Meeting Public Comments

Subcommittee meeting and times are as follows:

Attendance at subcommittee meetings by lobbyists and the public is via zoom or in-person. See agenda for zoom details. Only authenticated users are permitted access.

SSB 1198

A bill for an act relating to restrictions on the acquisition of real property by the department of natural resources.(See SF 553.)

Agenda

Subcommittee members: Shipley-CH, Staed, Sweeney

Date: Tuesday, March 4, 2025

Time: 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM

Location: Room 217 Conference Room

Comments Submitted:

The purpose of comments is to provide information to members of the subcommittee.

Names and comments are public records. Remaining information is considered a confidential record.

03-03-2025

Lori Enloe

I oppose SSB 1198. This bill would place unnecessary restrictions on efforts to protect and grow Iowas public parks, trails and wildlife areas, prohibiting the Iowa DNR from purchasing land at auction, regardless of the public need or benefit. Landowners should be able to get a fair price for land they sell for public use. For both Iowa residents and people visiting Iowa, we need to create opportunities to enhance Iowa's outdoors this bill will erode our state's ability to offer outdoor recreation, improve water qualityand preserve threatened natural areas.

03-03-2025

Christine Little [Bitches Get Stuff Done]

I strongly oppose SSB 1198, as it places unnecessary restrictions on the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in acquiring land for conservation and public use. This bill undermines efforts to protect and preserve Iowas natural resources, limiting opportunities for outdoor recreation, wildlife conservation, and sustainable land management.Public lands benefit all Iowans by providing spaces for hunting, fishing, hiking, and tourismactivities that contribute to both quality of life and local economies. Restricting the DNRs ability to acquire land only serves private interests at the expense of the broader public good. Furthermore, conservation efforts led by the DNR help prevent flooding, improve water quality, and protect biodiversitycritical issues for our states longterm environmental and economic health.I urge legislators to reject SSB 1198 and instead support policies that promote responsible conservation and land stewardship for future generations.

03-03-2025

Amanda Caraballo

I strongly oppose SSB 1198.SSB 1198 would place unnecessary restrictions on the DNR's efforts to protect and grow our state's public parks, trails, and wildlife areas by prohibiting the Iowa DNR from purchasing land at auction, regardless of the public need or benefit.Public lands benefit all Iowans by providing spaces for hunting, fishing, hiking, birding, and tourism. All of these activities contribute to the quality of life and local economies for so many communities across the State of Iowa. Our public lands also benefit Iowans by serving as carbon sinks (grasslands and woodlands) and improving water quality (like wetlands). The people of Iowa want public land! Do not restrict the Department of Natural Resources' ability to acquire and restore public land for Iowans to use! Vote NO!

03-03-2025

Leanne Williams

I strongly oppose SSB 1198. Iowa needs protected public lands for the benefit of our ecosystem, the benefit of ecosystems downstream of us, public use and associated income, and so many more reasons. We do not have time to debate the necessity of protecting our environment. Please stop this bill.

03-04-2025

Shirley Harris

I am OPPOSED to SSB1198. This bill severely restricts the ability of the Department of Natural Resources of acquiring certain land or properties adjacent to current state lands. Thereby the Department would be prevented from possible acquisition of real property that would be advantageous for public access or use. Please vote AGAINST this bill.