Iowa has what the rest of the nation is looking for—small towns (even our largest cities are small by most definitions), good schools, safe communities and open countryside.
Surprisingly, Iowa is also the most “developed” state in the nation—because our landscape is the most altered. As it happens, our development is primarily agricultural. However, because most Iowans live in towns and cities, we are also considered an urban state.
Some focus only on what we will never have—oceans and mountains—or on what is wrong—impaired waters and limited recreational opportunities. Others contend that, because of the character of our state, Iowans need to accept limited recreational opportunities and negative impacts on our land, water and wildlife.
Nonsense! We can show off what Iowa character is really about by becoming a national conservation model, which would provide tremendous benefits to our land, water, wildlife, people and communities. Our landowners, elected officials, universities, and public and private agencies should develop and export methods to pursue world-class excellence for living in a balanced landscape.
We have made tremendous strides already in the acres of wetlands and prairies restored or reconstructed, watershed and stream improvements, tree plantings in urban and rural areas and more. We are developing a wonderful system of parks, trails and recreation areas.
Iowa can develop and maintain a high quality of life and be the envy of the nation—if we only will.
For more information, e-mail Cathy Engstrom, Director of Communications, or call (515) 288-1846.