Poll: Iowans still want to fund the Trust

By Anna Gray on March 20, 2020 in Blog

Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation is honored to be supported by members, partners and landowners who share a love for our natural resources. Together, we have protected thousands of acres, created hundreds of miles of trails, and collaborated to address challenges with a positive, can-do attitude. That good work continues today. Now, the world, our state and its communities face new and unprecedented challenges from the COVID-19 virus. As we continue our work during this trying time, INHF remains motivated by the dedication and passion central to our mission. It is in this spirit of perseverance that we would like to share some good news.

A new Des Moines Register/Mediacom Iowa Poll shows that support for funding the Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund remains strong. The constitutionally protected Trust Fund created by voters in 2010 requires a sales tax increase of at least 3/8-cent to provide dedicated, sustainable conservation funding. This latest poll found that a majority of Iowans approve of a sales tax increase to fund natural resource protection, water quality improvement and outdoor recreation opportunities.

For the past decade, INHF along with countless individuals and organizations have fought hard to Fund the Trust—this year, there is an opportunity to do just that. The Governor’s Invest in Iowa Act is a proposal to raise the sales tax 1-cent, with the first 3/8-cent dedicated to funding the Trust, substantially increasing conservation funding and extending the Resource Enhancement and Protection Program (REAP). The Iowa Poll captures the favorability of these conservation measures, helping to build momentum for funding the Trust, even while the legislature is suspended.

As we all work to adjust to COVID-19 developments, please know that INHF will continue to work with state leaders and advocate for policy that helps to protect and restore Iowa’s land, water and wildlife. You can learn more about INHF’s legislative priorities and how to help in our Nature’s Advocate guide and about our position on the Invest in Iowa Act here.

Please share this good news and forward it to like-minded people and those that have been working to fund the Trust over the last decade. As always, if you have questions or comments you can reach me at agray@inhf.org or by calling 515-288-1846, ext. 41.

Yours in conservation,
Anna Gray
Public Policy Director