In 2006, the forward thinking of our legislators to propose and support the concept of sustainable funding for Iowa's natural resources, and their request for diverse organizations to represent their Advisory Committee, was an indicator that this is an important issue for all of Iowa. The result of securing funding for natural resources will provide benefits across Iowa such as cleaner water, positive economic impacts, sustainable agriculture and soils, and outdoor recreation opportunities where Iowans can enjoy and appreciate healthy activities, nature, and Iowa's beauty. In August 2006, the Sustainable Funding Advisory Committee (SFC) began their work to meet the legislative mandate under House File 2797 and provide information and recommendations to the Governor and General Assembly.

To help provide focus, the SFC defined Iowa's natural resources into three categories 1) Soil and Water, 2) Fish, Wildlife and Natural Areas, and 3) Parks and Trails. To address the needs in these categories, it was recognized the funding source, aka funding mechanism, would need to be dedicated, sustainable, and protected. The amount identified would need to be approximately $150 million annually in addition to any base funding currently allocated. To protect this new funding, it was recommended that a constitutional amendment be proposed to create a trust fund for this additional funding. After thoughtful and thorough evaluation, inquiries, presentations, and discussion, legislators proposed language to create a trust fund and recommended a funding mechanism.

In Iowa, the same language requesting an amendment to its constitution needs to pass two different General Assemblies before it can go before the people for a vote. The resolution that proposed the amendment to establish the Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund in an effort to secure funding for the benefit of Iowa's natural resources passed two General Assemblies, under SJR-2002 (2008) and HJR-1 (2009), with overwhelming support. The resolution does not raise taxes - it gives the citizens of Iowa the opportunity to vote to create a trust fund protecting sustainable funding for natural resources. Iowans can have this opportunity as soon as November 2010.

To support the three broad categories, seven funding vehicles were identified as logical avenues to distribute the funding: REAP (Resource Enhancement And Protection program), LCPP (Local Conservation Partnership Program), WP (Watershed Protection), LR (Lake Restoration), Trails, Natural Resources (Iowa Department of Natural Resources), Agriculture and Land Stewardship (Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship). These funding vehicles are structured in a way to work independently and complement each other.

In April 2008, under HF2580, legislators requested the continuation of the Advisory Committee with reports being due January 9, 2009, and January 8, 2010, to the Governor and General Assembly. The legislative charge notes the advisory committee shall: 1) study how to provide one or more sustainable sources of funding for natural resources and outdoor recreation needs in Iowa, and 2) advise members of the general assembly in efforts to establish or administer sustainable funding sources.

The first report was submitted in January 2009. The January 8, 2010, report will expand and clarify points in the January 9, 2009, report in administering the funds and creating a transparent and public engaging process.