Pasted below are two reports from recent REAP meetings--*note* that part of
the report is almost the same for the two.  If anyone on this list attended,
I'd be interested in hearing your responses.
Jane Clark
[log in to unmask]

RE: Jester Park meeting
About four dozen enthused citizens spent nearly three hours of their
volunteer time Tuesday at Jester Park working to assure a bright future for
REAP in Polk, Dallas, Boone, Story, Warren, Jasper and Marion counties. For
more than half of those attending, this was their first REAP Assembly. The
group demonstrated a passion for REAP, but developed a set of strong
proposals for the projects they want to see REAP fund and for improvements
to REAP itself. For example:

Priority  projects included:
o  Protecting and enhancing natural habitats and open spaces through land
purchases, easements and education
o  Conservation education
o  Trail development and maintenance

Improvements to REAP suggested:
o  Re-invigorate county REAP committees by improving their mission, more
publicity about REAP in the county, setting goals and making personal
commitments.
o  County tours of REAP accomplishments
o  More funding, including part of the sales tax (more casinos should yield
more REAP $)

Delegates Elected:
The following five delegates were elected to the REAP Congress in Des Moines
July 15. In addition to 'refining' the goals from the Assembly, they will
join 80 other delegates from other parts of the state to formalize
recommendations at the REAP Congress for the Legislature, Governor and
Natural Resources Commission.
o Molly Ketchum, Boone
o Jeanette Peddicord, Perry
o John Parson, Baxter
o Jerry Pettegrew, Clive
o Dave Van Waus, Colo
======================
RE:  Cedar Falls REAP Assembly
105 enthusiastic citizens from Black Hawk, Bremer, Buchanan, Butler,
Chickasaw and Grundy counties drove the distance to gather in  Cedar Falls
February 14 (sacrificing part of their Valentine's Day) for the REAP
Assembly at the Hartman Nature Reserve. Attendance was more than 1/3 more at
the same meeting two years ago, brought on by audience of concern for more
REAP funding, and with the hope that their projects will be supported.  More
than 80% were attending their first REAP Assembly.

Priority  projects included:
o  Soil and water quality improvements
o  Natural area land acquisition
o  Trail development and maintenance
o  Conservation education

Improvements to REAP suggested:
o  Re-invigorate county REAP committees by improving their mission, more
publicity about REAP in the county, and establishing liaisons for better
communication between REAP interests.
o  County tours of REAP accomplishments
o  More funding, including part of the sales tax (more casinos should yield
more REAP $)
o  Improve grant timelines

The following five delegates were elected to the REAP Congress in Des Moines
July 15. In addition to 'refining' the goals from the Assembly, they will
join 80 other delegates from other parts of the state to formalize
recommendations at the REAP Congress for the Legislature, Governor and
Natural Resources Commission.
o Shaeffer Ridgeway, LaPorte City
o Dana Shultz, Allison
o Kenn Cutts, Cedar Falls
o Becky Wrage, Janesville
o Chris Cain, New Hampton

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