The Hawkeye Fly Fishing Association and the Sierra Club are joining forcesto protect Iowa’s best trout stream — French Creek– in NortheasternAllamakee County. The groups, along with the Department of NaturalResources and residents from the Waukon and Lansing area will work IN thecreek today. Steve Veysey (vay-see) of the Fly Fishing Association says therelief day has several purposes including raising public awareness about thenearby hog confinement.The groups say Murphy Farms’ four-thousand hogs and one-million gallons ofmanure threaten the creek’s water quality. The Sierra Club and French Creekresidents have filed a lawsuit against the hog operation for real andpotential damage to the creek. Veysey says the creek is one of Iowa’streasures and needs attention.The relief project begins at the creek’s camping area and runs from tenuntil 2:30 this afternoon. Volunteers will construct fish habitats, monitorwater quality, and learn about the effects of livestock facilities.If you are interested in learning more about the French Creek effort,contact the Iowa Sierra Club or the Hawkeye Fly Fishing Association’swebsite.