Committee Releases Preliminary Report of Sustainable Funding for Natural Resources

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This article was written by the Iowa DNR and posted on INHF's website in January 2007.

DES MOINES — A committee established by the Iowa Legislature to explore sustainable funding for Iowa’s natural resources has determined that an additional $150 million a year commitment is needed for quality of life enhancing projects such as improving water quality, protecting soil, fish, wildlife and natural areas, and bolstering recreational amenities such as parks and trails.

The committee, in its preliminary report to the Governor and Legislature, discusses alternatives for providing additional funding for natural resources as well as reporting on the potential support among Iowans on issues and funding options. The committee plans to finalize the report in March.

“This committee is comprised of members who represent a very diverse set of interests and is bipartisan in its make-up. The process included research, public surveys and consensus decision making,” said Rep. Henry Rayhons, R-Garner, who served on the committee.

“This is a great first step at seriously looking at adequate funding for our natural resources,” Rayhons said.

The committee’s final report recommends using revenues from gaming/gambling, retiring revenue bonds, dedicating a fraction of a percent of sales tax proceeds and using a portion of lottery profits as funding for natural resources initiatives.

“We strongly believe that we have studied this issue thoroughly and provided valid information to at least begin discussion on the possibilities of providing additional funding for conservation in Iowa,” said Mark Ackelson, president of the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation and a member of the committee.

Ackelson said that Iowa has historically been among the lowest states in the nation in terms of funding for conservation and that such a discussion on how to improve the commitment is long overdue.

“At the very core of this effort is an honest attempt to make Iowa a better place to live for citizens now and in the future. The committee believes that a stronger commitment to improving our natural resources and creating additional recreational opportunities is key to attracting and retaining talented young people in our state,” Ackelson said.

 The Committee’s findings include:

1. Surrounding states have implemented a variety of methods to fund natural resources programs ranging from relying on user fees to utilizing a dedicated portion of their general sales tax.
2. An estimated $150 million in additional funding per year is needed for specified programs to improve natural resources and expand outdoor recreational opportunities. Benefits from the funding would be designated to parks and trails, soil and water conservation, and fish, wildlife, and natural areas.  
3. The willingness of Iowa’s citizens to pay was gauged by the 270 public comments received at a public hearing and a telephone survey of 800 Iowa residents. Overall, there is overwhelming support of increased funding for natural resources. According to the survey, issues related to water quality are among Iowan’s chief environmental concerns. Dedication of additional public funds to protect Iowa’s land, water, and wildlife is supported by 77 percent of Iowans and most are willing to pay $10 to $25 in additional taxes each year for that purpose, according to the survey.

“A strong commitment to funding our natural resources makes economic sense and will leave a legacy to our children and grandchildren we can all be proud of,” said Rep. John Whitaker, D-Hillsboro, who served on the committee.

“The committee spent a lot of time and effort to come up with workable ideas and I look forward to serious consideration of the report,” Whitaker said.

The committee, as directed by legislation, includes members of both houses and both parties of the Legislature, Conservation Districts of Iowa, Ducks Unlimited, Farmers Union, Iowa

Association of County Conservation Boards, Iowa Environmental Council, Iowa Farm Bureau, Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, Iowa Renewable Fuels Association, Izaak Walton League of Iowa, Pheasants Forever, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, the Sierra Club and The Nature Conservancy. The committee was chaired by the director of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

Additional information, including a copy of the committee’s preliminary report on sustainable funding for Iowa’s natural resources, can be found at: http://www.iowadnr.com/sustainablefunding/index.html

 For additional information, contact Mark Ackelson at 515-288-1846.