Iowans Want More Conservation
By Joe McGovern on January 24, 2025 in Blog
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Bond funds from the 2008 referendum were used at Johnson County Conservation’s F.W. Kent Park. The funds were used for a lake restoration and project focusing on improved water quality, which covered 45% of the total project cost. Photo by Kristen Morrow, Johnson County Conservation
As we look back on our accomplishments of 2024 and chart a course for the year ahead, it is clear to me that all the great conservation work we have done together with landowners, private partners and public partners is a direct result of the amazing support from people like you. It may seem like another platitude, but it is true. Iowa simply would not have the parks, trails and wildlife areas we do today without you!
However, we all know there is much more to be done, and Iowans have shown time and again how supportive they are for good conservation measures. Remember in 2010 when 63% of statewide voters approved the constitutional amendment establishing the Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund? Was that an anomaly? I don’t think so, and other conservation ballot initiatives support that. Here is a brief summary of voter supported conservation initiatives since 2008:
- $20 million bond referendum in 2008 by Johnson County voters - 61% approval
- $50 million bond referendum in 2012 by Polk County voters - 72%
- $1.3 million bond referendum in 2016 by Adams County voters - 73%
- $65 million bond referendum in 2021 by Polk County voters - 81%
- $40 million bond referendum in 2022 by Linn County voters - 74%
- $30 million bond referendum in 2024 by Johnson County voters - 77%
- $25 million bond referendum in 2024 by Story County voters - 78%
All of this while Iowans wait for the legislature to act on funding the Trust Fund. At INHF, we see even more Iowans making conservation happen on their own land. We recently shared the story of Mann Wetlands in Marshall County, which is a great example of public-private partnership with landowners, INHF and county conservation to protect wildlife habitat while improving the water quality of the Iowa River. It brings us great joy to be a part of these types of projects, whether its protecting the family farm, preserving a remnant prairie or helping to expand a local park.
Iowans want more conservation, and when given the chance — whether at the ballot box or at the State Capitol — they will say so. The people of this state deserve clean water, healthy soil and ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. At INHF, we will continue to do everything we can to improve the quality of life for all Iowans through our advocacy work and partnering to provide more parks, trails and wildlife areas.
We are so grateful to have your support. We simply could not do our work without you. Thank you!