On another topic, Iowa Republicans have just come out with their own state budget proposals, and they include this, according to the REGISTER: "No DNR land acquisition for FY 2010. (Savings: $5,000,000)" Completely apart from whether these proposals will ever go anywhere, I had no idea the DNR was buying enough land every year to cost the state $5,000,000. I also wonder about the extent to which these land purchases are coming from the General Fund, as opposed to the Fish and Wildlife Trust Fund, which is constitutionally protected for fish and wildlife purposes and is funded by hunting and fishing revenues. Does anyone know where this five-million figure comes from? Is the figure so high because land management costs and staffing are included? I really try not to assume bad intentions, but is it possible that this figure might be a wee bit inflated? Or have I been really underestimating what the DNR has been buying? Thanks! Cindy Cindy Hildebrand [log in to unmask] Ames, IA 50010 "It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade." (Charles Dickens) **************Feeling the pinch at the grocery store? Make dinner for $10 or less. (http://food.aol.com/frugal-feasts?ncid=emlcntusfood00000001) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - To unsubscribe from the IOWA-TOPICS list, send any message to: [log in to unmask] Check out our Listserv Lists support site for more information: http://www.sierraclub.org/lists/faq.asp