Meeting Public Comments

Uriah Hansen

I am writing to share my serious concern and support AGAINST SF516 as it relates to the management of open space properties and recreational trails within the state of Iowa. As a HR leader for a medium sized business in Northern Iowa as well as a father to a young family, this bill couldn't be more terrifying for me to see moving through our statehouse. Public spaces, outdoor recreation, and the OPPORTUNITY to expand those are critical to maintaining our quality of life here in Iowa. Working for an employer and leading hiring efforts for my company near Clear Lake, our open spaces, the trail network, the lake itself and the amenities that come with it are integral to our businesses ability to attract, recruit, and retain employees here in rural Iowa. On top of the business aspect I look at the environment that I want my family to experience, and it is not one where public access is restricted and we're limited to the less than HALF OF A PERCENT of total land in Iowa. As a member of Pheasants Forever, Ducks Unlimited, and a member of the Natural Resources Commission of the Iowa DNR it is IMPERITIVE for us to continue working to grow our outdoor access and ability for our citizens to enjoy those resources.I urge the members of this committee to BLOCK and STOP SF516 from moving any further and jeopardizing the quality of life for Iowa Citizens both current and future.

Uriah Hansen

I am writing to share my serious concern and support AGAINST SF516 as it relates to the management of open space properties and recreational trails within the state of Iowa. As a HR leader for a medium sized business in Northern Iowa as well as a father to a young family, this bill couldn't be more terrifying for me to see moving through our statehouse. Public spaces, outdoor recreation, and the OPPORTUNITY to expand those are critical to maintaining our quality of life here in Iowa. Working for an employer and leading hiring efforts for my company near Clear Lake, our open spaces, the trail network, the lake itself and the amenities that come with it are integral to our businesses ability to attract, recruit, and retain employees here in rural Iowa. On top of the business aspect I look at the environment that I want my family to experience, and it is not one where public access is restricted and we're limited to the less than HALF OF A PERCENT of total land in Iowa. As a member of Pheasants Forever, Ducks Unlimited, and a member of the Natural Resources Commission of the Iowa DNR it is IMPERITIVE for us to continue working to grow our outdoor access and ability for our citizens to enjoy those resources.I urge the members of this committee to BLOCK and STOP SF516 from moving any further and jeopardizing the quality of life for Iowa Citizens both current and future.

Uriah Hansen [NA]

I am writing to share my serious concern and support AGAINST SF516 as it relates to the management of open space properties and recreational trails within the state of Iowa. As a HR leader for a medium sized business in Northern Iowa as well as a father to a young family, this bill couldn't be more terrifying for me to see moving through our statehouse. Public spaces, outdoor recreation, and the OPPORTUNITY to expand those are critical to maintaining our quality of life here in Iowa. Working for an employer and leading hiring efforts for my company near Clear Lake, our open spaces, the trail network, the lake itself and the amenities that come with it are integral to our businesses ability to attract, recruit, and retain employees here in rural Iowa. On top of the business aspect I look at the environment that I want my family to experience, and it is not one where public access is restricted and we're limited to the less than HALF OF A PERCENT of total land in Iowa. As a member of Pheasants Forever, Ducks Unlimited, and a member of the Natural Resources Commission of the Iowa DNR it is IMPERITIVE for us to continue working to grow our outdoor access and ability for our citizens to enjoy those resources.I urge the members of this committee to BLOCK and STOP SF516 from moving any further and jeopardizing the quality of life for Iowa Citizens both current and future.

Ryan Baumgartner

I am writing in opposition of this bill. This bill would change the current code to "prioritize maintaining" current public ground over participating in land acquisition. We as a state already have management plans required for public land as is. This bill is simply a red herring as it would make it impossible for the state to buy new land as they will never be able to "prove" their current lands are adequately maintained. Fundamentally, this legislation is trying to cripple public land acquisition in Iowa where we already rank 47 out of 50 states. This bill is bad for our future generations, bad for outdoorsmen and women, and simply bad for the State of Iowa.

Carol Lippard

I My husband and I oppose any action which threatens our natural resources. As citizens of Iowa, I believe our natural heritage is a sacred trust. Iowa is fertile. We have altered the landscape in this state more than any other due to this fertility. We have often not used best conservation practices. We and our children and grandchildren end up paying for this. Trails and open spaces are one small way that we can use the resources in our state for the enrichment of all of our citizens. Please let this bill die in committee. It is not in the best interests of Iowa.

James Wooley [Retired]

To House State Government Subcommittee members: I've written because I am strongly opposed to SF516, and I ask that you stop this misguided, and wholly unnecessary legislation before it progresses. This bill was created with the intent to dramatically limit the Iowa DNRs ability to protect, restore, manage and expand our public lands. It is supported by no groups except the narrowly focused special interest groups that are advancing it Farm Bureau, Corn Growers, and Cattlemen. It takes into account exactly zero input from those of us who recreate in the outdoors, nor from businesses that must attract workers to this state with amenities like our natural resources. It will decrease access to quality habitat and reduce opportunities for Iowans to enjoy Iowas public lands, waters and wildlife now and in the future.I hunt and fish actively on public lands across this state. Iowas small number of public recreation areas (by comparison to other states) get extensive use by Iowans. I know that because I encounter many of them when I used these areas. The DNR is doing an excellent job of maintaining these wildlife management areas for exactly what they are designed for wild natural areas where all fish and wildlife can flourish, and Iowans can experience great outdoor recreation. There is absolutely no evidence of inappropriate management anywhere across Iowa.This bill attempts to address a problem that literally does not exist. There are several specific concerns with SF516: It requires DNR to create new longrange plans (agency strategic plans already guide and prioritize projects). Recreating this work wastes resources and dollars.This bill repeals established legislative intent language for Iowa open spaces and trails, suggesting the Legislature no longer values our natural resources. Open space lands are good for business in Iowa they are essential to Iowan's quality of life, attracting and retaining workforce, economic development, public health, and the viability of our recreation and tourism industry. The bill actively discourages growth of open spaces and trails (Iowa ranks nearly last nationally in public land available for public recreation) by adding a statutory requirement that maintenance should supersede acquisition. DNR should be free to manage and to determine the priorities that will best serve their constituents.Management of public lands is already handled professionally. There is no evidence of inappropriate management, I hope you will consider SF516 carefully, conclude there is no need for it, and vote against bringing it forward. I urge you to ensure that any decisions made regarding our natural resources and wildlife, and public outdoor recreation, are based on sound science and professional expertise. Thank you for your consideration.

Randy McPherren

Good Morning Committee Members,Please consider my response to be strongly against SF 516.I will keep my points very brief and to the point. As you know, a very few of us are very fortunate to have our own farmlands to hunt, hike, and enjoy the solitude that our natural resources have to offer our souls. With only 12% of Iowa public land dedicated to the enjoyment of all Iowans and not just the lucky few who actually own land, it is imperative you consider the ramifications this bill will have on all the constituents you represent in your Districts and in the State.Please vote against SF 516, and stay on the side of Common Sense!Thanks for your consideration!Respectfully,Randy McPherrenLandowner/ Farmer Appanoose County

Ralph Rosenberg

Dear Committee, , I write in opposition to this revised bill. I enjoy fishing, hiking and boating on public lands. I prefer fishing, hiking and boating in Iowa, and not having to travel to nearby states to enjoy our public lands and waters. I also have worked in the world of private and public natural resources for much of my life, including 12 years as chair of the House, then Senate environment committees.Few Iowans know that Iowa ranks about 47th in public land ownership. There is no outcry to see how much lower Iowa can go.The problems in our state's waters, for recreation or drinking, primarily are sourced from private lands. Limiting public land acquisition does nothing to address this natural resource issue. Few problems in our states' waters arise from public land use. Instead of time spent on this bill, the legislature could shift course and work to improve private use and management of private lands. Iowa needs policies to incentivize upstream farm owners to institute permanent practices to limit degradation of our lands and waters. I would propose amendments to encourage private landowners to provide permanent easements to their land to better protect the land for future generations. Can you ask your county conservation boards, who also could use additional funding for their fine work, if they want greater restrictions on what they can do to better protect public lands. I have read proponents say they appreciate fishing, hiking, horseback riding, and boating in our state waters. Then why this bill. If DNR funding is an issue, the solution is to provide additional dollars.What this bill does would be like DOT closing state roads, with the argument they need more money on existing roads. Using the DOT example, I can safely say the legislature would not close roads. They might raise the gas tax. They would not close state roads.

Thomas Reardon

I urge you to oppose SF 516.This bill is detrimental to the vast majority of Iowans. For example, Pottawattamie County, as the second largest county in Iowa has some of the least available public land (83 out of 99). If SF 516 had been in effect a few years ago the acquisition of Green Hills Ranch would not have been possible, much to the detriment of your constituents. Green Hill WMA has added 513 acres of public land available to the citizens of the area.The intent of this bill is to further curtail conservation efforts in the state of Iowa which is already the most altered state in the entire United States. Iowa has less than 3% of its land publicly available for hunting, fishing, camping, birdwatching, nature photography, and hiking by Iowa families. That places it 47 out of 50, beaten in its race to the bottom only by Nebraska, Kansas, and Rhode Island.By discouraging the expansion of public land areas and trails, Senate File 516 will make it even more difficult for conservation organizations to protect areas that are vital to our communitys health and water quality. Areas considered for public land acquisition are often costprohibitive to be used commercially and can pose serious environmental consequences if used as so, but still boost an areas economic value by making it a more attractive place to live, work, and play.