Meeting the Moment
Posted on October 6, 2026 at 2:45 PM by Anna Gray
Conservationists, natural resource advocates, and outdoor enthusiasts have long understood clean water as foundational to community vitality and quality of life and have worked tirelessly to protect it. Safe drinking water is essential to our basic health. Lakes, rivers, and streams offer the pastimes and traditions that enrich our lives and put our communities on the map.
More recently, though, Iowa’s water has captured the attention of a much broader audience — making national headlines and inspiring new conservation advocates across our state. Iowa faces stark cancer rates, continued challenges in reducing contaminants in its waterways, increased pressure on municipal water systems, beach closures, swim advisories and water use restrictions. Iowans are genuinely concerned about their water and its impact on our health and communities — and more are speaking up and urging action on clean water than ever before. This growing movement has catapulted water quality to the top of the ballot, as Iowans look to policymakers to meet their concerns with meaningful answers that protect our water and health.
Public policy is the only mechanism capable of delivering the investment needed to address water quality at scale, and shaping effective policy requires strong public participation. Election cycles provide a particularly important time to engage policymakers at all levels and encourage them to commit to tackling issues that matter most.
Fortunately, we have a blueprint for improving water quality, protecting agricultural soils, and enhancing our natural landscapes. Wetland restoration, on-farm soil health practices, lake restoration and coordinated watershed efforts can make real improvements to our landscape and communities. What lacks is the sustainable, reliable funding needed to accelerate and scale up conservation. To overcome this barrier, Iowa voters already laid the groundwork for implementing sustainable, reliable funding for conservation initiatives and practices.
The Iowa’s Water and Land Legacy (IWiLL) Constitutional Amendment was approved by 63% of Iowa voters in 2010 to create the Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund, a dedicated fund with public transparency for the purposes of “protecting and enhancing water quality and natural areas in the state including parks, trails, and fish and wildlife habitat, and conserving agricultural soils in this state.”
Funding the Trust Fund, however, relies on legislative action through a sales tax increase of 3/8th of one cent.
Since 2010, the Trust Fund has remained empty.
Once funded, the Trust Fund would deliver results immediately by providing enhanced, sustainable and reliable funding to existing programs with a proven track record, such as the Resource Enhancement and Protection Program, as well as proven conservation practices and outdoor recreation projects:
- Wetland restoration and strategic watershed protection
- On-farm regenerative agriculture, soil health practices, and grassland protection
- Enhancement and development of public parks, trails, and wildlife areas
- Private, permanent land protection for conservation
- Locally driven conservation and economic development projects
- Lake and stream restoration
With secure, dependable funding in place, the Trust Fund will enable communities, farmers, landowners and conservation partners to take impactful action.
Together, we can meet this moment with resolve and solutions that improve our water quality and ignite a lasting movement for healthy natural resources, resilient landscapes and outdoor recreation in Iowa. Your voice is essential.
INHF is a nonpartisan advocate for Iowa’s land, water and wildlife and does not endorse any political candidate or party.
Meeting this moment as Nature’s Advocate
Help your elected officials represent what’s important to you.
What is the message?
“I am a constituent, a taxpayer, and I support raising the sales tax 3/8th of one cent to fund the Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund because_____________.”
Now is the time for a clear, direct message in support of a viable policy solution. The Trust Fund impacts many aspects of our lives and communities; share what is most important to you for a stronger, more memorable message.
Who needs to hear it?
State legislators, legislative candidates, and candidates for Governor.
The Iowa State Legislature, with the approval of the Governor, holds the authority to increase the statewide sales tax and Fund the Trust.
Who do they need to hear it from?
You.
Your voice is essential and there is strength in numbers. Consider your network of friends, family, community and others who can join us in delivering the message.
How do they need to hear it?
Meet people where they are and aim to build a relationship.
In-person meetings, phone calls, emails, op-eds, and social media can all be effective channels for communicating with policy makers. Right now, candidate forums are a great place to connect with policymakers and establish a solid line of communication.
Where can I learn more?
Explore resources and join the effort to fund the trust:
Find additional resources for speaking with legislators and stakeholders: inhf.org/natures-advocate
