From the Driftless to the Delta: Rethinking Water Protections in the Mississippi River Watershed
Thursday, October 30, 2025
12:45 PM to 02:00 PM
225 Boyd Law Building and Virtual via Zoom
About the Panel
Join the Hubbell Environmental Law Initiative, Iowa Hydroscience and Engineering, Tulane Institute on Water Resources Law and Policy, and The Nature Conservancy for a dynamic panel discussion tracing the flow of water — and policy — from Iowa’s Driftless Region to the Mississippi Delta. This conversation brings together experts to explore how recent federal shifts, including the Sackett decision, are reshaping wetlands and water protections. Panelists will dive into the evolving legal landscape, examine how states are responding to these changes, and highlight why protecting our water resources matters now more than ever.
This panel event, has been approved for CLE credit in:
Iowa (1.25 hours) Activity ID: 429580
Missouri: (1.5 hours) program ID 777558
Wisconsin (1.5 hours)
Minnesota (1 hour)
The graphic header image for this page is from Pike's Peak State Park in Iowa.
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Featured Panelists
Thursday, October 30, 2025
12:45 PM to 02:00 PM
Larry Weber
Larry Weber will provide framing from the Iowa perspective, highlighting research and state-level responses to wetlands and water challenges.
Christopher Dalbom
Christopher Dalbom and Haley Gentry will speak to recent developments in Louisiana, possibly including the Louisiana Water Code project and evolving state-level frameworks for water management.
Haley Gentry
Christopher Dalbom and Haley Gentry will speak to recent developments in Louisiana, possibly including the Louisiana Water Code project and evolving state-level frameworks for water management.
Cody Weisbrodt
Cody will discuss how states are responding to the Sackett decision, offering insights from TNC’s work across multiple states. Cody will outline both defensive and proactive strategies for advancing wetlands protections at the state level.
Accessibility Needs
Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa-sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this program, please contact Blake Rupe in advance at 319-335-5121.
Registration options
Frequently Asked Questions about HELI Events
Where is this panel event located?
The panel event will be hosted in person in Iowa City on the University of Iowa campus, while being live-streamed simultaneously to engage students, faculty, practitioners, and community members nationwide.
For Iowa City event, they will be held at the University of Iowa College of Law, which is located at 130 Byington Road, Iowa City, IA 52242. Attendance is available in person at the Boyd Law Building as well as virtually via Zoom.
Who should I contact if I have questions about this event?
If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to Blake-Rupe@uiowa.edu.
Is this event in person or virtual?
This event is hybrid for attendees, which means attendees can choose between attending the session in-person or virtually on Zoom.
Both in person and virtual registration forms are above.
Is this event recorded or available for later viewing?
Yes, this event will be recorded and posted on the HELI Youtube page after the event concludes.
Please contact Blake Rupe if you have questions about recordings.
Is there parking available for event attendees?
Organizers highly recommend planning your arrival plans ahead of the event, as space by the Boyd Law Building is in short supply. The Boyd Law Building (BLB) has limited metered parking in front of the building. The meters can be paid using change or credit card via ParkMobile, a free mobile app. Learn more about the app here. For general information about parking and transportation at the College, the University, and in Iowa City, please see: Parking and Transportation.
Public parking for this event is readily available at the following lots
- Field House Lot (make sure to go in the Field House ramp entrance – NOT UIHC Parking Ramp 4)
- Parking Lot 14
For those parking in the lots, it is a short walk (1-3 blocks) to the BLB.
There are also UI Cambus buses and Iowa City Transit buses that run frequently to areas close and within walking distance of BLB. You can review that option by reviewing the UI Cambus schedules, the Iowa City Transit schedules, or by looking through the Transit app, which compiles that information into one location (the app).
We do have ADA reserved parking spots for those who require accessible parking. If you need accessible parking, please email Blake Rupe at blake-rupe@uiowa.edu as soon as possible to arrange accomodations for you.
Are food or beverages available for this event?
Food and beverages will be provided for those who register in advance for the in person attendance option in Iowa City at the Boyd Law Building. Please list any dietary limitations or considerations you would like organizers to have when you register for the event.
What should I bring for this event?
We welcome attendees bring a notebook and writing utensils for any reflection or note taking during the event. We also encourage you to bring a reusable water bottle and/or mug to use.
Is there a dress code for this event?
There is no special or specific dress code for this event, but it would be beneficial to dress in layers.
What are the guidelines for respectful participation by all parties?
The University of Iowa is strongly committed to an equitable and inclusive campus. Some of the views expressed through free speech can be offensive to members of our community. We encourage students, faculty, and staff to value diversity, engage in civil discourse, and be respectful of everyone that uses our shared space.
We expect all attendees to participate in this event respectfully. If you have questions or concerns about these policies, please contact HELI at lawmail-HELI@uiowa.edu to learn more.
Is there an agenda or program available for this event?
Event organizers will have updated the program for the day available at the sign in table and on this website.
What is the UI Policy for COVID-19 and Mask Use?
The University will continue to monitor local and national developments and rely on guidance from the Board of Regents, State of Iowa; the Iowa and Johnson County departments of public health (IDPH, JCPH); the Big Ten Conference; and the CDC.
Face masks are not required in most UI buildings, but welcome. Please note that UIHC and other health facilities have separate face covering guidelines. You should feel comfortable wearing a mask if you choose. Please be respectful of one another and do not pressure a student, visitor, or employee to wear, or not wear, a mask. Masks are available at the entrance to the Boyd Law Building and all UI buildings.
Please consider staying home or attending this event virtually if you have any symptoms of COVID-19 and/or if you test positive for COVID-19. The most up to date UI policy for COVID-19 is here.
Can I suggest speakers for future events?
Yes! HELI hosts 3-6 events each semester and we always welcome speakers who can speak knowledgeably about environmental issues. Contact lawmail-heli@uiowa.edu with your suggestions.
Are accomodations available for individuals with disabilities?
Yes! Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this program, please contact the organizer in advance at lawmail-heli@uiowa.edu, or indicate your needs below and we will reach out to you.
Event Recording
The event video recording will be available here and on HELI's Youtube page after the event concludes.
