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19 July 2010
Iowa’s natural resources are the foundation for our state’s wealth and well being. Our land, soil and water support Iowa’s most important industries, including agriculture, renewable fuels and tourism.
A recent study by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources found Iowa’s natural resources are improving in a number of areas, including water quality and that more Iowans are active in the outdoors.
More than $100 million in state and federal funding was invested in 2009 to stimulate the economy and boost employment. In addition to the immediate economic boost, we’ll enjoy the environmental benefits for years to come. You can see the full State of the Environment report at www.iowadnr.gov/status.html.
Here are a couple major efforts we’ve been working on in the Legislature that you may have heard about this year:
- Preventing future flood damage and improving water quality.
A new Watershed Planning Advisory Council, which includes a diverse group of stakeholders, will make recommendations for water quality and flood damage prevention, while also monitoring existing watershed improvement programs.
Watershed boundaries don’t end at the city limits or county lines. That’s why we also made it possible for local communities to create Watershed Management Authorities. These organizations will bring local governments together to coordinate efforts in a watershed.
To learn more, go to the Rebuild Iowa Office Web site at www.rio.iowa.gov/resources/legislation.html and click on “2010 Watershed Legislative Guide and Overview.”
- Establishing a dedicated fund to support parks, trails, fish, wildlife and agricultural lands.
Iowans will go to the polls in November to decide whether to create a fund to conserve our natural resources. If the Natural Resources and Outdoor Restoration Act is approved by voters, a constitutionally protected fund will be created to conserve Iowa’s natural resources.
