Vote yes on Johnson County conservation bond

As the climate crisis intensifies, protecting Johnson County’s environment has never been more urgent. Our natural resources are irreplaceable, and this election presents a unique opportunity to safeguard them for future generations. By voting yes on the $30 million Johnson County Conservation Bond, we can ensure that our environment remains resilient. The bond will fund crucial land acquisitions, trail expansions, and conservation work that will benefit our community for years to come. By supporting this bond, we are making a choice to protect our waters, wildlife, and forests well into the future.

For many families in Johnson County, our local waterways have long been a source of recreation. Yet in recent years, places like Coralville Lake, where families used to swim and fish without a second thought, have been plagued by high bacteria and algae bloom levels. With beach waters frequently deemed unsafe for swimming, I worry that future generations may miss out on fun experiences and traditions.

It's not just our water. Our wildlife is in danger too. Iowa’s native habitats are vanishing — our prairies reduced to less than one tenth of 1% of their original size and our woodlands are cut in half. This habitat loss is driving 47 species in Iowa to the brink of extinction, including important pollinators like native bees, and other animals like bats and piping plovers. Gray fox populations are drastically declining as well. If we fail to act now, these species, critical to our ecosystem, may disappear forever.

The Johnson County conservation bond will allow us to take proactive steps. We can expand protected lands, restore prairies, and preserve essential habitats that nurture biodiversity, sustaining the health and resilience of our entire ecosystem. Protecting our green spaces and waterways will benefit everyone, ensuring we have clean air to breathe, safe water to drink, and healthy soil for farming and recreation.

We know conservation investments pay off. The 2008 bond was transformative for Johnson County. It allowed us to preserve over 1,000 acres of land, build new trails, and protect ecosystems. The 2024 bond will build on this success, ensuring Johnson County remains a leader in environmental stewardship while enhancing the quality of life for all of us. With growing challenges like rising cancer rates and persistent drought, continued investments in conservation are essential.

The property tax increase from passing this bond will be minimal — about $7.09 per $100,000 of assessed taxable value — and this small investment will provide lasting benefits, from improved public spaces and water quality to long-term protection of our county’s natural beauty, resources, and wildlife- as well as ourselves.

When we invest in conservation, we’re investing in our own futures. Studies consistently show access to nature improves mental and physical well-being. Clean water, green spaces, and thriving wildlife make Johnson County a healthier, more vibrant place to live. Let’s give our children the chance to grow up exploring the outdoors safely and to carry forward a legacy of environmental stewardship.

I urge you to flip your ballot and vote YES on the Johnson County Conservation Bond on or before Nov. 5. It’s more than a vote — it’s an investment in the health, beauty, and future of our community.

Mandi Remington is City of Iowa City Climate Ambassador and candidate for the Johnson County Board of Supervisors.