571—33.19(455A) Conservation education program policy. The conservation education program board shall constitute a long-term integrated effort to support conservation education for Iowa educators and students. To support this policy, the board may establish guidelines from time to time to direct applicants to priority areas for funding and shall give preference to grants that meet these guidelines. The board may provide funding for activities that expand the impact of the project and provide accessibility for widespread adoption of programs for implementation by others. The board may provide funding for tracking of project implementation and evaluation.
	33.19(1) Conservation education program board. The board will review and amend, as needed, the review and selection criteria for competitive grants and policies of conduct.
	33.19(2) Definitions. The following definitions shall apply to this division:
“Board” means REAP conservation education program board.
“Conservation education programs” means programs developed for formal (K-12 students), nonformal (preschool, adult and continuing education) and higher education (postsecondary and adult) programs, within the subject areas of natural resource conservation and environmental protection.
“Educator” means any person who teaches environmental/conservation education. This may apply to certified teachers, governmental or private naturalists, education specialists, or others so determined by the board.
“Environmental/conservation education materials” means materials that are developed or produced that provide knowledge, skills, processes and strategies that enhance Iowa citizens’ understanding of natural resources conservation and environmental issues.
“Stipends for Iowa educators who participate in innovative conservation education programs” may include tuition costs; acceptable food and lodging costs; substitute teacher costs; mileage expenses or separate allowances when applicable for educators to attend board-approved environmental/conservation education workshops, in-service programs and conferences; and other costs as approved by the board.
[ARC 7910C, IAB 5/1/24, effective 6/5/24]