Iowa's natural resources are at a crossroads. In one direction there are over 500 impaired lakes, streams, and rivers, erosion of rich agricultural soil, continued loss of wetlands, loss of waterfowl and other wildlife habitats, and catastrophic flooding events. In the other direction is an option that will provide sustainable and dedicated funding to conserve the natural resources that contribute to the quality of life and economy of the state. On November 2, Iowans have the ability to turn the corner and
vote for permanent, secured funding that will go toward protecting and improving Iowa's water, land, fish and wildlife habitats, and outdoor recreation areas for themselves and future generations.
"We've worked extremely hard to get this measure on the ballot, and we've asked Iowa voters to unite and protect our state's natural resources by voting ‘Yes'," said Ducks Unlimited Iowa State Chairman James Roetman of Pocahontas.
By voting "yes" for Question 1 on the ballot, Iowans will be voting to approve a constitutional amendment that will create the Natural Resource and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund. This trust fund:
- will be a permanent, constitutionally protected and additive funding source allocated to protecting the state's water quality, agricultural soils, natural areas, wetlands, and fish and wildlife habitats;
- has governor approved legislation that defines how trust fund dollars will be allocated and invested toward protection and enhancement of Iowa's natural resources and outdoor recreational amenities (see graph on how funds will be distributed).
Where will the money come from?
- The trust fund revenue will come from allocating 3/8 of one percent from sales tax revenue the next time the Iowa Legislature approves a sales tax increase.
- The trust fund will not be funded until the sales tax is raised in the future as the state deems necessary.
"DU has worked closely with many other organizations and supporters to build strong support for this effort," Roetman said.
The Iowa Water & Land Legacy Amendment is strongly supported by a broad coalition of sportsmen, conservationists, environmental leaders, businesses, agricultural interests, and outdoor recreation groups. DU is part of the Iowa's Water and Land Legacy coalition that has been working for three years to establish the Natural Resource and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund. DU is involved in this effort because of the significant wetland loss Iowa has undergone and the impacts that loss has on waterfowl.
DU representatives also served on the legislatively created Sustainable Natural Resources Advisory Committee that provided recommendations for the legislation that determined how money from the trust fund will be distributed. These recommendations were based on specific natural resource needs and current funding shortfalls estimated at approximately $150 million per year. According to the advisory committee, Iowa ranks 47th nationally in current conservation spending and 49th in total public land ownership.
At least three other states have amended their respective constitutions to provide dedicated funding for natural resource conservation including Missouri in 1976, Arkansas in 1996 and
Minnesota in 2008. These funding resources have helped the state agencies partner with DU and further conservation efforts in those states.
Support for funding the conservation of wetlands and other natural resources in Iowa will help abate flood waters, protect drinking water resources, provide valuable recreational opportunities, and support the agriculture and other industries. Please Vote "yes" for Question 1 on November 2.