This article was written and posted on INHF's website in April 2007.
Iowa’s conservation supporters are enthused by recent legislative action this session, according to a group representing 36 of the state’s leading conservation organizations.
The state’s Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) program is on course, so far, to receive $15.5 million from gaming revenues, a 40 per cent increase over the levels received in the last four years, but still less than the authorized $20 million level. Final action is yet to come, but natural resource enthusiasts appear hopeful. The Joint Appropriations Committee for Agriculture and Natural Resources recently recommended the action with overwhelming bi-partisan support.
“REAP is finally on its way toward the full funding of the $20 million per year it was intended to have,” said Mark Ackelson, co-chair of the REAP Alliance which he says represents more than 100,000 Iowans who are members of conservation groups. “We are very grateful to the legislators who see that REAP is so helpful and so appreciated by many, many Iowans,” he said.
The REAP program provides funding to several popular programs, including city, county and state parks, local water quality projects, habitat and historical resource protection, roadside vegetation and conservation education. Created by the legislature in 1989, the REAP Act also has created a large network of Iowans involved in implementing REAP in their own communities. According to Ackelson, “All of these projects are investments in Iowa, our natural and cultural heritage and our economy.”
“REAP projects return economic and quality of life benefits throughout the state, far in excess of their cost,” according to Rich Leopold, Director of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. He said Iowans who want to become involved in REAP can go to www.iowareap.com to learn more and sign up for its free news service.
For more information, e-mail Cathy Engstrom, Director of Communications, or call (515) 288-1846.
