From: [log in to unmask]
Date: Fri, 11 Oct 2013 10:39:35 -0500
Subject: 2013 REAP Assemblies...So Far

6 Assemblies down, 12 to go!  I’m done with beautiful NE IA and working my way through the rest of the state.  Enthusiasm for REAP’s 25th year has encouraged quite a bit of innovation with motions this year.  Here’s a run-down of what has happened so far.  PLEASE continue to promote the meetings with your members, citizens, elected officials, friends, and everyone you meet on the street.   AttendanceTotal Attendance so far: 229 (a little less than previously). 29% of those are first time assembly goers (this is great!).Legislators: 9 (also a little less than previously)  Motions (some are paraphrased)  ·         $25M for the 25th year – unanimously passed at all assemblies so far.·         Keep the formula the same – passed at all assemblies so far·         If IWiLL is implemented, REAP should not be impacted – passed in Calmar·         Fund IWiLL – passed in Calmar, Maquoketa and Marshalltown·         Increase the County Millage from $.22 to $.27 – passed in Coralville (failed in Maquoketa)·         Re-evaluate the City Park and Open Space criteria for population and award amounts – passed in Coralville, Maquoketa, Ventura and Marshalltown·         Increase REAP CEP to $500,000 – passed in Maquoketa·         Direct staff to investigate mechanisms for allowing endowments for maintenance – passed in Marshalltown  Press ReleaseREAP ANNOUNCES 18 MEETINGS ACROSS STATE MEDIA CONTACT:  Tammie Krausman, DNR, at 515-281-8382 or [log in to unmask]  DES MOINES - The public will have a chance to shape the future of Iowa’s conservation and outdoor recreation at any of the 18 Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) assemblies this fall. REAP is a program that provides grants for and encourages enhancing and protecting Iowa’s natural and cultural resources. The assemblies will show local impacts of REAP. “We get the opportunity to go out to the public to talk about REAP’s local impact,” said Tammie Krausman, REAP coordinator.  The assemblies will also allow attendees to voice ideas for changes and modifications to REAP and its programs.  “People who are passionate about conservation and outdoor recreation should get involved to make decisions on what’s happening locally,” said Krausman. The assemblies will also allow participants to elect five members for REAP Congress. REAP Congress will meet Jan. 4 at the state capitol to talk about a variety of conservation topics such as soil conservation, water quality and outdoor recreation. Next year is the 25th anniversary of REAP, so the meetings will reflect on REAP’s accomplishments. They will also look to the future.  “REAP is as relevant today as it was 24 years ago, and the needs are still as great,” said Krausman. All 18 assemblies are open to the public and will have open houses from 6 to 6:30 p.m. The assembly will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. REAP received $16 million for fiscal year 2014 (July 1, 2013 to June 2014). In addition to projects that enhance and protect resources, funding also goes to enhance soil and water quality, historic preservation, roadside vegetation and several other programs that are beneficial to Iowa. REAP has funded projects in every county in Iowa. People can get involved in REAP outside the assemblies as well. “Most counties have a REAP committee where, if they want to talk more about these things, they can,” Krausman said. County REAP committee chair person contacts can be found on the DNR’s website at http://www.iowadnr.gov/Portals/idnr/uploads/REAP/2012%20REAP%20County%20Chairs.pdf Meeting locations and dates are listed below alphabetically by city. Additional meeting details can be found at: http://www.iowadnr.gov/Environment/REAP/REAPPublicParticipation.aspx.Afton, Nov. 12Burlington, Oct. 23Calmar, Oct. 2Carroll, Oct. 17Cedar Falls, Oct. 1Coralville, Oct. 2Correctionville, Oct. 15Council Bluffs, Oct. 29Fairfield, Oct. 24Fort Dodge, Nov. 5Lovilia, Nov. 6Maquoketa, Oct. 8Marshalltown, Oct. 10Mason City, Oct. 9Muscatine, Oct. 22Shenandoah, Oct. 28Spencer, Oct. 16West Des Moines, Nov. 13 -30-  TAMMIE KRAUSMAN, MPA REAP CoordinatorIowa Department of Natural ResourcesP 515.281.8382 | C 515.402-8763 | [log in to unmask] E. 9th Street | Des Moines, IA  50319WWW.IOWADNR.GOVLeading Iowans in Caring for Our Natural Resources.   		 	   		  
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
To unsubscribe from the IOWA-TOPICS list, send any message to:
[log in to unmask]

Check out our Listserv Lists support site for more information:
http://www.sierraclub.org/lists/faq.asp

To view the Sierra Club List Terms & Conditions, see:
 http://www.sierraclub.org/lists/terms.asp