REAP Meetings

Outdoor and historical interests will have the chance to shape the future of Iowa’s premiere outdoor recreation and conservation funding program, or REAP, at one of 17 public meetings around the state this fall. Over the past 18 years, the Resource Enhancement and Protection Program has funded a reported $210 million for parks, soil, water and habitat improvements, roadside prairies, historical development and conservation education. The REAP Act distributes funds to farmers, conservation
organizations, educators, cities, counties, historians, and state projects. Funding comes from gaming revenues and sales of natural resource license plates. REAP’s budget was increased 40% in the last legislative session to $15.5 million, and supporters are still pushing for full funding at $20 million. The REAP Act also calls for major public participation including county committees and these 17 assemblies. At the assemblies, delegates will be elected to the REAP Congress that meets in Des Moines January 5 in the House of Representatives. Locally, a meeting will be held in Spencer at the Clay County Regional Events Center on Sept 26. Counties included in this region are Buena Vista, Clay, Dickinson, Emmet, Lyon, O’Brien, Osceola,Palo Alto and Sioux.