Finally, let's do right by outdoors funding 
THE REGISTER'S EDITORIAL
February 25, 2007

Gov. Chet Culver can't be serious.

The new governor's first budget proposes funding of a measly $11 million for the state's premier outdoor-resources program, instead of the authorized level of $20 million. When questioned about it, his spokesman told the Register the governor is "optimistic that we can eventually get up to that level."

"Eventually" is unacceptable when it comes to funding the Iowa outdoors.


http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070225/OPINION03/702250309/1035/archive<http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcsdll/article?AID=/20070225/OPINION03/702250309/1035/archive>


New crops could fuel new wave of ethanol 
Corn is not enough. Researchers hope to increase the yields from dedicated energy crops, such as switchgrass.

By JERRY PERKINS<mailto:[log in to unmask] crops could fuel new wave of ethanol>
REGISTER FARM EDITOR


February 25, 2007

Tucson, Ariz. - For five years or more, proponents have said the promise of making ethanol from biomass crops such as switchgrass and hybrid trees was just around the corner.

http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070225/BUSINESS01/702250325/1029/archive<http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070225/BUSINESS01/702250325/1029/archive>



Brasher: USDA reduces payment for wetland reserve land 

WASHINGTON FARM REPORT

By PHILIP BRASHER<mailto:[log in to unmask]: USDA reduces payment for wetland reserve land>
REGISTER WASHINGTON BUREAU

February 25, 2007

Washington, D.C. - President Bush has a goal of restoring and improving 3 million acres of wetlands by early 2009, a goal that will benefit wildlife as well as enhance water quality.

The key to doing that is a U.S. Agriculture Department program that buys easements on low-lying farmland and then helps pay all or part of turning the acreage back into wetlands. The wetlands provide valuable habitat for birds and other wildlife, control flooding and cleanse contaminants from groundwater.


http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070225/OPINION01/702250324/1029/archive<http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcsdll/article?AID=/20070225/OPINION01/702250324/1029/archive>





No good reason to kill doves 


February 26, 2007
A recent letter-writer is wrong about legislation to open a new target-shooting season on mourning doves ("Get Real and Sign the Dove-Hunting Bill," Feb. 15). There is no good reason to change Iowa's 89-year tradition of protecting these gentle, backyard songbirds.


http://desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070226/OPINION04/702260308/1035/OPINION<http://desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070226/OPINION04/702260308/1035/OPINION>


 

Dove hunting good for towns and tables 

February 26, 2007

In a Feb. 18 article, "Iowans Urged To Share Views on Dove Hunting," Mary Brubaker states that doves are not a true game bird and they are "often only used for target practice." Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, the mourning dove is the most hunted and prolific game bird in North America; the annual harvest is only a small fraction of the total annual mortality of the species.


http://desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070226/OPINION04/702260307/1035/OPINION<http://desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070226/OPINION04/702260307/1035/OPINION>





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