Facts and myths on land trust fund vote

Fact: Environmental Protection Agency data shows more than 50 “impaired” waters in Iowa.

Fact: Iowa ranks 49th among states in public lands, resulting in scarce wildlife habitat.

Fact: The loss of habitat means loss of out-of-state hunters, which means loss of out-of-state revenue (motels, food, gas, etc.).

Fact: Iowa ranks 47th in conservation spending.

Fact: Voting yes for Question 1 on the Nov. 2 ballot will result in establishing a trust fund, with more than half of the fund allocated for soil and water conservation.

Fact: More than

96 percent of Iowa's original wetlands have disappeared. Wetlands are extremely important in retaining water runoff and improving water quality.

Myth: This is a vote to raise taxes. Question No. 1 is a vote to establish a trust fund that cannot be used for any other purpose, as it will establish a constitutional amendment to this effect.

Fact: The trust will be funded by 3/8 of a cent if the Iowa Legislature ever votes to increase the sales tax.

Please vote yes for Question 1 for, as it has been so aptly put, “We do not own the land, we are only borrowing it from our children.”

Frank Mertz

Vice chairman

Iowa Ducks Unlimited

Webster