The Ames Tribune is reporting that even though the Iowa Utilities Board granted Dakota Access the permits to begin construction in Iowa on the Bakken pipeline, opponents of the project are committing to continue the fight to stop the pipeline from carrying oil through the state.

The Ames Tribune is reporting that even though the Iowa Utilities Board granted Dakota Access the permits to begin construction in Iowa on the Bakken pipeline, opponents of the project are committing to continue the fight to stop the pipeline from carrying oil through the state.

Angie Carter, a member of the Bakken Pipeline Resistance Coalition, said the group has a few upcoming events that are designed to keep the fight alive while having some fun along the way.

“We know we're against this pipeline, we know we want to stop it but it's also important to remember that we are for community building, being good neighbors and standing with those who are on the front lines of this fight,” Carter said.

To show that support for landowners who are refusing to allow the pipeline be constructed without opposition, the coalition will host a press conference at 10 a.m. Wednesday on Dick and Judy Lamb's property off of U.S. Highway 30 in Boone County. The event will feature landowners affected directly by the proposed route and others who are standing in support of their refusal to sign voluntary easements for Dakota Access to cross their property with the pipeline. Carter said they also understand why people have signed the agreements and they want to support those landowners as well.

“I think it's important that people know about the landowner's continued fight because in Iowa they are really on the front lines of this,” Carter said. “We want to show solidarity for landowners whether or not they've signed easements, whether or not their land has been condemned so they know that we stand with them and they are not alone.”

Later in the week, the resistance coalition also has planned a “flotilla” type protest on the Des Moines River that will consist of several canoes and kayaks traveling down river to the spot where the pipeline will cross.

The flotilla is expected to last approximately two hours and will travel from Norton's Ford Access northeast of Pilot Mound to the North Fraser Ramp just north of Fraser, passing along the section of the Des Moines river the Bakken pipeline is proposed to cross. Following the flotilla, the group will host a community gathering at Pilot Mound Community Center featuring food, music and fellowship. Community members are welcome for all or part of the day. The group will have extra canoes rented for those without. That will begin at 11 a.m. on June 25.

“We'll be floating along the section of the river where the pipeline is proposed to go underneath and trying to raise more attention and awareness about the risk that that poses to all of us downstream,” Carter said.

Linda Murken, a member of the Bakken Pipeline Resistance Coalition, said the flotilla will also serve as a way to push the Army Corps of Engineers to deny Dakota Access the permits required to cross the water way.

“This is not Dakota Access's river; this is Iowa's river, and the quality of the water is what's important because Boone gets its drinking water from there … Xenia Rural Water does, the city of Des Moines does. What happens if we pollute this water further?” Murken said.

Source: Ames Tribune

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