Iowa's REAP Alliance has launched a new online hub where Iowans can gain up-to-date information about this vital Iowa conservation funding program, at www.reapalliance.org.

The Resource Enhancement and Protection Program (REAP) is an Iowa program focused on enhancement and protection of the state’s natural and cultural resources. This includes water quality projects, agricultural soil conservation, outdoor recreation, trails, and historical preservation. Projects are voluntary and most are developed and implemented by local county conservation boards and non-profit organizations.

“REAP is an Iowa success story,” says Iowa REAP Alliance co-chair Mark Ackelson, president of the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation. “We’ve had over 20 years of success protecting water quality, creating jobs, and protecting our agricultural soils. We hope the legislature and Governor Branstad will fulfill the commitment they made during the 2011 session and fund the program at $20 million.”

After the close of the 2011 legislative session, the program was slated for funding of $20 million for FY 2013. The current recommendation for funding in Governor Branstad’s budget request cuts the program by $8 million. This includes a $1.6 million cut to important voluntary agricultural soil conservation programs that improve water quality and improve our farmlands.

At www.reapalliance.org, people can get more details and register to attend the 2012 REAP Lobby Day, scheduled for February 22, at the Capitol in Des Moines, beginning at 9 a.m. The website also features an interactive county-by-county map of REAP projects, a blog, links and more. The official Iowa DNR REAP Program site will still be available at http://www.iowadnr.gov/Environment/REAP.aspx.

The REAP Alliance is a broad, statewide coalition of conservation, recreation, historical preservation interests and sporting organizations that support REAP.