. The water treatment plant was threat- ened each time but was able to stay in service thanks Drawing of the flood wall that will be constructed along the Mississippi to emergency flood fighting efforts. These River protecting Reach 1 from a 200-year flood event. events prompted the City of Davenport to request the The project will protect Reach 1, including the water treatment U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to do a reconnaissance study and plant, from a 200-year flood event of the Mississippi River. It will appropriate federal funds to investigate whether there would be a also provide a level of protection equivalent to adjacent communi- federal interest in a flood risk management project for the city. ties including Bettendorf, Rock Island and East Moline. The plant A Limited Reevaluation Study and Report (LRR) was initi- is considered a critical infrastructure element that provides water ated in September 2001. The LRR was approved in June of 2002 to approximately 150,000 customers in Davenport, Bettendorf, and the finding determined that a federal project was justified for and Le Claire. Reach 1.

November/December 2008 www.mvr.usace.army.mil/PublicAffairsOffice/TowerTimes Tower Times 9 Keokuk Bald Eagle Days January 17 and 18 River City Mall Hours: Saturday, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. & Sunday, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. • Indoor programs and Environmental Fair • Live eagle programs • Outdoor viewing along the River Front • For more information call (800) 383-1219 • www.keokukiowatourism.org

Mississippi River Visitor Center Through February 15 Dubuque Bald Eagle Watch Weekends Only January 17 • Combination eagle watches and Clock Tower tours Grand River Center • Saturday and Sunday times are: 9:30 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m. Hours: 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. • Reservations required. Group size limited. Call (309) 794-5338 • Outdoor viewing at Lock & Dam 11 (free trolley from Grand River Center to Lock & Dam) • Live eagle and bird of prey programs by The World Bird Quad Cities Bald Eagle Days Sanctuary January 9 - 11 • Indoor exhibitors and vendors QCCA Expo Center • For more information contact the Dubuque Ranger Station at (563) 582-0881 Hours: Friday, 4 - 8 p.m.; • www.audubondubuque.org/eagle/ Saturday, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. • Live eagle and bird of prey programs by The World Bird Sanctuary • Special attractions—Scheer’s Lumberjack Show and Niabi Zoo • For more information contact the Mississippi River Visitor Center (309) 794-5338 • www.visitquadcities.com

Muscatine Bald Eagle Watch January 10 Riverside Park Hours: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. • Outdoor viewing at Riverside Park and Lock & Dam 16 • Live eagle programs at 9:30 and 11 • For more information call (563) 263-7913 • www.meetmuscatine.com Eagle Watching at the 2008 Quad City Bald Eagle Days.

10 Tower Times www.mvr.usace.army.mil/PublicAffairsOffice/TowerTimes November/December 2008 Le Claire Bald Eagle Watch Saylorville Lake Bald Eagle Watch January 24 and 25 February 22 Mississippi Valley Welcome Center Saylorville Lake Visitor Center Hours: Saturday, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. & Hours: 12 - 4 p.m. Sunday, 1 - 4 p.m. • Driving tour with eagle watching stops • Outdoor viewing at Lock & Dam 14 • Fun activities at the Saylorville Lake Visitor Center • Indoor programs • Live bird programs at Jester Park Lodge • For more information call (309) 277-0937 ext.120 • For more information call (515) 276-4656

Illinois Waterway Visitor Center and Illinois Audubon Society Bald Eagle Watch January 24 and 25 Illinois Waterway Visitor Center & Starved Rock Lodge Hours: Saturday & Sunday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. • Live eagle programs (free, but tickets are required from front desk at Visitor Center) • Native American Eagle Dancer • Face painting, exhibitors, vendors • Outdoor viewing • For more information call the Illinois Waterway Visitor Center at (815) 667-4054

Quincy Bald Eagle Watch January 25 A participant at the 2008 Quad City Bald Eagle Days ad- Lock & Dam 21 mires the size of an eagle and its nest. Hours: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. • Outdoor viewing at Lock & Dam 21 • For more information call (217) 228-0890 Red Rock Eagle Watch March 7 Central College Hours: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. • Live eagle programs hourly • Environmental Fair • Outdoor viewing at Red Rock Dam (free shuttle from Central College to Lake Red Rock) • For more information call (641) 828-7522

November/December 2008 www.mvr.usace.army.mil/PublicAffairsOffice/TowerTimes Tower Times 11 By Coretta Scott King

he Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday celebrates the life and And though we take patriotic pride that Dr. King was an Ameri- legacy of a man who brought hope and healing to America. can, on this holiday we must also commemorate the global leader TWe commemorate as well the timeless values he taught us who inspired nonviolent liberation movements around the world. through his example -- the values of courage, truth, justice, com- Indeed, on this day, programs commemorating my husband’s passion, dignity, humility and service that so radiantly defined Dr. birthday are being observed in more than 100 nations. King’s character and empowered his leadership. On this holiday, The King Holiday celebrates Dr. King’s global vision of the we commemorate the universal, unconditional love, forgiveness world house, a world whose people and nations had triumphed and nonviolence that empowered his revolutionary spirit. over poverty, racism, war and violence. The holiday celebrates We commemorate Dr. King’s inspiring words, because his his vision of ecumenical solidarity, his insistence that all faiths voice and his vision filled a great void in our nation, and answered had something meaningful to contribute to building the beloved our collective longing to be- community. come a country that truly lived The Holiday commemorates by its noblest principles. Yet, America’s pre-eminent advocate of Dr. King knew that it wasn’t nonviolence --- the man who taught enough just to talk the talk, by his example that nonviolent that he had to walk the walk action is the most powerful, revo- for his words to be credible. lutionary force for social change And so we commemorate on available to oppressed people in this holiday the man of action, their struggles for liberation. who put his life on the line for This holiday honors the courage freedom and justice every day, of a man who endured harassment, the man who braved threats threats and beatings, and even and jail and beatings and who bombings. We commemorate the ultimately paid the highest man who went to jail 29 times to price to make democracy a achieve freedom for others, and reality for all Americans. who knew he would pay the ulti- The King Holiday honors mate price for his leadership, but the life and contributions of kept on marching and protesting America’s greatest champion and organizing anyway. of racial justice and equal- Every King holiday has been a ity, the leader who not only national "teach-in" on the values dreamed of a color-blind of nonviolence, including uncon- society, but who also lead ditional love, tolerance, forgive- a movement that achieved ness and reconciliation, which are historic reforms to help make so desperately-needed to unify it a reality. America. It is a day of intensive On this day we commemo- education and training in Martin’s rate Dr. King’s great dream of philosophy and methods of nonvio- a vibrant, multiracial nation lent social change and conflict-rec- united in justice, peace and onciliation. The Holiday provides a reconciliation; a nation that has a place at the table for children unique opportunity to teach young people to fight evil, not people, of every race and room at the inn for every needy child. We are to get in the habit of asking themselves, "what is the most loving called on this holiday, not merely to honor, but to celebrate the way I can resolve this conflict?" values of equality, tolerance and interracial sister and brotherhood On the King holiday, young people learn about the power of he so compellingly expressed in his great dream for America. unconditional love even for one's adversaries as a way to fight It is a day of interracial and intercultural cooperation and injustice and defuse violent disputes. It is a time to show them the sharing. No other day of the year brings so many peoples from power of forgiveness in the healing process at the interpersonal as different cultural backgrounds together in such a vibrant spirit of well as international levels. brother and sisterhood. Whether you are African-American, His- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is not only for celebration and re- panic or Native American, whether you are Caucasian or Asian- membrance, education and tribute, but above all a day of service. American, you are part of the great dream Martin Luther King, All across America on the Holiday, his followers perform service Jr. had for America. This is not a black holiday; it is a peoples' in hospitals and shelters and prisons and wherever people need holiday. And it is the young people of all races and religions who some help. It is a day of volunteering to feed the hungry, reha- hold the keys to the fulfillment of his dream. bilitate housing, tutoring those who can’t read, mentoring at-risk We commemorate on this holiday the ecumenical leader and youngsters, consoling the broken-hearted and a thousand other visionary who embraced the unity of all faiths in love and truth. projects for building the beloved community of his dream.

November/December 2008 www.mvr.usace.army.mil/PublicAffairsOffice/TowerTimes Tower Times 12 Dr. King once said that we all have to decide whether we "will walk in the light of creative altruism or the darkness of destructive selfishness. Life's most persistent and nagging ques- tion, he said, is `what are you doing for others?'" he would quote ot off the press Mark 9:35, the scripture in which Jesus of Nazareth tells James is a new publica- and John "...whosoever will be great among you shall be your Htion featuring the servant; and whosoever among you will be the first shall be the locks and dams of the Up- servant of all." And when Martin talked about the end of his per Mississippi River and mortal life in one of his last sermons, on February 4, 1968 in the Illinois Waterway System. pulpit of Ebenezer Baptist Church, even then he lifted up the The book includes fact value of service as the hallmark of a full life. "I'd like somebody sheets for the 37 locks and to mention on that day Martin Luther King, Jr. tried to give his 1,200 miles of navigable life serving others," he said. "I want you to say on that day, that I water in Illinois, Iowa, did try in my life...to love and serve humanity. , Missouri, and We call you to commemorate this Holiday by making your . If you would personal commitment to serve humanity with the vibrant spirit of like a copy, please stop by unconditional love that was his greatest strength, and which em- the Rock Island District powered all of the great victories of his leadership. And with our Corporate Communica- hearts open to this spirit of unconditional love, we can indeed tions Office in the Clock achieve the Beloved Community of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Tower. You can also call dream. May we who follow Martin now pledge to serve human- 309-794-5729, or email ity, promote his teachings and carry forward his legacy into the [email protected]. 21st Century.

By Brian Nail, Natural Resource Specialist at Saylorville Lake ach fall Saylorville Lake hosts an all-day field trip for stu- dents studying forestry at Iowa State University. Students Ewho are forestry majors take a special set of classes dur- ing the fall of their sophomore year. This includes three weeks at Fall Forestry Camp and courses designed to give students an early understanding of the many aspects of natural resources and how they are interrelated. Built into this curriculum is a field trip to Saylorville Lake to see a large multiple use project in an urban setting. The field trip is designed to show students natural resource management practices being performed in the field. The sites are not exclusive to forestry practices and often include work Iowa State University sophomores participate in Fall on tall grass prairie, invasive species, wildlife projects or use of Forestry Day at Saylorville Lake. prescribed fire. Due to near record flooding in 2008, the students were allowed to see firsthand the affects of long term inunda- The relationship that has developed between the Corps and tion on shorelines and large scale tree loss due to saturated soils. Iowa State University is very positive. Staff at Saylorville Lake They also saw a demonstration using a tracked Bobcat forestry have worked with the Natural Resource Ecology and Manage- cutter to clear invasive autumn olive adjacent to Prairie Flower ment Department for many years on class projects, volunteer Recreation Area. opportunities and filling vacant positions. It is not the only hiring Another tradition of the field trip is lunch with the staff. Over source for summer rangers and co-op students but more than elk or venison chili, students have a chance to interact and ask 80% have been students from ISU. questions of the entire staff at Saylorville Lake. This interaction Saylorville looks forward to continuing this tradition for is informal and allows the students to learn more about careers many years and maintaining the relationship they have estab- in natural resources. lished with Iowa State University.

November/December 2008 www.mvr.usace.army.mil/PublicAffairsOffice/TowerTimes Tower Times 13 Murtie MacLean, 2008 Combined Federal Sympathy ... 95, of Friendship Manor, Campaign (CFC) Auction Jose “Joe” Coro- Rock Island, Ill., died The CFC is the world’s largest and most nado, 57, of Taylor Nov. 3, at Silver Cross successful annual workplace charity cam- Ridge, Ill., died Nov. Nursing Center at Friend- paign, with more than 300 CFC campaigns 21, at his residence. ship Manor. MacLean throughout the country and internationally Coronado was a deck worked for the Corps and to help raise millions of dollars each year. hand for the Corps the Rock Island Arsenal Pledges that are made during the campaign for 17 years. for 31 years and retired in season support eligible non-profit orga- He was a Ma- 1971. rine Corps veteran nizations that provide health and human William “Bill” serving during the service benefits throughout the world. McDonald, 61, of Mo- This year the Rock Island District 2008 Vietnam War. line, Ill., and Orlando, CFC Auction raised $7,056.00!! Many Robert Newell, Fla., died Oct. 16, at thanks to those who donated items and to 85, of Davenport, Florida South Hospital all the bidders. Ill., died Nov. 2, at in Orlando. McDonald  Genesis West Medi- was a civil engineer cal Center. Newell in the Hydraulics and Retirements ... was a civil engineer Hydrology Branch, Engineering Division Chester Peterson, hydrologic tech- with the Corps for 25 leaving federal service nician, Engineering and Construction plus years and retired in 1978. Division, H & H Branch, Water Control in 1980. He served in the Section, retired Jan. 3, after dedicating 29 Edward Collins, U.S. Navy during World War II and the years and 16 days to the federal govern- 94, of Davenport, Korea War. ment. Iowa, died Sept. 17, Charles “Chuck” at his residence in Darrell Michels, lock and dam Farnham, 77, of Davenport. Collins was operator, Lock & Dam #12, Operations Davenport, Iowa, vice president of sales Division, retired Jan. 3, after dedicating died Nov. 6, at Gen- for Midwest Metals 40 years and 4-1/2 months to the federal esis Medical Cen- and also worked many government. ter—East Campus. years for the Corps of Farnham was a civil Engineers. Ora Walters, assistant lockmaster, engineer with the He served in the U.S. Army during World Lock & Dam #19, Operations Division, Corps for 30 years War II. retired Jan. 2, after dedicating 37 years and retired in 1991. and 11 months to the federal government. Thomas Schink, 54, John C. Hastings, of Potosi, Wis., died Dec. 69, of Lovilia, Iowa, 28, at his home. Schink NOTE died Dec. 20, at Monroe was a shifthead lock & Please send achievements, births, and County Hospital. Hast- dam operator at Lock & obituaries for this page to the editor at: ings worked for the Dam 11. He began work- [email protected]. Corps at Lake Red Rock for over 30 years. ing for the Corps in 1982 Without your input, we may not He started work in 1962 as an engineer- as a lock & dam operator receive the information that enables us to ing aid and retired in 1994 as maintenance in Dubuque. inform the District. foreman. He was an avid outdoorsman and He served in the Army a skilled maintenance worker. during the mid 1970s.

14 Tower Times www.mvr.usace.army.mil/PublicAffairsOffice/TowerTimes November/December 2008 support, sacrifice for Corps Thanks to our employees who are deployed or have completed duty in support of the Global War on Terrorism, as well as those who are de- ployed or have completed duty in support of Natural Disaster Relief

Thank You For Serving! A listing of all the current District em- ployees who are, or have been, involved in supporting the Global War on Terrorism and Natural Disaster Relief Operations can be seen on the District’s Internet at:

www.mvr.usace.army.mil/PublicAffairsOffice/ TowerTimes/support-for-corps/support-for-corps. htm

By Troy Larson, Chief of Safety and Occupational Health inter is the most dangerous time passes may freeze first. front of the tires gives them something to of the year to travel. Below are a • Ensure window wipers do not become grip on to. Wfew tips for driving and walking frozen to the windshield. Consider replac- • If that fails, rock the vehicle forward and on snow and ice. ing your original wipers with winter wiper backward in rapid succession until free. blades that are less likely to collect ice Driving in snow and ice: buildup. Walking on snow and ice:

• Clear snow and ice off all windows, head- Stuck or stranded in a vehicle: • Report or prevent slick areas by clearing lights, taillights, mirrors, and license plates snow and ice from foot traffic areas. before driving. Stop the car when necessary • When planning travel, share your travel • Slow down and expect surfaces to be to keep windows clear. Check your tire route, possible alternate routes and planned slick. If possible avoid tricky situations and pressure once a month, cold temperatures arrival time with someone. plan a safe route for your walk. Remember can cause low tire pressure. • If you have a cell phone bring it. floors become slick near entrances, use a • Slow down! Wear seat belts and never • Have a winter safety kit in your vehicle. rug and wipe your feet! drink and drive. You can never be prepared for everything • Wear proper footwear with traction and • Put extra (more than normal) distance but at a minimum have the following; a use handrails when available. Avoid carry- between you and the car in front of you. bag of sand (or cat littler) for tire traction, ing many items, keep at least one arm/hand • Don’t slam on the brakes. The wheels roadside glow stick or flashing safety cone, free for balance and handrails. could lock causing your vehicle to slide. shovel, blanket, flashlight w/extra batteries, • Spread your feet to more than a foot apart • If your vehicle starts sliding, take your jumper cables, warm clothes, gloves/hat to provide a base of support and stabilize foot off the gas, keep your foot off the and a first aid kit. you as you walk. Attempt to keep your brake, and turn your wheels in the direction • Stay with your vehicle if located in a safe center of gravity lower to the ground, which it is sliding to straighten it out. place. Remove yourself from dangerous further stabilizes the body. • Drive on interstates and one-way roads situations. • Take small steps. Some people prefer whenever possible. Head-on collisions are • If you attempt to get your vehicle un- to drag their feet or shuffle them on ice. among the greatest killers on wet or icy stuck, ensure you are safe from traffic and If this feels better to you, then do so. Just roads. start shoveling a path in front and behind remember to place your whole foot on the • Turn on your lights to see and be seen. the wheels. Spread sand in the path you’ve ice at once and keep your base of support • Be aware that bridges, ramps, and over- shoveled. Strips of floor mats/carpet just in approximately one foot wide.

November/December 2008 www.mvr.usace.army.mil/PublicAffairsOffice/TowerTimes Tower Times 15 Incorporating the 2.90% General Schedule Increase and a Locality Payment of 13.86% for the Locality Pay Area of Rest of U.S. effective January 2009. (Net Increase: 3.52%) Annual Rates by Grade and Step

Grade Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4 Step 5 Step 6 Step 7 Step 8 Step 9 Step 10 1 $19,971 $20,638 $21,302 $21,964 $22,627 $23,018 $23,674 $24,335 $24,361 $24,985 2 22,454 22,988 23,731 24,361 24,634 25,358 26,082 26,806 27,530 28,254 3 24,499 25,316 26,132 26,948 27,765 28,581 29,398 30,214 31,030 31,847 4 27,504 28,421 29,337 30,254 31,170 32,087 33,003 33,920 34,837 35,753 5 30,772 31,798 32,824 33,849 34,875 35,901 36,927 37,953 38,979 40,005 6 34,300 35,443 36,587 37,730 38,873 40,016 41,159 42,302 43,446 44,589 7 38,117 39,388 40,658 41,929 43,200 44,470 45,741 47,012 48,282 49,553 8 42,214 43,621 45,028 46,436 47,843 49,250 50,657 52,065 53,472 54,879 9 46,625 48,179 49,733 51,287 52,841 54,395 55,950 57,504 59,058 60,612 10 51,345 53,056 54,768 56,479 58,190 59,902 61,613 63,324 65,036 66,747 11 56,411 58,291 60,170 62,050 63,930 65,810 67,690 69,570 71,449 73,329 12 67,613 69,867 72,120 74,373 76,627 78,880 81,133 83,387 85,640 87,893 13 80,402 83,083 85,763 88,443 91,123 93,804 96,484 99,164 101,844 104,525 14 95,010 98,178 101,346 104,513 107,681 110,848 114,016 117,184 120,351 123,519 15 111,760 115,486 119,211 122,937 126,662 130,388 134,113 137,839 141,564 145,290

Special salary rate tables for engineers and information technology career fields can be found at http://apps.opm.gov/ssr/tables/. National Security Personnel System pay tables are located at www.cpms.osd.mil/nsps/paytables.html. The Wage Grade Salary Tables can be accessed at www.cpms.osd.mil/wage. From that page, choose Wage Schedules, then Current APF Wage Schedules.

DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY U.S. ARMY ENGINEER DISTRICT, ROCK ISLAND CLOCK TOWER BLDG. - P.O. BOX 2004 ROCK ISLAND, IL 61204-2004

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