Conservation Cuts Demand Response

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Mark C. Ackelson

As practical Midwesterners, we know that when times are tough, everyone must tighten their belts. But the recent belt-tightening foisted on Iowa's conservation programs is so disproportionate that our "belt" has become a noose. And if Iowans don't act soon, that noose will hang either this generation or the next.

Cuts and consequences
While Iowa's revenue was down by only 2% this year, its conservation budget was cut by more than a third. Water clean-up programs took the biggest hit, losing more than $40 million. Sustainable agriculture and outdoor recreation weren't far behind.
Despite claiming it would be unfair to divert "dedicated" funds like the road tax to other uses, Iowa's leaders used dedicated fees and taxes from environmental programs to balance the general budget. (For details on these cuts and their consequences, see page 8.)

Call to action
INHF has always taken pride in being a non-partisan organization that focuses on mission over lobbying-and that isn't going to change. But I feel some guilt that INHF, other environmental groups and concerned individuals were blind-sided by the size of these special session budget cuts. Worse, as we assess the damage, we're discovering how many conservation funds had been quietly diverted for years. If we're truly going to protect Iowa for ourselves and "for those who follow," we must become less passive. We must

Communicate
We each must talk with friends, elected officials and candidates about conservation issues. Teach them what we already know: that pollution prevention is cheaper than clean-up, that healthy water and soil are not mere luxuries to abandon in hard times, that Iowa's environmental and economic health can't be separated.

Reverse the cuts
Instead of slashing Iowa's conservation spending to below 1% of budget, let's catch up with other states at 2% spending. Iowa can afford this-and may not be able to afford the alternative.

Keep up the good work
Thankfully, INHF gets no operating funds from state coffers. Though Iowa's budget cuts add new obstacles, we can continue to protect Iowa's land, water and wildlife -- and now INHF's private, non-profit action is more important than ever. As they say in baseball, it's time for each of us to step up to the plate and give it our all. Thanks for your involvement!

For more information, e-mail Cathy Engstrom, Director of Communications, or call (515) 288-1846.