Lawmakers can leave a real legacy

The Iowa Legislature and Governor have an extraordinary opportunity to leave a legacy more enduring than anything the state has accomplished in decades - arguably the most profound legislative action affecting the Iowa landscape since the state was founded. The question is whether they will boldly grasp this opportunity, or let it lay unattended.

This Legislative session's grand opportunity is to fund the Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund. Accomplishing this measure requires fractionally raising the state sales tax by 3/8 of one cent. It doesn't seem like much, but for Iowans this will be huge. The Fund will provide needed enhancements to water quality, parks, trails, hunting and fishing, and more. Campgrounds, shelters and other infrastructure will finally have dedicated funds for repairs and upgrades. Iowa will no longer be ranked near the bottom in making these needed investments.

A bipartisan bill, Senate File 357, was introduced by Senators David Johnson (R-Ocheyedan) and Dick Dearden (D-Des Moines) to provide the funding.

Iowans want this more than most any other recent statewide initiative. In 2010, 63 percent of the electorate voted to change the Iowa Constitution by creating the Trust Fund, and earmarking the first 3/8 of one cent of the next sales tax increase to it.

Recent polling shows citizen approval has only grown since 2010. Today, 67 percent of Iowans state they would like to see the sales tax increase to provide money to the Trust Fund. Approval increases to 73 percent when paired with a reduction in other taxes. The value Iowans place on their natural resources and outdoor recreation is apparent.

So, citizens have spoken - repeatedly. The question no longer is about public will. The question is about political will. Iowans changed the constitution to establish the Trust Fund and the mechanism for its funding. Iowa law does not allow a ballot initiative to raise the revenue. It requires political will of legislators and the Governor. Can the Legislature deliver on the wants and needs of its citizens? Will the Governor lend his support? Will it be this generation of Iowans who leave a legacy of improved Iowa water and lands - a legacy likely to be recognized as a natural resources turning point by generations of Iowans to come?

Once funded, the Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund will be a game-changer in the battle to preserve and enhance Iowa's waters and lands, outdoor recreation opportunities, and quality of life. Trust Fund dollars are constitutionally guaranteed to be spent for these purposes. To learn more about how dollars will be spent, visit http://iowaswaterandlandlegacy.org/sections/page/about.

Imagine an Iowa where waters run clean, outdoor recreation opportunities abound, and parks and natural areas are part of Iowa-pride. This is not a dream. The opportunity is here. Let your legislators know that this is an Iowa you want for yourself, and for generations to come. Encourage funding of the Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund.

' Dan Cohen is executive director of the Buchanan County Conservation Board, and a freelance writer from Independence. Polling data is from surveys conducted in August 2014 by Public Opinion Strategies. Comments: bccbdan@iowatelecom.net