Support buffer strips legislation

I would like to give my grandchildren the gift of fond memories of swimming at Iowa’s beaches on hot summer days I have from growing up here. But increasingly that is becoming impossible because of dangerous water quality. Lakes and rivers are being harmed by runoff from farm fields. Nitrate runoff contributes to the growth of bacteria and the closure of lakes in summer. Soil erosion affects the clarity of water as well as wasting a valuable Iowa resource.

The current legislative solution is voluntary farming practices and the removal of funding for 70 water monitoring stations that would show the effectiveness of the program. Kudos to the farmers who are implementing these practices. But we need more to protect the valuable resource of clean water if we are to once again enjoy our beaches as well as reduce cancer-causing nitrates.

So, please tell your Iowa house representatives to support HF 2029 which will require field buffer strips that average 50 feet and a minimum of 30 feet wide. It is possible to restore that quality of life. Please show your support by taking the time to call or write now.

Susan Benderson

Cedar Rapids