Meeting Public Comments

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SSB 3134

A bill for an act relating to the acquisition of real property by county conservation boards and the department of natural resources.(See SF 2312.)

Agenda

Subcommittee members: Sweeney-CH, Hogg, Shipley

Date: Thursday, February 10, 2022

Time: 3:00 PM - 3:30 PM

Location: Room G17

Comments Submitted:

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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.

02-10-2022

Eric Rector []

I am opposed to SSB 3134. Let the framework of the county supervisors and conservation board members who are appointed by the board decide what's right for their county. This is nothing more than back door legislative control over the DNR and now county conservation boards. The legislature gives lip service to "caring" about the natural resources and public spaces, this bill would severally limit access to said places or the acquisition on new places.

02-10-2022

Chris Lee []

Count me opposed to this. Leave the decisions regarding local land use to the locals that understand their community needs best. That system has worked great for the last 60+ years of county conservations existence, lets not mess that up now. Its not like Iowa is flush with public land to begin with, and if you actually look across the state, study the data, and not just listen to anecdotal horror stories of someone getting outbid by the DNR for marginal ground, youll find that public land acquisition is not the undoing of the ag economy in any way. In fact, public land is increasingly critical to both urban and rural economies. There are a lot of issues facing our state, too much public land bought too easily is not one of them.

02-10-2022

Martha Dorow []

Please vote against SSB 3134 in its entirety. This bill handcuffs the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and county conservation boards from acquiring land for parks, trails, preserves, watershed protection, wildlife habitat, and even recreational amenities such as new museums or playgrounds.The bill directly threatens conservation efforts to protect water quality in Iowa. Iowa has a TERRIBLE reputation for water quality. Why make it harder to improve it???It also makes it harder for private landowners sell their land for public use, punishing Iowans who wish to protect and develop treasured public spaces in their communities for the future.Rural Iowa communities and businesses near state parks and along bike trails are seeing development and dollars. Outdoor recreation and state park visitation rates have skyrocketed over the past two years. Now is the time to invest in more conservation and outdoor recreation, not less.The Mitchell County Conservation Board has recently made some great land acquisitions for watershed protection and parks and trails. These acquisitions have been VERY POPULAR in our County and adjoining counties. They have a long term plan that will enhance their holdings. PLEASE DO NOT SUPPORT THIS BILL!!!!! Please vote against this bill!!!!

02-10-2022

Roger White []

Please oppose Senate Study Bill 3134. As my Senator or as a member of the Natural Resources and Environment Committee, I am asking that you vote no on this unfair bill. SSB 3134 is an attack on the private property rights of Iowans and an attack on conservation when we should be doing more to protect our water quality and enhance outdoor recreation opportunities. If enacted, this bill would violate the rights of Iowans to receive fair market value for their property when selling to the buyer of their choice. This bill also ignores the public value of improving water quality, expanding wildlife habitat and helping with flood mitigation when land is protected by a conservation organization. Preserving Iowa's land, water and wildlife leads to a better quality of life for everybody and helps to make Iowa a place that people want to live, work and raise families.As Chair of Black Hawk County REAP Committee, a bicyclist, a hiker, and an active trails and outdoor recreation advocate, I am extremely disappointed and frustrated by the contents of this bill. REAP and other outdoor recreation resources are already hamstrung by inadequate annual funding. This proposed bill would just add more disincentives to conservation and preservation of natural resources to the benefit of no one and to the harm of all.Please say no to SSB 3134 and protect the rights of landowners and the millions of people that enjoy Iowa's outdoors.Roger WhiteRWHITECFU.NET2303 GREENWOOD AVE.CEDAR FALLS, IA 50613

02-10-2022

Holmes Semken []

Please say no to SSB 3134 and protect the rights of landowners and the millions of people that enjoy Iowa's outdoors. Iowa has very little public land in comparison to other states and a substantial number of people who appreciate these resources. Let's work at improving public land holdings do not minimize them. Also, Iowa's streams are severely polluted because farmers do not take care of their runoff. I doubt they would like it if municipal waste were dumped on their property. SSB 3134 is an attack on the private property rights of Iowans and an attack on conservation when we should be doing more to protect our water quality and enhance outdoor recreation opportunities. If enacted, this bill would violate the rights of Iowans to receive fair market value for their property when selling to the buyer of their choice. This bill also ignores the public value of improving water quality, expanding wildlife habitat and helping with flood mitigation when land is protected by a conservation organization. Preserving Iowa's land, water and wildlife leads to a better quality of life for everybody and helps to make Iowa a place that people want to live, work and raise families.Iowa has very little public land in comparison to other states and a substantial number of people who appreciate these resources. Let's work at improving public land holdings do not minimize themPlease say no to SSB 3134 and protect the rights of landowners and the millions of people that enjoy Iowa's outdoors.

02-10-2022

KC Coleman []

SSB 3134 is an attack on the private property rights of Iowans and an attack on conservation when we should be doing more to protect our water quality and enhance outdoor recreation opportunities. If enacted, this bill would violate the rights of Iowans to receive fair market value for their property when selling to the buyer of their choice. This bill also ignores the public value of improving water quality, expanding wildlife habitat and helping with flood mitigation when land is protected by a conservation organization. Preserving Iowa's land, water and wildlife leads to a better quality of life for everybody and helps to make Iowa a place that people want to live, work and raise families.Please say no to SSB 3134 and protect the rights of landowners and the millions of people that enjoy Iowa's outdoors.

02-10-2022

Jason Neises []

Our soil & water are nonrenewable resources. We should be providing incentives not penalties for farmers and landowners who are making the choice for their family & neighbors to conserve and protect our land for future generations.Preserving Iowa's land, water and wildlife leads to a better quality of life for everybody and helps to make Iowa a place that people want to live, work and raise families.

02-10-2022

Jane Lieb []

Please vote no on SSB 3134. This bill would have prevented the sale of the last stretch of undeveloped land on East Lake Okoboji to become public property. The environment and water quality of our lake have been saved from degradation by over crowding. I hate to think that that could not happen elsewhere in our state.

02-10-2022

Michael Crawford []

Unless this bill is closing some loop holes, what is wrong with protecting our water quality and enhance outdoor recreation opportunities.VOTE NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!SSB 3134 is an attack on the private property rights of Iowans and an attack on conservation when we should be doing more to protect our water quality and enhance outdoor recreation opportunities.If enacted, this bill would violate the rights of Iowans to receive fair market value for their property when selling to the buyer of their choice. This bill also ignores the public value of improving water quality, expanding wildlife habitat and helping with flood mitigation when land is protected by a conservation organization.Preserving Iowa's land, water and wildlife leads to a better quality of life for everybody and helps to make Iowa a place that people want to live, work and raise families.Please say no to SSB 3134 and protect the rights of landowners and the millions of people that enjoy Iowa's outdoors.

02-10-2022

Steve Pearson []

Please oppose Senate Study Bill 3134. As my Senator or as a member of the Natural Resources and Environment Committee, I am asking that you vote no on this unfair bill. SSB 3134 is an attack on the private property rights of Iowans and an attack on conservation when we should be doing more to protect our water quality and enhance outdoor recreation opportunities. If enacted, this bill would violate the rights of Iowans to receive fair market value for their property when selling to the buyer of their choice. This bill also ignores the public value of improving water quality, expanding wildlife habitat and helping with flood mitigation when land is protected by a conservation organization. Preserving Iowa's land, water and wildlife leads to a better quality of life for everybody and helps to make Iowa a place that people want to live, work and raise families.At a time when the Iowa Economic Development Authority and Iowa Tourism continue working hard to develop & retain Iowa's workforce, promote rural economic development, as well as attracting people to Iowa let's not move in the opposite direction. As recently as last fall, one of the key messaging pillars to grow and promote Iowa was "Natural Beauty". Iowa legislature should be investing IN Iowa's future and not restricting the ability of Iowan's to enhance their local and regional opportunities for improvementsPlease say no to SSB 3134 and protect the rights of landowners and the millions of people that enjoy Iowa's outdoors

02-10-2022

Jerry Anderson []

I am opposed to limiting the authority of these agencies to acquire needed public lands. Iowa already has one of the smallest percentages of land devoted to public parks and recreation areas and this bill would hamper our ability to remedy that. It may also interfere with a private landowner's ability to sell their property for its value to the buyer of their choice.

02-10-2022

URIAH HANSEN []

I strongly oppose this bill and it's infringement on the rights of private citizens and their decision on who they can sell property to (without losing money!). This is not only an infringement on our rights to sell, but also an attack on public resources and assets within the state of Iowa.

02-10-2022

Ryan Baumgartner []

I am strenuously opposed to this bill. Iowa substantially lags in public land and outdoor recreation opportunities. As more eloquently stated by others, this bill violates the rights of Iowans to receive fair market value for their property when selling to the buyer of their choice. This bill ignores the public value of improving water quality, expanding wildlife habitat and helping with flood mitigation when land is protected by a conservation organization. This bill is bad for landowners, it's bad for the public, and it's bad for Iowa.

02-10-2022

Phil Spike []

It is not prime agricultural land but marginal land that is sought for conservation purposes. Such a small proportion of land in Iowa is permanently reserved for conservation. This bill would almost stop any increase in land dedicated to conservation in the state. It seems that this bill might only be of benefit to a narrow segment of the population in Iowa but would deny an untold number of future Iowans the benefit of adequate public lands. It was clear during the early stages of the pandemic when people flocked to public lands how critical public lands are to the citizens of Iowa.

02-10-2022

Chad Swanson []

Please vote no on Bill SSB 3134. We need to work to preserve Iowas outdoors. Iowans value the outdoors and natural areas. We need to invest in conservation and outdoor recreation. Thank youChad Swanson

02-10-2022

Michelle Ward []

I am writing to say vote no to SSB 3134. This bill would greatly reduce any chance of expanding the amount of public conservation/recreation land in Iowa. Public lands are important for all Iowans whether they choose to use them or not. Public lands improve water quality, prevent flooding, and provide habitat for wildlife. Iowa already has so many impaired waterways, and flooding has become catastrophic in many parts of the state. As a state we are close to the very bottom in the percentage of publicly held land. Is this really where we want to be as a state?

02-10-2022

Jacie Rogers []

SSB 3134 is an attack on the private property rights of Iowans and an attack on conservation when we should be doing MORE to protect our water quality and enhance outdoor recreation opportunities.If enacted, this bill would violate the rights of Iowans to receive fair market value for their property when selling to the buyer of their choice. This bill also ignores the public value of improving water quality, expanding wildlife habitat and helping with flood mitigation when land is protected by a conservation organization.Preserving Iowa's land, water and wildlife leads to a better quality of life for everybody and helps to make Iowa a place that people want to live, work and raise families.

02-10-2022

Phil Walsh []

Please vote no SSB3134. Allow county conservation boards and the Iowa DNR to do their jobs, including habitat preservation and protection, improving and maintaining water quality, providing wildlife habitat, and providing recreational spaces for Iowa's citizens.

02-10-2022

Susan Shullaw []

I am opposed to Senate Study Bill 3134, which is an attack on the private property rights of Iowans and an attack on conservation, at precisely the time when we should be doing MORE to protect our water quality and enhance outdoor recreation opportunities. If enacted, this bill would violate the rights of Iowans to receive fair market value for their property when selling to the buyer of their choice. This bill also ignores the public value of improving water quality, expanding wildlife habitat, and helping with flood mitigation when land is protected by a conservation organization. These values all contribute to the common good, particularly at a time when our climate is changing and a pandemic has driven more Iowa families to enjoy outdoor recreation in our state's (already underfunded) parks and other public areas. Preserving Iowa's land, water, and wildlife leads to a better quality of life for all of us, and helps to make Iowa a place that people want to live, work, and raise families for generations to come. Please vote no on SB 3134.

02-10-2022

Stephen Wilson []

SSB3134 is an affront to the hardworking folks at the CCBs, the DNR, and Iowans everywhere. This bill would have disastrous consequences for generations of Iowans who wish to enjoy the outdoors. Our great State already has an atrociously low amount of public lands and this bill would ultimately push us even closer to the bottom. Further, there is absolutely NO reason the government should be interfering with the fair market by capping the purchase price of said land.Anyone who values the opportunities our public lands have to offer should OPPOSE this bill.

02-10-2022

Lisa Ross Thedens []

Please oppose Senate Study Bill 3134. As my Senator or as a member of the Natural Resources and Environment Committee, I am asking that you vote no on this unfair bill. SSB 3134 is an attack on the private property rights of Iowans and an attack on conservation when we should be doing more to protect our water quality and enhance outdoor recreation opportunities.If enacted, this bill would violate the rights of Iowans to receive fair market value for their property when selling to the buyer of their choice. This bill also ignores the public value of improving water quality, expanding wildlife habitat and helping with flood mitigation when land is protected by a conservation organization. Preserving Iowa's land, water and wildlife leads to a better quality of life for everybody and helps to make Iowa a place that people want to live, work and raise families.Some wonderful friends to all of us have chosen to enhance the lives of their fellow Iowans by seeing that some of their land becomes available for public hunting and hiking and nature enjoyment. This has added so much to the quality of life in Buchanan County, Delaware, and surrounding counties. Please dont throttle these generous hearts in favor of greed and avariceI can see no other reasons than those for this bill. There is so little nature left in Iowa for Gods creatures to subsist on. Please dont make it impossible for people to help. Please dont inhibit the saving of beautiful spaces; so many have already disappeared and so many more people now have proportionally so little land on which to find solitude and spiritual nourishment.Please say no to SSB 3134 and protect the rights of landowners and the millions of people that enjoy Iowa's outdoors.

02-10-2022

Lilly Jensen []

This bill overrides local control, infringes on a property owner rights, disregards any value certain land adds to flood control, soil conservation, and water quality, and is in direct conflict with IEDA / Iowa Tourisms work to promote Iowas natural resources as a means of sustained economic growth. In 2019, the Capitol was packed in opposition to HF542, a bill very similar to this. That widespread opposition has not changed. Vote No on SSB 3134; it should not even get out of subcommittee.

02-10-2022

donna prain []

Why on earth does the state feel it needs to insert itself into negotiations between willing buyers and sellers? Why not focus on funding the referendum passed A DECADE ago to assist with acquisition of open space, flood control, etc. I believe the bill was named IWILL. I wish!This bill should never be passed in any way shape or form!Donna Prain

02-10-2022

Cory Pritchard []

If enacted, this bill would violate the rights of Iowans to receive fair market value for their property when selling to the buyer of their choice. This bill also ignores the public value of improving water quality, expanding wildlife habitat and helping with flood mitigation when land is protected by a conservation organization.Preserving Iowa's land, water and wildlife leads to a better quality of life for everybody and helps to make Iowa a place that people want to live, work and raise families.

02-10-2022

Britt Vickstrom []

02-10-2022

Tomas Heidenwirth []

02-10-2022

Kevin Engel []

SSB 3134 infringes on the private property rights of Iowans and it's an attack on conservation which used to be, at least, an issue supported by both parties. We should be doing more in Iowa to protect our water quality and enhance outdoor recreation opportunities.Iowa has some of the worst water quality in the United States. Plus, people move to places that provide plentiful recreation opportunities, good public education, equitable health care access, and jobs that pay a living wage and have a future.Iowa falls short currently on many of those criteria, and the trend is not getting better. This study bill just compounds problems and directly strikes at the rights of private property owners.This is a bad bill that makes no sense, especially at a time of worker shortages and low population growth. It does not provide benefit to the State of Iowa.

02-10-2022

Morgan Lyddon []

SSB 3134 is an attack on the private property rights of Iowans and an attack on conservation when we should be doing more to protect our water quality and enhance outdoor recreation opportunities.If enacted, this bill would violate the rights of Iowans to receive fair market value for their property when selling to the buyer of their choice. This bill also ignores the public value of improving water quality, expanding wildlife habitat and helping with flood mitigation when land is protected by a conservation organization.Preserving Iowa's land, water and wildlife leads to a better quality of life for everybody and helps to make Iowa a place that people want to live, work and raise families.

02-10-2022

Jo Baumann []

I am opposed to SSB 3134. I urge you to vote NO!!!!! There are many reasons state government doesn't need to have control over deciding how much land a county has access to for citizens enjoyment of their natural resources and water quality. Vote no!

02-10-2022

Rose Danaher []

Iowa ranks 47th in the nation in our % of public land. Adding further regulation to limit acquisition of public land is not only unnecessary, it goes against everything Iowans stand (and vote) for. Public land use in Iowa skyrocketed during covid. Offering all Iowans an opportunity to connect with the land helps preserve our rural lifestyle and values we hold dear.

02-10-2022

Diane Krell []

Preserving Iowa's land, water and wildlife leads to a better quality of life for everybody and helps to make Iowa a place that people want to live, work and raise families.I have lived in my house in suburban West Des Moines for 33 years. We used to be so happy to see one of two deer in the neighborhood. I now have a herd of ten that coming through my yard or sleeping in our ravine. I literally had a bobcat sitting on by my front steps at 11:30 AM a few days ago. I never use to see bucks in my yard, now there were two in my yard this winter checking out the bird feeders and rutting and confronting each other in the front yard.While is it fun and exciting to see wildlife in your yard, I realize this is not a good sign. We are continuing to push wildlife into our cities as they lose more and more natural habitats.I absolutely agree that conserving more of Iowa's natural landscape and protecting our natural resources are of utmost importance for the health and future of our state and ALL its inhabitants!Please say no to SSB 3134 and protect the rights of landowners and the millions of people that enjoy Iowa's outdoors.

02-10-2022

Mike Avesing []

I don't understand the logic behind this bill. It just doesn't make any sense to try and put limits on what could be public grounds, especially at a time when use of the outdoors is increasing. I listened to the Governor's speech the other day and she is interested in attracting folks from other states to move to Iowa. Making adjustments to the tax code will probably help that effort, but so would having plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors in our state. Putting limits on the ability of nonprofits and conservation organizations to purchase properties for public use seems very counter productive.

02-10-2022

Brianne Sanchez []

I strongly oppose this bill as it will not only infringe on the private property rights of Iowans, but it is also an attack on conservation when we should be doing MORE to protect our water quality and enhance outdoor recreation opportunities. This is necessary to keep our state competitive in attracting and retaining talent and ensuring vibrant rural and urban communities.

02-10-2022

Janice Allen []

We need to do everything we can to encourage homeowners to donate land for conservation and restoration. We have vast acres of land dedicated to monoculture agriculture and to private development. The natural areas of Iowa must be preserved and expanded in order to provide a diverse environment for all native species and to provide some buffer for the changes we are currently experiencing in our climate. Instead of capping payments to land owners below market value we should be providing even more incentives.

02-10-2022

Zach Hall [Ida County Conservation Board]

I am Zach Hall, Director of the Ida County Conservation board. Iowa has great potential to retain and attract a quality work force in the future. Recreation areas often decide the location of where young professionals want to live and play. SSB3134 would drastically hinder rural counties from attracting high quality workers. If SSB 3134 passes, it would make it nearly impossible for our county department to expand future public access areas. With the cost per acre soaring to $20,000/acre our local Conservation Board would NEVER want to buy this and never could afford this. Our mission, shared with many private, local conservation agencies, bring light and happiness into our local community. OUR PEOPLE LOVE WHAT WE DO! In the future, ICCB wants to play a roll in protecting marginal land, unfertile land, that protects water quality, soil erosion, and current public recreation areas. IF SSB3134 passed, I return to my original statement: it would make it nearly impossible to expand public access areas. Thus, decreasing the quality of services, all while urban areas grow, and start to take over rural Iowa.If you support this bill you are impacting small counties harder than all other counties in the state. It plays to the hand of big cities, big counties, and big business that want to tell rural Iowans how to live and what to do with their own personal rights. Please oppose Senate Study Bill 3134. As my Senator or as a member of the Natural Resources and Environment Committee, I am asking that you vote no on this unAmerican bill. States should not be restricting the rights and freedoms of its citizens especially in the light of making Iowa a better place to live.Please say no to SSB 3134 and protect the rights of Iowa landowners. Please keep America great. Stop the State from telling individual Iowans what to do with their freedom and their rights!

02-10-2022

Kody Sjoblom [Pheasant Forever]

Members of the Natural Resources and Environment Committee, I am asking that you to vote no on this bill.SSB 3134 is an attack on the private property rights of Iowans and an attack on conservation when we should be doing more to protect our water quality and enhance outdoor recreation opportunities.If enacted, this bill would violate the rights of Iowans to receive fair market value for their property when selling to the buyer of their choice. This bill also ignores the public value of improving water quality, expanding wildlife habitat and helping with flood mitigation when land is protected by a conservation organization.Preserving Iowa's land, water and wildlife leads to a better quality of life for everybody and helps to make Iowa a place that people want to live, work and raise families.Please say no to SSB 3134 and protect the rights of landowners and the millions of people that enjoy Iowa's outdoors.

02-10-2022

Penney Morse []

Senators on the Natural Resources and Environment committee: Please vote against SSB 3134 in its entirety. This bill handcuffs the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and county conservation boards from acquiring land for parks, trails, preserves, watershed protection, wildlife habitat, and even recreational amenities such as new museums or playgrounds. The bill directly threatens conservation efforts to protect water quality in Iowa. Iowa has a TERRIBLE reputation for water quality. Why make it harder to improve it???It also makes it harder for private landowners sell their land for public use, punishing Iowans who wish to protect and develop treasured public spaces in their communities for the future. Rural Iowa communities and businesses near state parks and along bike trails are seeing development and dollars. Outdoor recreation and state park visitation rates have skyrocketed over the past two years. Now is the time to invest in more conservation and outdoor recreation, not less. The Mitchell County Conservation Board has recently made some great land acquisitions for watershed protection and parks and trails. These acquisitions have been VERY POPULAR in our County and adjoining counties. They have a long term plan that will enhance their holdings. PLEASE DO NOT SUPPORT THIS BILL!!!!! Please vote against this bill!!!!

02-10-2022

Douglas Harr [Iowa Audubon]

Iowa has the 3rd smallest percentage of public land of any state in the U.S. As a result, we have some of the nation's worst water conditions, much caused by a lack of protected properties adjacent to our wetlands, lakes, streams and rivers. We have an increasing population and greater desire for outdoor recreation and health, but a shortage of enough public land to provide for the needs of all our people. We've lost approximately 1/3 of our wild bird populations since the 1970s, and all varieties of wildlife have an increasing number of "Species of Greatest Conservation Need" (identified by the "Iowa Wildlife Action Plan"), a primary cause being a huge decline of suitable habitats.All these problemsand moreare a horrendous threat to our environment and recreation, yet one of the best ways to reduce such harm is to increase the amount of protected lands and allowance for public use. In addition, placing restrictions on landowners' freedom to sell land to state and county conservation agencies is also a direct attack upon the rights of citizens who understand their own need for helping improve and protect Iowa's natural resources.

02-10-2022

Devon Murphy-Petersen []

Iowa needs more public land! Our trails, parks, and waterways are the best things about our state; they provide incentive for companies to locate here and individuals to move to Iowa and to vacation here.

02-10-2022

Roger Bollman []

Please oppose Senate Study Bill 3134. As my Senator or as a member of the Natural Resources and Environment Committee, I am asking that you vote no on this unfair bill. SSB 3134 is an attack on the private property rights of Iowans and an attack on conservation when we should be doing more to protect our water quality and enhance outdoor recreation opportunities. If enacted, this bill would violate the rights of Iowans to receive fair market value for their property when selling to the buyer of their choice. This bill also ignores the public value of improving water quality, expanding wildlife habitat and helping with flood mitigation when land is protected by a conservation organization. Preserving Iowa's land, water and wildlife leads to a better quality of life for everybody and helps to make Iowa a place that people want to live, work and raise families.As a 30 year career retired natural resource and park manager, I am exceptionally sensitive to the legitimate needs of the environment and outdoor recreational opportunities. I spent a lifetime working to protect and manage those elements on a daily basis and want to see them preserved and enhanced, not diminished. Please take the right positive step forward.Please say no to SSB 3134 and protect the rights of landowners and the millions of people that enjoy Iowa's outdoors.Roger Bollmanrogerdorieneitel.net405 Big Foot RoadMonona, IA 52159

02-10-2022

John Fisher []

I oppose this bill in every way?What gives you the right to limit my rights to sell my land to whoever I choose?And when water quality is a huge problem in Iowa why should you restrict the ability of organizations in the state help us solve that problem?

02-10-2022

Fred Chabot []

SSB 3134 is an attack on the private property rights of Iowans and an attack on conservation of our natural resources. We should be doing more to protect our water quality and enhance outdoor recreation opportunities. If enacted, this bill would violate the rights of Iowans to receive fair market value for their property when selling to the buyer of their choice. This bill also ignores the public value of improving water quality, expanding wildlife habitat, and helping with flood mitigation when land is protected by a conservation organization. Preserving Iowa's land, water, and wildlife leads to a better quality of life for everybody and helps to make Iowa a place where people want to live, work, and raise families. Please vote to oppose Senate Study Bill 3134.

02-10-2022

Rhonda DeCook []

As a voting citizen, I am confused why the state would put a cap on how much a county can spend on land for the purposes of conservation? Why would the state intrude this way on choices made by counties? It seems like this is simply intended to make Iowa have FEWER places of wildlife and conservation. Why would the state want this? Don't we want people moving here? Building communities? Enjoying the Iowa land?Please say no to SSB 3134.

02-10-2022

Kate Narveson []

I'm writing in opposition to SSB 3134. I own farmland in Winneshiek County. This bill would violate my right, and the rights of all Iowans to sell our property to a buyer and for a purpose of our own choice. One thing I care about is the quality of water and wildlife habitat in my area, and my husband and I have considered donating our land for conservation. This bill would take away our right to do so.Land and wildlife conservation is a public good. Please vote no on SSB 3134 and let those who want to support that good do so.

02-10-2022

Don Kline []

We should not be legislating against people putting land into conservation we should be encouraging it. I enjoy getting out into the "wild" in Iowa to seeing our natural heritage and getting much needed exercise. The land we put aside for conservation will provide many benefits to the people of Iowa and help further the cause of water quality enhancement and help bring people to Iowa.

02-10-2022

Anna Frederick []

Cant believe this even has to be said. Please oppose Senate Study Bill 3134. As my Senator or as a member of the Natural Resources and Environment Committee, I am asking that you vote no on this unfair bill. SSB 3134 is an attack on the private property rights of Iowans and an attack on conservation when we should be doing more to protect our water quality and enhance outdoor recreation opportunities. If enacted, this bill would violate the rights of Iowans to receive fair market value for their property when selling to the buyer of their choice. This bill also ignores the public value of improving water quality, expanding wildlife habitat and helping with flood mitigation when land is protected by a conservation organization. Preserving Iowa's land, water and wildlife leads to a better quality of life for everybody and helps to make Iowa a place that people want to live, work and raise families.Please say no to SSB 3134 and protect the rights of landowners and the millions of people that enjoy Iowa's outdoors.

02-10-2022

Eric Fralick [--None--]

I am writing to signal my opposition to SSB 3134, which appears to cripple the act of donating or acquiring land for Iowa parks. I can see no value to this bill, which appears to clear the way for unrestricted commercial development at the expense of the very qualities that make Iowa attractive to businesses who would want to relocate here. Please vote No.

02-10-2022

Beth Lynch []

Please oppose Senate Study Bill 3134. SSB 3134 is an attack on the private property rights of Iowans and an attack on conservation at a time when we need to be doing more to protect our water quality and enhance outdoor recreation opportunities.If enacted, this bill would violate the rights of Iowans to receive fair market value for their property when selling to the buyer of their choice. This bill also ignores the public value of improving water quality, expanding wildlife habitat and helping with flood mitigation when land is protected by a conservation organization.Preserving Iowa's land, water and wildlife leads to a better quality of life for everybody and helps to make Iowa a place that people want to live, work and raise families.Thank you for saying NO to SSB 3134 and for doing the right thing for Iowa's families, communities, water, soil, and biological diversity at a time when these are more important than ever for sustaining our livelihoods.

02-10-2022

Jorgen Rose []

I'm writing to ask that the subcommittee not support SSB 3134. SSB 3134 is an attack on the private property rights of Iowans and an attack on conservation when we should be doing more to protect our water quality and enhance outdoor recreation opportunities.If enacted, this bill would violate the rights of Iowans to receive fair market value for their property when selling to the buyer of their choice. This bill also ignores the public value of improving water quality, expanding wildlife habitat and helping with flood mitigation when land is protected by a conservation organization.Preserving Iowa's land, water and wildlife leads to a better quality of life for everybody and helps to make Iowa a place that people want to live, work and raise families. My family and I have made our home in Iowa in part because this state in rich in natural resources and has a heritage of conservation that I want to continue for my children.

02-10-2022

DAVID GOBBERDIEL []

Senate Study Bill 3134 places egregious, arbitrary caps to limit the amount landowners can receive from the sale of their property for conservation purposes to below fair market value. By restricting the amount that county conservation boards (CCBs) and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) can spend in expanding parks, trails and wildlife areas this bill would kill efforts to establish new public conservation and outdoor recreation land in Iowa.These caps not only impede on the private property rights of landowners to receive fair market value for their property from the buyer of their choice, they also deny any state tax deductions for charitable bargain sales to CCBs or the DNR. The bill also ignores any value of public lands such as water quality, wildlife habitat, and flood mitigation when determining land value.Quality of life includes clean water, education, health, parks and natural areas. This and other bills in the House and senate are in opposition to the quality of life in Iowa. Do not support Bill 3134.

02-10-2022

Mary Allen []

Please do not pass this bill. We need people to want to donate or sell their land to organizations that will protect it for the future of our state...for the health of the soil, the water, the air, the birds, the animals. We have destroyed so much of the great topsoil that Iowa once had...please help preserve what is left of our great state's land. Thank you.

02-10-2022

Morgan Rivers []

I am solidly against this bill. It looks disastrous for public lands which are already too sparse in our state. They not only benefit public health and mental health, they are also important for the economy. People considering moving here value public land accessibility a great deal.

02-10-2022

Jackie Armstrong []

The acquisition of property for conservation purposes is of paramount importance for the public good of Iowans. The restoration of habitats and ecosystems in Iowa is critical to attract young educated people to our state, critical for water quality, and critical for wildlife.Please vote NO on SB 3134.Jackie Armstrong

02-10-2022

Colleen Armstrong []

I am asking that you vote no on this unfair bill. SSB 3134 is an attack on the private property rights of Iowans and an attack on conservation when we should be doing more to protect our water quality and enhance outdoor recreation opportunities.This bill ignores the public value of improving water quality, expanding wildlife habitat and helping with flood mitigation when land is protected by a conservation organization.Preserving Iowa's land, water and wildlife leads to a better quality of life for everybody and helps to make Iowa a place that people want to live, work and raise families.

02-10-2022

Thomas Herrick []

As a private property owner, myself or anyone else, shall be able to sell land to to whomever I wish at fair market value. Putting a cap on land value if sold to specific entity is overreach in my opinion. CCB or DNR cannot pay more than fair market value, so they are not keeping anyone from buying land. We have less public land access than almost any other state. Access to these lands is imoortant to me and my young family for outdoor recreation. Please donot support this bill I don't.

02-10-2022

Rebecca Castle [Wabash Trace Nature Trail]

I would urge you to please vote against this piece of legislation. Not only does it handicap our government conservation agencies from purchasing land for public hunting and recreation use (such as trails, like ours) but it also restricts the rights of landowners who are wanting to make such a transaction for their own interests but also the interests of the public for generations to come. If the past 2 years have taught us anything, it is that our outdoor recreation areas are extremely important for the physical and mental health of our residents, as well as the attraction of tourists and stimulation of our economy. Since Iowa already ranks among the worst in the nation for public land access, this would only make that problem worse. Please, do what is best for Iowa and vote against this bill.Thank you for hearing our concerns, if you have any questions please contact me. I am happy to share my opinions as a family farm operator, a conservation board member, and former small business owner on the Wabash Trace who saw the economic impact that these recreational opportunities mean for communities in districts like yours.Sincerely, Rebecca Castle LaughlinPresident, Southwest Iowa Nature Trails (Wabash Trace Nature Trail)

02-10-2022

Anne Powell []

In these past few years, use of conservation areas has skyrocketed. The people of Iowa want more recreational opportunities. Iowa also depends on its natural beauty and recreational opportunities to attract new citizens, businesses, and travelers. This bill ignores the public value of improving water quality, expanding wildlife habitat and helping with flood mitigation when land is protected by a conservation organization. Iowa's water quality hasn't been doing so well. Conservation agencies do so much good work to monitor the water supply, as well as mitigation efforts toward improvement and against flooding.Please say no to SSB 3134!Thank you.

02-10-2022

Judy Thurnau []

Please put a stop on this bill. I feel we as Iowans need to hear more about the intent and/or consequences of a bill like this. Iowa conservation practices and acquisitions should be bolstered rather than limited. Nature, parks and preservation of these should be a high priority. Please take the time to consider what is best for our land and our communities.Respectfully,Judy Thurnau

02-11-2022

Charles Mead []

Please oppose Senate Study Bill 3134. As a member of the Natural Resources and Environment Committee, I am asking that you vote no on this unfair bill.SSB 3134 is an attack on the private property rights of Iowans and an attack on conservation when we should be doing more to protect our water quality and enhance outdoor recreation opportunities.If enacted, this bill would violate the rights of Iowans to receive fair market value for their property when selling to the buyer of their choice. This bill also ignores the public value of improving water quality, expanding wildlife habitat and helping with flood mitigation when land is protected by a conservation organization.Preserving Iowa's land, water and wildlife leads to a better quality of life for everybody and helps to make Iowa a place that people want to live, work and raise families.Please say no to SSB 3134 and protect the rights of landowners and the millions of people that enjoy Iowa's outdoors.

02-11-2022

Sandy Moffett []

Little by little our legislature has been eroding the freedom of individuals, cities, and counties to control their own lives and destinies. This bill is another example of that. Arbitrarily allowing entities to limit the rights of citizens goes against everything this country and its constitution stands for.Please defeat this senseless bill.