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Iowans to vote on conservation funding

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Talk of Iowa, hosted by Charity Nebbe

Millions of dollars in county conservation funding are at stake for some Iowa voters during the Nov. 5 general election.

In the last 20 years, ballot bond measures have become the norm for Iowa's larger counties to fund conservation initiatives including water quality, natural resources restoration, and park and trail projects. The Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund, which was approved by Iowa voters in 2010, has stayed empty due to inaction by the Iowa Legislature.

Polk County Conservation Director Rich Leopold shares what two successful bond measures have accomplished since they were passed in 2012 and 2021. Then, Jim Pease of Story County Conservation and Brad Freidhof of Johnson County Conservation share their intentions for the bond measures on their counties' ballots this November election. This is Story County's first attempt at passing a conservation measure, and Johnson County previously passed a measure in 2008.

Guests:

  • Rich Leopold, director, Polk County Conservation
  • Jim Pease, board chair, Story County Conservation
  • Brad Freidhof, conservation program manager, Johnson County Conservation
Charity Nebbe is IPR's 'Talk of Iowa' host. She also hosts IPR's podcasts 'Garden Variety' and 'Unsettled'. Since 2010, Nebbe has interviewed, conversed with, and shared ideas from guests of all backgrounds and locations, and has helped listeners better understand, appreciate, and explore their state and the world around them. Nebbe has a bachelors degree from Iowa State University.
Samantha McIntosh is a talk show producer for Iowa Public Radio. She holds a bachelor's degree from St. Cloud State University. Since 2022, McIntosh has worked with IPR's talk team to bring news and features to IPR's listening audience.