Answers: Conservation funding

Some Iowans are encouraging state legislators to pass a three-eighths-of-a-cent sales tax to activate the Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund, which has not been funded since voters approved in 2010. Revenue would go to soil and water quality, fish, wildlife, parks and trails. Do you think legislators should fund the trust and, if so, how would you like to see the money spent?

FROM OUR INBOX

I'd oppose any additional sales tax to fund the trust. I propose that the Iowa Legislature begin living within our means, reducing cost of some existing state programs, and using every dollar saved by the state to fund the new trust if it's so important.

It's not the ‘60s anymore people! Our taxpayers can't afford to fund every project, regardless of how worthy.

Michael J.

Cedar Rapids

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FROM FACEBOOK

' Mike T.: Make it a full cent and allow free hunting and fishing using Iowa driver's licenses.

' Ron S.: It doesn't matter what the people want, They are going to do it anyway.

' Brian C.: Conservation projects.

' Roy P.: Yes, we need more campgrounds and to expand and update the ones we have. As a state with lots to offer to full-time RV'ers we aren't taking advantage of the money they spend. Same goes for local weekenders with RV's. Finding a good park with easy to get into and level spots with all the hook ups is hard to find in our outdated parks.

' Randy H.: Absolutely! This Fund is critical to our county parks, lakes, rivers, streams, native prairie and natural resources across the state. Each county should decide the best use of the funds. With more and more habitat disappearing every month, we have to make a commitment to our natural resources for generations to come.

' Allen L.: Why? Does some big city want a zoo and have the rest of us pay for it?

' KayCee M.: The money should be followed 100 percent, these 'conservation” projects are known for shuffling money, immorally - many times, if funds aren't used for certain projects or if it isn't used by a certain time, it is up to the discretion of some very jaded people to decide what to do with it. Too many places get enough money, but the county supervisors overseeing the projects let them go to crap.