§ 465A.1 — Statement of purpose — intent

Iowa § 465A.1

• Jurisdiction: Iowa
• Title XI: NATURAL RESOURCES
• Ch. 465A: OPEN SPACE LANDS

Text

1. The general assembly finds that:
a. Iowa’s most significant open space lands are essential to the well-being and quality of
life for Iowans and to the economic viability of the state’s recreation and tourism industry.
b. Many areas of high national significance in the state have not received adequate public
protectiontokeepthemfreeofvisualblight,resourcedegradation,andnegativeimpactsfrom
inappropriate land use and surrounding development. Some of these areas include national
park service and United States fish and wildlife service properties, national landmarks and
trails, the Des Moines river greenbelt, the great river road, areas where interstate highways
enter the state, cross major rivers, and pass by other areas of national significance, major
state park and recreation areas, unique and protected water areas, and significant natural,
geological, scenic, historic, and cultural properties of the state.
c. While state and federal funds are generally available for the acquisition and protection
of fish and wildlife areas and habitats as well as boating access to public waters, funding
programs for public open space acquisition and protection have not been adequate to meet
needs.
d. Relative to other midwestern states, Iowa ranks last in the proportion of land acquired
and protected for public open space.
2. A program shall be established to:
a. Educate the citizens of the state about the needs and urgency of protecting the state’s
open spaces.
b. Plan for the protection of the state’s significant open space areas.
c. Acquireandprotectthosepropertiesonaprioritybasisthroughavarietyofappropriate
means.