The legislative session has barely started and we already have a fight on our hands!
As
you well know, Iowans voted overwhelmingly in favor of Iowa's Water & Land
Legacy Amendment on November 2nd, 2010. It would, for the first time in
Iowa history, constitutionally protect funding for public lands, water quality,
fish & wildlife habitat, and other conservation programs.
This
historic amendment passed with
Now,
the legislature is considering House File 45/HSB 1
which would ban public land acquisition by the Iowa Department of Natural
Resources and cut 2011 funding for the Resource Enhancement & Protection
program (REAP). These are the
very programs that 63% of Iowans voted YES for in
November.
Thankfully, you can make
your voice heard!
Please
read below about how to submit a public comment in OPPOSITION to this provision
in HF 45/HSB1 and show your
support for public access to quality fishing, hunting, and outdoor recreation
areas in Iowa.
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Speak Up
Against Ban On Public Lands Persons wishing to speak may sign up at the Legislative Information Office (LIO), Room G16, located in the Iowa State Capitol, or call the LIO at 515-281-5129. If unable to attend, you may e-mail written testimony to the LIO:
[log in to unmask] Please type Testimony: DNR/Public Lands in the subject line.
Public Hearings and times are as follows:
HSB 1 - relating to public funding and regulatory matters and 1 -- making, reducing, and transferring appropriations and 2 -- revising fund amountsSponsored by the House Appropriations Committee - Rep. Scott Raecker, chairperson
Tuesday, January 18, 20116:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.Iowa House of
Representatives Chamber |
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Contact
Your Elected Officials
In particular, we want them to know that: - 63% of Iowa voters voted YES to Iowa's Water & Land Legacy amendment. This shows overwhelming public support for Iowa's public access areas, water quality programs, conservation programs. - Public lands serve as buffers for important streams, rivers, lakes and wetlands while providing water quality, soil conservation, and wildlife habitat benefits. Don't sacrifice these long term goals for one time budget needs. - Natural Resource programs and conservation in Iowa generates over $2 billion/year in economic activity each year while supporting over 27,000 Iowa jobs. Now is the time to continue this investment. You can find your legislature using this tool on the legislative website. You can find their legislative email addresses here and here. We also encourage you to contact Governor Branstad here.
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| Thanks, Mark Langgin - Director 515-707-0266 PO Box 93176 Des Moines, Iowa 50393-3176 Iowa's Water & Land Legacy, a project of The Conservation Campaign |