2005 legislature sets good conservation precedents

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This article appeared in the Summer 2005 edition of INHF's magazine.

by Mark Ackelson

	photo by Mike Godby, Iowa DNR
	Caption: Lake Rathbun’s Honey Creek Resort Park, Iowa’s first destination park, received bonding authorization from Iowa’s 2005 legislature. According to an independent biological survey team studying the site, “Park development and biological integrity can exist….This is an exceptional opportunity to demonstrate not only the value of incorporating natural biological value as an attraction for a park facility, but also to demonstrate that we have the conviction and ingenuity needed to accomplish it.”

Iowa’s legislators deserve credit, based on the 2005 session, for recognizing the importance of conservation and recreation funding as investments in our economy and quality of life.

State legislators approved funding for the Wa-Shawtee addition to Waubonsie State Park (an INHF project and first major earmark for a state park expansion in many years), other destination parks, recreational trails, watershed protection, alternative energy tax credits and cultural resource programs.

Of particular interest was the approval of bonding to fund improvements for the proposed Honey Creek Resort Park on Lake Rathbun in southern Iowa. The bonds will be repaid with income from the facilities.

This farsighted plan for Honey Creek has involved many people over the years—but it was the consistent support of local advocates, current elected officials, bipartisan leadership and the tenacious staff at the Iowa Department of Natural Resources that finally made it happen. This project will make a difference not only for southern Iowa but for the entire state—if it leads to more recognition that environmental investments build strong local economies.

Unfortunately, the Honey Creek project took “only” 32 legislative sessions, three governors and five DNR directors. Meanwhile, other promises over the years have been made and broken. While we applaud the legislature’s positive actions in 2005, we can’t wait so long for the next opportunity.

Here’s how the 2006 legislature can extend the vision:

• Fulfill funding promises to the Resource Enhancement and Protection program (REAP), which supports communities, soil and water conservation, wildlife, parks, historic preservation, roadside beautification and conservation education.
• Expand the Reinvest in Iowa’s Outdoors program for restoring our state park structures and facilities and to prepare for the system’s 100^th anniversary in 2020.
• Fully fund the State Recreational Trails Program, which helps local groups acquire and develop trails that reconnect people, communities and nature.
• Plan and invest in other banner parks (destination areas like Honey Creek) throughout Iowa.
• Support the Iowa’s Great Places Initiative, which promises to reshape Iowa and our communities.
• Increase support to clean up our polluted lakes, rivers and streams.

Iowa cannot afford to keep delaying significant investments in our natural resources—clean air and water, protected and restored land and wildlife habitat, trails and parks, soil conservation and conservation education. These programs aren’t luxuries; they’re essential for creating the healthy environment, healthy economy and quality of life that we all desire.

Mark C. Ackelson is INHF’s president.

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