FOR RELEASE:  IMMEDIATELY
CONTACT: Mark Ackelson, INHF: 800/475-1846 or 515/288-1846
                   Don Brazelton, IACCB, 515/963-9582


REAP Congress to discuss 80% budget cuts

Due to a recent 80 percent cut in its program budget, the upcoming REAP Congress may hold its shortest gathering in the program's history on July 13. However, attendees are encouraged to stay for a post-congress meeting to discuss REAP's future.

Iowa's Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) program was signed into law by then-governor Terry Branstad in 1989. Originally authorized at $30 million annually for 10 years, the conservation program was reauthorized in 1996 to provide $20 million annually until 2021. Actual annual appropriations have averaged about $11 million. However, during the recent special legislative session, the 2003 REAP budget was slashed by 80 percent.

"Though most Iowans probably can't define the REAP program, they'll feel the effects of these REAP cuts," says Don Brazelton, co-coordinator of the REAP Alliance and executive secretary of the Iowa Association of County Conservation Boards. The REAP Alliance is a coalition of nearly 30 conservation organizations.

"Many of the parks, trails and conservation programs that Iowans love are here today because of REAP dollars," Brazelton continues. "REAP touches every community and county in Iowa with its programs for natural and cultural resource protection, soil and water conservation, environmental education, native vegetation planting along roadsides, and the purchase, management and improvement of parks, trails, streams and wildlife lands.

The original REAP law provides that every two years elected delegates from around the state come together in a "Congress" to evaluate the program and make recommendations to the legislature, Governor and public agencies who manage the funds.  

Planned long before the cuts were announced, this year's REAP Congress is Saturday, July 13 at the State Historical Building in Des Moines. Registration begins at 9 a.m., and the meeting opens at 10 a.m. Because of the dramatic cuts in the program, the REAP Congress itself may be a relatively short session this year.
However, the REAP Alliance will use the remainder of the day to work with interested people on developing a strategy to help assure REAP has a viable future and explore other funding opportunities. Attendance at past REAP Congresses was limited to selected delegates, who received reimbursement for the day's expenses.

This year's Congress and REAP Alliance meeting are open to anyone-with no expense reimbursement funds available. However, lunch will be provided to attendees who contact [log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]> or 515-281-8674 before July 9.

"The REAP Alliance helped design the original program in the 1980s after nearly five years of work," notes Mark Ackelson, REAP co-coordinator and president of the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation. "The Alliance has continued to monitor the program and encourage its support by state legislators.  

"It appears the public and Alliance have a great deal of work to rebuild public support for conservation and environmental funding," adds Ackelson. "REAP is held up as a national model and has received widespread support throughout Iowa.  It is a program that invests in Iowa's future and quality of life, and it's good for all of Iowa.  I am hoping many interested and energetic people will join us on July 13th to help chart REAP's future."


forwarded by
Erin Jordahl
Director, Iowa Chapter Sierra Club
3839 Merle Hay Road, Suite 280
Des Moines, IA 50310
515-277-8868
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