On November 2, Iowa voters easily passed the Water and Land Legacy Amendment, to fund future conservation efforts in the state, according to the Wildlife Management Institute. Sixty-two percent of the voters supported the proposal. By state constitutional amendment, the measure creates the Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund.

Unlike in Minnesota, which passed similar legislation in 2008, funds to implement the Iowa amendment will not be generated immediately. The measure designated that three-eighths of 1 percent of the next increase in Iowa's sales tax must go to the Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund. It will take action by Iowa's legislature to raise the state's sales tax to provide funding for the amendment.

The measure is estimated to produce approximately $150 million per year for conservation projects in the state. The monies can be used for wetlands restoration, water quality improvement, flood mitigation and enhancement of fish and wildlife habitats, along with other conservation efforts. Importantly, the amendment contained language that will prevent money raised for these conservation purposes from being diverted to other uses.

The amendment was supported by more than 130 conservation organizations within the state. Proponents of the bill are hoping that the strong support shown by voters will trigger quick action in the legislature to pass a sales tax increase to begin raising funds. (pmr)