Pasted below and attached as a Word document is a press release regarding a landowner recognition ceremony Monday, April 6th at the Iowa Capitol.
Two notes to editors, news directors and reporters:
- The ceremony is open to the public and all interested media are encouraged to attend
- Please note the weblink in the press release to an interactive map that shows the locations of both the landowners being recognized and the parcels of land that have received conservation protection.
Iowa Department of Natural Resources
Conservation and Recreation Division
For Immediate Release April 3, 2009
LANDOWNER RECOGNITION CEREMONY SLATED FOR MONDAY, APRIL 6th AT IOWA CAPITOL
DES MOINES – More than 40 landowners in Iowa have committed to conservation-related protection of 3,500 acres of land representing contributions valued at more than $4 million in 2008.
Most impressive of all is the length of their commitment: forever.
“It’s hard to know where to even start thanking these landowners and what they have contributed to Iowa’s citizens and natural resources,” said Mark Ackelson, president of the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation.
At least one small step of gratitude will be taken on Monday, April 6th when the landowners will be recognized by state officials at a landowner recognition ceremony in Room 116 of the Iowa Capitol, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Ackelson said the recognition of landowners making donations to permanently protect vital natural resources is long overdue.
“Many, many citizens have stepped up over the years to make significant donations of land for the benefit of all Iowa’s citizens and future generations. We are eternally grateful for their vision, leadership and selflessness in providing permanent conservation protection to some of the most environmentally significant land in our state,” said Ackelson.
In all, 41 landowners chose to permanently protect their natural lands in 2008, contributing some or all of their land value. Land contributions last year included:\
- Additions to current parks and wildlife areas at nine sites by 14 different landowners.
- New trails, preservation of native prairie and creation of new wildlife areas were accomplished through contributions by seven landowners.
- 20 landowners permanently protected 13 sites that will remain in private ownership. (Even though most of these private conservation easements are not open to public use, they still provide substantial public benefit in terms of wildlife habitat, improvement to water quality and preservation of scenic views).
A map and descriptions of the land protection contributions can be viewed at: http://www.iowadnr.gov/news/09apr/gmap.html
For more information, contact Mark Ackelson at 515-288-1846 or Kevin Baskins at the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, 515-281-8395.
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Kevin Baskins
Communications Bureau Chief
Iowa Department of Natural Resources
515-281-8395
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