Open Spaces Protection

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Open Space (28% of REAP funds) - This money is allocated to DNR for state acquisition and development of lands and waters. The Natural Resource Commission has set a policy that half this money be directed to land acquisition and half to facility developments.

One-tenth of this 28% is set aside to cost-share land acquisitions with private organizations. The cost-share arrangement entails 75% of the acquisition costs coming from REAP and the other 25% coming from private contributions. This program provides an excellent opportunity for private conservation organizations to help provide outdoor recreation opportunities and protect critical habitat. The State of Iowa owns and manages the property that is jointly purchased on behalf of the public. A project review committee made up of 3 DNR administrators and 3 representatives of private conservation organizations selects the projects.

Applications for these projects are accepted once a year on August 15th.

2021 Update: Due to the delay in 2020 Census data, the grant deadline has been extended to August 30 at 5:00. According the the US Census Bureau, city population data will be available on August 16th. The 2020 Census population will be the data that cities should use for their request. Additionally, the department will be using SlideRoom for the grant application.

Application Training Video
REAP Administrative Rules
Open Spaces Plan
Helpful Hints from Selection Committee
Recent Open Space REAP Grants
State Conservation and Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP)
Wildlife Action Plan
DNR Appraisal Guidelines - Grant Reimbursement - Revised January 2013
DNR Appraisal Guidelines - For IA CGs - Revised January 2013
Appraisal guidelines to assist applicants and their contracted certified appraisers in performing appraisals for grant reimbursement or general certified appraisers contracted by the DNR for performing appraisals on behalf of the DNR.

One-twentieth of this 28% is available to the state's Protected Water Areas (PWA) program. This program is directed at acquiring land along designated rivers to maintain their scenic and natural qualities. Portions of the Boone, Little Sioux, Middle Raccoon, Upper Iowa, and Wapsipinicon Rivers are currently designated "protected water areas."

The Open Space component has an important requirement that is very popular among local officials. Property taxes on land purchased with REAP Open Space funds continue to be paid. In other words, the property remains on the tax roles and its acquisition by the state does not place financial burdens on local governments. The DNR pays these taxes with funds from the REAP Open Space account.

REAP and WRAC Application Training

REAP Coordinator, Tammie Krausman and WRAC Coordinator, Michelle Wilson provide training on applying for grants using the SlideRoom application.

REAP Coordinator

Contact person:
Tammie Krausman, REAP Coordinator
Iowa Department of Natural Resources
Wallace State Office Building
Des Moines, IA 50319

phone: 515-402-8763
Tammie.Krausman@dnr.iowa.gov