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ISU's Department of Economics, University Extension and the Leopold Center
for Sustainable Agriculture are sponsoring a series of three meetings in
June entitled "Iowa's Land and Environment - Serving Competing Needs."  The
meetings will focus on preserving and protecting Iowa's rich natural
resources while allowing the state's largest industry - agriculture - to
thrive.  As you know, there are many issues and concerns related to land
use policy and water quality facing our state. With these meetings, ISU can
play a prominent role in educating the public while providing a forum to
discuss related issues and concerns.

The western Iowa meeting will be June 13 at the Hitchcock Nature Area Lodge
near Honey Creek.

The eastern Iowa meeting will be June 15 at the Davenport Holiday Inn.

The central Iowa meeting will be June 16 at the West Des Moines Marriott.

All meetings begin at 9 a.m. and adjourn at 3:15 p.m.

The registration fee is only $20, which covers the cost of the noon meal
and a copy of a new publication authored by ISU economists.  The
publication includes historical and present perspectives on land use,
results of two public surveys on land use and the state's environmental
resources, and insight into a future vision for Iowa's landscape.

If you have questions, need additional information, or copies of the
brochure, please contact Phil Baumel at 515-294-6263 or
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ISU MEETINGS SET TO DISCUSS IOWA'S LAND AND ENVIRONMENT

The challenges facing Iowa are many.  One of the greatest is how to
preserve and protect Iowa's rich natural resources, while allowing the
state's largest industry - agriculture - to thrive.

There are other concerns as well.  The encroachment of urban populations on
rural areas is one.  The quality of Iowa's lakes, rivers and streams is
another.  A third concern is the productive quality of Iowa's land base.

Iowa State University is sponsoring a series of three meetings in June
where these and other concerns will be discussed.  "A regional meeting
format was chosen to allow Iowa citizens the opportunity to thoroughly
discuss statewide concerns, while also taking a close look at local
issues," says John Miranowski, chair of the ISU economics department.

Each meeting will begin at 9 a.m. and adjourn at 3:15 p.m.  Morning
sessions will include presentations on a historical perspective of Iowa
land use, survey results, and the current status of Iowa resources, with a
focus on land and water quality, urbanization and recreation.  There will
be time for open discussion before lunch.

Afternoon sessions will focus on possible tradeoffs between economic
development and land preservation.  Each meeting will feature different
afternoon speakers who can talk about issues of local concern.

Registration brochures are available at county extension offices.  Send a
registration form and a $20 check payable to Iowa State to C. Phillip
Baumel, ISU, 460 Heady Hall, Ames, IA  50011.  Or call 515/294-7318 for
details or to request a brochure.

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