President's Corner
Envisioning Today, Seeing Tomorrow

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by Mark C. Ackelson

In this issue you will see places protected and/or restored with your help. You will see new wetland complexes that provide wildlife habitat and water quality benefits. You will see natural areas that protect threatened species while providing educational and recreational opportunities. You will also see what landowners are doing to protect special wild places and diversity on their properties.

But when you put this magazine down and walk outdoors, you'll see that Iowa remains the most altered landscape in the nation. We have lost 99.99 percent of our native prairie, more than 90 percent of our wetlands and 3,000 miles of streams. This altered landscape-with its degraded rivers, streams, natural areas and loss of plant and animal diversity-directly impacts our water quality, economic well-being, quality of life, biological diversity and health.

I'd like to see Iowa leading the nation in efforts to restore natural landscapes. I'd like to see this state dedicate itself to becoming a center for expertise and leadership in balanced land use. I'd like to see Iowa developing creative initiatives to improve water quality and protect important natural resources. I'd like to see additional conservation research, technology development, demonstrations, training, new businesses, and involvement of a broader community of citizens-urban and rural, youth and seniors.

What we see in five, ten or fifty years depends on what we envision today. It is time to restore balance to Iowa's environment while protecting our rural heritage and communities. Newly created federal programs (like the new Farm Bill) could provide the framework and opportunities-but only if Iowans rise to the challenge. We will do our part-and ask that you continue to do yours as well.

Your conservation partner,
Mark C. Ackelson
President

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