Des Moines, Iowa (RI) — A proposal to make it more difficult to create new public parks and recreation areas in Iowa drew a big crowd of opponents to the state Capitol Monday.
It would prevent state dollars from being used to acquire land for public use. Alicia Vasto of the Iowa Environmental Council says the legislation is tone-deaf to what many Iowans – especially younger people – want.
Marc Beltrame spoke on behalf of Ducks Unlimited.
The bill has the backing of the Iowa Farm Burea. The group argues it could make it easier for beginning farmers to buy land and ensure state money is used to maintain and enhance existing public land. A three-member House subcommittee did not take a position on the bill Monday. A Senate committee MAY consider a similar bill later today (Tuesday).
There’s been no word on what effect if any this bill would have on the proposed new state park at Blood Run in Lyon County.
