By Steve Weisman

To say lots of things have occurred over the past few years is definitely an understatement: a pandemic that shut the entire world down, the attempts to recover, the resulting political divide and the continued issues that keep short circuiting our recovery. It’s left America’s families struggling in its wake. In these tumultuous times, families have turned to the outdoors and activities that give us a renewed sense of freedom. County conservation board naturalists have offered outdoor programs to help families learn more about where they live. People have explored trails, spent times kayaking exploring the beauties of a wide range of waters…in other words we are seeking healing and relief through nature, and people are wanting more.

In response to these events, the state legislators in Minnesota finalized an environmental and natural resources bill this past session totaling $98.1million in funding. A major proponent and supporter of this legislation was the MN-FISH Coalition, which is a grass roots sportfishing, marine and angler advocacy network that gives anglers a legislative voice and works to achieve public policies.

This is in addition to the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF), which is a permanent fund in the Minnesota state treasury dedicated to funding activities that protect, conserve, preserve, and enhance the state’s air, water, land, fish, wildlife, and other natural resources. The ENRTF was created in 1988 when 77% of Minnesota voters approved an amendment to the Minnesota Constitution (Art. XI, Sec.14). The ENRTF provides a long-term, consistent, and stable source of funding for Minnesota’s environment and natural resources for the benefit of current and future generations.

That’s not all…in 2008, Minnesota’s voters passed the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment to the Minnesota Constitution to protect drinking water sources, to protect, enhance and restore wetlands, prairies and forests and fish, game and wildlife habitat. The Legacy Amendment increases the state sales tax by three-eighths of one percent beginning on July 1, 2009 and continuing until 2034.

Looking to our neighboring state, I think we Iowans should commend them and also be jealous of what they have accomplished. You see, here in Iowa we have had the same chance, and Iowans have been left high and dry. Oh, we’ve had the chance, but our legislators have turned a deaf ear.

Let me take you on a little journey of Iowa’s failed dreams.

A history

Back in 2006, the Legislature appointed a committee to research the feasibility of sustainable funding for natural resources. After a positive report, “legislators deemed a dedicated funding source should be established to address Iowa’s natural resource needs and that the people of Iowa should have a voice on this issue.  In 2008 and 2009, proposed legislation was passed to allow the people of Iowa to vote on a Constitutional amendment that would create a dedicated trust fund.”

In November of 2010, the people of Iowa voted on the concept and “chose to amend Iowa’s Constitution and create the Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund and a dedicated funding source.  This passage activated Senate File 2310 (SF2310) into law on January 1, 2011, which provides the framework for the distribution, use, and accountability of the Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund. Upon enactment, SF2310 was finalized into Iowa Code Chapter 461.” The amendment was passed by 63% of the voters.

It has been estimated that if funded, revenue would amount to over $200,000,000 (million) each year. The only trouble? The Trust Fund’s dedicated funding source was never provided. So, here we sit in June of 2023, almost 13 years later…and we’re still sitting with an unfunded Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund.

That’s over 4400 days of lost time! All the years of funding lost. By my calculations, that is over $2,500,000,000…Yup, that’s BILLION! Think what could have been done to enhance and expand our natural resources: lake restoration, trails, REAP, local conservation partner programs, watershed protection, soil conservation and water protection and natural resources. AND YES, Iowans across the state continue to long for more natural resources. Yes, I blame our legislators, but more than that, I blame all of us eligible voters. We NEED to say enough is enough…and demand that WE need to fund the trust!

However, we can’t look at what hasn’t been done but what can be done starting with 2023.

What it means if it is funded

The bottom line is this fund will do something for ALL Iowans, including those who work the soil. It is a win-win for all of us! The good news is that when funded, it is a constitutionally protected fund, so that money cannot be diverted for other uses.

Once again, I repeat. It will provide reliable and sustainable funding for clean water and watershed protection for famers and landowners, conservation practices, and wildlife habitat, all of which will grow as the economy grows. At the same time, the funded projects will increase the potential of attracting and retaining more people, including out-of-state visitors, to take the opportunity to experience the increased quality of our natural resources.

In addition, this use can potentially lead to increased job opportunities and help fuel Iowa’s economy. We know how important that is to our rural economy. By protecting and increasing our natural resources, we have a better chance of attracting more people to Iowa who want to experience the quality of life that exists here. Bottom line that means both more revenue and an enhanced quality of life!

One of the huge supporters of the Trust Fund is The Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation (INHF), a nonprofit conservation organization that works to protect and restore Iowa’s land, water and wildlife. You might remember their efforts here in the Iowa Great Lakes to help protect Anglers Bay and the bull rushes a few years ago and the Save the Shoreline on East Okoboji two years ago. The INHF has been one of the leaders in the push to fund the Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund. Anna Gray, Public Policy Director for the INHF notes, “Demand for conservation and outdoor recreation programs has consistently outpaced available funding. The Trust Fund’s investment in parks, trails, and outdoor amenities is necessary to enhance Iowa as an ideal place to live, work and play.” In addition, The Nature Conservancy, the Iowa County Conservation System, Iowa Wildlife Federation,  Pheasants Forever, Ducks Unlimited and the Iowa Soybean Association, have all voiced their support, just to name a few.

What can and needs to be done

It hasn’t been funded because, well you know, the money issue! As the amendment states: No revenue shall be credited to the fund until the tax rate for the sales tax imposed upon the retail sales price of tangible personal property and the furnishing of enumerated services sold in this State in effect on the effective date of this section is increased. When the sales tax is increased, then the fund will be annually credited with an amount equal to the amount generated by a sales tax rate of three-eighths of one cent.

Don’t let that scare you. Legislators for the last three sessions have talked about a tax-neutral deal that would be able to fund the Trust Fund. They even had it up two years ago as a Senate Study Bill and was introduced into the Senate Ways & Means Committee. However, the word that came back to us was that COVID got in the road!

On their own

Sometimes, voters just plain take things into their own hands (in a legal way). Take Polk County, for instance. In November of 2021, voters passed a referendum to issue $65,000,000 in bonds for the very thing that the state’s Trust Fund would do if funded. It cost the Polk County taxpayers around $11 extra in property tax each year. It passed by 81.3%!

Here’s what is really amazing. The new Polk County bond is a renewal of a $50 million initiative approved by 72% of voters in 2012. I would say that’s pretty good testimonial to the importance of what they think of their natural resources. So, the citizens of Polk County are not waiting around.

Let’s get it done

However, is it fair to ask all counties to do this – no matter their population or income, when Iowa voters have already passed a state-wide mandate? I think not. It’s time to step up to the plate and do what we know Iowa needs! The Trust Fund always seems to get lip service by the legislature and then just fades away. Now is the time to talk to the powers that be. They did a private school voucher this last session and also cut taxes, but they never touched the very thing that Iowans voted for and passed back in 2010! Let’s let our legislators know WE WANT THIS DONE NOW!