By PETER HUSSMANN
A statewide coalition of conservation, environmental and outdoor recreation groups is getting its ducks in a row in advance of a vote next year on a constitutional amendment that would provide a future funding stream to enhance Iowa's natural resources.
Iowa's Water and Land Legacy (IWiLL), a consortium of groups ranging from the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation to the Iowa chapter of the Foundation for North American Wild Sheep, is in the process of hiring a campaign manager or consulting firm to garner public support for the ballot initiative over the course of the next year. Applications for the position were due yesterday.
In November 2010, Iowa voters will be asked to support the development of the Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund. It would provide a permanent and constitutionally protected source of revenue to improve and diversify Iowa's natural environment and outdoor recreation activities.
The trust fund money would be obtained by allocating 3/8 of one cent from sales tax revenue the next time the Iowa Legislature approves a sales tax increase. Backers estimate the fund would generate an additional $150 million annually to protect Iowa's water quality, conservation of agricultural soils and improvements to the state's natural areas, including parks, trails and fish and wildlife habitat.
Next year's vote to amend the state's constitution was made possible after the Iowa Legislature approved resolutions to establish the fund in each of the past two legislative sessions. Backers note the resolutions were supported by more than 90 percent of Iowa lawmakers.
IWiLL is also organizing at the local level. The group has set up local ballot organizations in each of the state's 99 counties through the Iowa Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board. The local committees are chaired by Sean McMahon, the state director of the Nature Conservancy. The organizational filing indicates the The Conservation Campaign from Boston, Mass., is its parent entity.
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