Forwarded by Jane Clark at [log in to unmask] 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 [log in to unmask] 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. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - To get off the IOWA-TOPICS list, send any message to: [log in to unmask]