This article was written and posted on INHF's website in February 2007.
The state’s award-winning Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) program is not fully funded in the proposed state budget. Iowans who care about conservation will rally to ask Iowa’s new political leaders to restore full funding.
Iowans from across the state are gathering at the capitol building on Wednesday, Feb. 21, to encourage their legislators to increase support for REAP. Since its creation in 1989, REAP funds are divided among a broad spectrum of local projects: natural resource education, historical and cultural preservation, open space protection, recreational trails creation, county conservation, and soil and water enhancement.
“Many important local projects—new parks and trails, water quality, better soil management and habitat protection—are sacrificed each time REAP funds are reduced,” commented Mark Ackelson, current chair of the non-profit REAP Alliance, which is coordinating this legislative event. Ackelson is also president of the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, a nonprofit conservation organization.
Though currently authorized at $20 million, REAP funding has recently hovered in the $10 million range. According to Ackelson, these lost dollars could have drawn further matching dollars from private and local and federal sources.
“Not only do REAP programs protect our natural resources, but they can also have a huge impact on the economic vitality of our local communities,” observed Ackelson. “The cultural and recreational opportunities created by the program have improved local quality of life. They help us get and keep new businesses and young workers.”
Studies performed in Iowa support Ackelson’s assertions. According to a 2001 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Related Activities, Iowans spend nearly $743 million annually these activities. Using information from various trail studies, experts estimate the annual economic impact of Iowa’s trail system at $25-$50 million. Meanwhile, a 2004 Iowa State University survey found that Iowans are willing to pay $35 million annually to improve the water quality in our lakes, rivers and streams.
Anyone interested in participating on Feb. 21 can contact Marian Riggs Gelb by e-mail or at (515) 285-3284. Visit Iowa's REAP site for more information on the program.
Visit this site for a list of past REAP expenditures in YOUR county.
For more information, e-mail Cathy Engstrom, Director of Communications, or call (515) 288-1846.
