Speak Now on Local Future for Natural Resources
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Des Moines – Hundreds of outdoor and historical enthusiasts in the northern half of Iowa have been embracing the chance to shape the future of Iowa’s premiere outdoor recreation and conservation funding program – REAP – now it is southern Iowa’s turn to speak up at one of remaining eight public meetings from Oct. 11 through Oct. 27.

The Resource Enhancement and Protection Program, has a 22-year, $260 million funding history for parks, soil, water and habitat improvements, roadside prairies, historical development and conservation education, according to DNR Deputy Director Chuck Gipp.

“Any person who has even the slightest interest in natural resources and outdoor recreation should consider attending a meeting near them,” said Gipp. “They will find it highly interesting and well worth the time in helping REAP to be better and stronger, right in their own back yard.”

The REAP Act has a formula that distributes funding to farmers, conservation organizations, educators, cities, counties, historians, and state projects. Funding comes from gaming revenues and sales of natural resource license plates. Legislators appropriated $15 Million in 2010 and $12 Million in 2011.  Full funding of the REAP Act is $20 Million.

The REAP Act also calls for major public participation through county committees and these 18 assemblies. At the assemblies, delegates will be elected to the REAP Congress that meets in Des Moines January 7 in the House of Representatives.

“So far more than 360 people have given their time to talk about these important issues.  We know that many more care about water quality, habitat protection, soil conservation, outdoor education, environmental education and historical preservation and we want to hear from them,” noted Gipp.

Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. with an open house showcasing REAP's positive impact on each region.  The assembly will run from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

REAP Congress is January 7, House of Representatives

2011 REAP Assembly Schedule

Open House with Displays at 5:30-6:30 p.m., 6:30-8 p.m. Assembly

 

 

CITY

Date

LOCATION

COUNTIES IN REGION

 

Burlington

 

10/11

City Auditorium - Banquet Room

200 North Front Street

REGION 16:

Des Moines, Henry, Lee, Louisa

 

Fairfield

10/12

Fairfield Library

104 West Adams Avenue

REGION  15:

Davis, Jefferson, Keokuk, Mahaska, Van Buren, Wapello

 

Shenandoah

10/18

Shendoah Chamber and Industrial Association

100 S. Maple

REGION 13:

Fremont, Mills Montgomery, Page

 

Council Bluffs

10/19

Council Bluffs Public Library

400 Willow Avenue

REGION 17:

Pottawattamie, Harrison, Shelby, Cass

 

Carroll

 

10/20

Conservation Center at Swan Lake State Park

Southeast of Carroll

REGION  12:

Audubon, Carroll, Crawford, Greene, Guthrie, Sac

 

Moravia

10/24

Honey Creek Resort State Park

12194 Honey Creek Pl.

REGION 18:

Appanoose, Lucas, Monroe, Wayne

 

Creston

10/25

 

Southwestern Community College

Performing Arts Center/Multipurpose Room

1201 W. Townline St.

REGION 14:

Adair, Adams, Clarke, Decatur, Madison, Ringgold, Taylor, Union

 

West Des Moines

10/27

Raccoon River Park Lodge

2500 Grand Avenue

REGION 11:

Boone, Dallas, Jasper, Marion, Polk, Story, Warren

 

 

For more information, contact: Tammie Krausman, 515-402-8763 or Tammie.Krausman@dnr.iowa.gov