Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation: 2010 Gift to Iowa's Future Day news

DES MOINES – Despite economic challenges, landowners in Iowa stepped forth in 2009 to help protect their land’s natural beauty and resources. More than 37 landowners committed to conservation-related protection of 5,700 acres acres of land last year, representing contributions valued at more than $5 million.

These landowners’ gifts are not fleeting; they’re forever.

As an act of gratitude to the landowners, they will be recognized by state officials at the second annual Gift to Iowa’s Future Recognition Day. The event, on Wed., March 24, will run from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Senate Room 116 of the Iowa Capitol.

“It is a privilege to have the opportunity to recognize these landowners and bring attention to the tangible and enduring contributions they have made to Iowa’s citizens and natural resources for generations to come,” said Richard Leopold, Director of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

“These landowners represent generous citizens who have stepped up over the years to make significant donations of land for the benefit of all Iowans. We are eternally grateful for their vision, leadership and selflessness in providing permanent conservation protection to some of the most environmentally significant land in our state,” said Mark Ackelson, president of the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation. The Foundation assisted many of the landowners who will be recognized with their land conservation donations and the organization will be recognized again this year as well for its statewide conservation contributions.

Other organizations and agencies involved in this year’s land gifts include The Nature Conservancy in Iowa, Whiterock Conservancy, the Iowa DNR and a number of the state’s county conservation boards.

The gifts that will be recognized Wednesday represent fee title donations, bargain sales and conservation easements in 19 counties from individuals, families, businesses and organizations.

For more information, contact Travis Baker at the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, 515-281-8068, or Ann Robinson at the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, 515-288-1846.

Landowners Honored for 2009 Gift to Iowa's Future at Iowa Capitol