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 63% OF THE VOTE; with support in 79 of Iowa's 99 counties.  
 
Now, the legislature is considering cutting funding for the very programs that 63% of Iowans voted YES for in November.  House File 45/HSB 1 would ban public land acquisition by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and cut 2011 funding for the Resource Enhancement & Protection program (REAP).  
 
Thankfully, you can make your voice heard!
 
Contact Your Elected Officials
 
We are encouraging our supporters to contact elected officials – in particular members of the Iowa House of Representatives and Governor Branstad – to express their support for Iowa's Water & Land Legacy and their OPPOSITION to the provisions in HF 45/HSB 1 that ban public land acquisition while cutting funding for REAP in FY 2011.
 
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 legislator using this tool on the legislative website.  We also encourage you to contact Governor Branstad.

House Email Contact
Senate Email Contact
Office of The Governor

Public Rally

Join Iowa's Water and Land Legacy on February 9th as we ascend upon the State Capitol to remind our legislators that Iowans overwhelmingly support increased and sustainable funding for water quality, soil conservation, and our outdoor natural areas.

PRE-RALLY: Wallace Bldg Auditorium-E 9th & Grand Av, Des Moines
RALLY:  Iowa State Capitol Building: E 9th St & Grand Av, Des Moines

RSVP: rlehman@iowarivers.org
Click here for more information

WEAR any color solid blue – we want to represent water as we FLOW into the Iowa State Capitol.   Help exhibit this energy.  
 
Thanks again for signing up for being part of our historic 63% victory on November 2nd!  We now need you to SPEAK UP and contact your elected officials and speak LOUDLY & CLEARLY about your support for public lands in Iowa.

If you are interested in volunteering or getting more involved, please email rlehman@iowarivers.org for more information on how you can help!

Thanks,