Bill threatens private woodland areas

Our current state Legislature appears to be on the cusp of undoing a hundred years of progress.

At issue is the Forest and Fruit Tree Reserve Act enacted by our forefathers in 1906 to provide a landowner property tax incentive to encourage landowners to hold their poorer lands in timber for erosion control, watershed protection and game cover. All of which are even more important today that when enacted in 1906!

At issue is HF2672 which changes the minimum requirement from two acres to five acres and will give a county Board of Supervisor the authority to entirely "opt" out of the Forest Reserve Program in their county.

HF2672 was passed by the House and is currently awaiting consideration by the Iowa Senate.

Please email or call your State Senator and ask them to oppose HF 2672.

The number for the Senate switch board is (515) 281-3116 or (515) 281-3371.

Paul Millice

Past President, Iowa Woodland Owners Association

Iowa City