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Senate Update: More parks boost health, well-being
by Bob Dvorsky, State Senator · Op-Ed · July 02, 2015


Iowa’s parks, recreation areas and open spaces contribute to our state’s environmental, physical, emotional and social wellbeing while bolstering the economy.


A 2012 report on the Economic Value of Outdoor Recreation Activities in Iowa found that more than $3 billion in spending on outdoor recreation supports about 31,000 jobs.

Recreational pursuits drive entrepreneurs to start new businesses, providing an economic benefit to their communities. Businesses promote close-to-home outdoor recreation to recruit new employees. And those who participate in outdoor recreation contribute to their communities through local spending.

Because recreational opportunities are so important to our quality of life and economy, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources is always looking for ways to update and implement its Statewide Outdoor Recreation Plan. The plan’s priorities include addressing funding challenges to grow outdoor recreation and open spaces.

One way Iowa can address funding challenges is through our state’s Natural Resources & Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund.

In 2008 and 2009, the Legislature approved this proposal, which calls for 3/8 of 1 percent of the next sales tax increase to be dedicated to natural resources. The concept received the support of 63 percent of Iowa voters in 2010.

Ultimately, the Natural Resources & Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund will serve as a central depository for the revenue, which will be distributed as follows:

• 7 percent Lake Restoration

• 10 percent Trails

• 13 percent REAP (Resource Enhancement and Protection program)

• 13 percent Local Conservation Partnership Program

• 14 percent Watershed Protection

• 20 percent Soil Conservation and Water Protection (IDALS)

• 23 percent Natural Resources (DNR)

This year, the Legislature took its first step toward putting money into the trust fund when the Senate Ways & Means Committee passed SF 504, but we still have a long way to go before funding becomes a reality.

If Iowa’s environmental legacy matters to you, contact state legislators and Governor Branstad and encourage them to support putting money into the Natural Resources & Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund.

To learn more about the trust fund and how it can improve Iowa’s environment and grow our economy, go to www.iowadnr.gov/InsideDNR/GrantsOtherFunding/NaturalResourcesRecTrust.aspx.



To contact Senator Dvorsky during the week, call the Senate Switchboard at 515-281-3371. Otherwise he can be reached at home at 319-351-0988. E-mail him at bob.dvorsky@legis.iowa.ov.