Contacts:
C. Phillip Baumel, Economics, 515/294-6263
John Miranowski, Economics, 515/294-6741
Susan Thompson, Agriculture Information, 515/294-0705

IOWA'S LAND AND ENVIRONMENT THE TOPIC OF REGIONAL MEETINGS

AMES, Iowa - Iowa's landscape is undergoing important changes and the next decade will be critical to Iowa's land and environment. One of the state's greatest challenges is how to protect, preserve and enhance Iowa's rich natural resources, while allowing the Iowa economy to grow and Iowa farmers and rural communities to remain competitive.

Iowa State University is conducting a series of three meetings in June where these issues will be discussed. "A regional meeting format was chosen to allow Iowa citizens the opportunity to thoroughly discuss statewide concerns, while also taking a close look at local issues," says John Miranowski, chair of the ISU economics department.

The western Iowa meeting will be June 13 at the Hitchcock Nature Area Lodge near Honey Creek. The eastern Iowa meeting will be June 15 at the Holiday Inn in Davenport. A meeting in central Iowa will be June 16 at the West Des Moines Marriott.

A $20 registration fee covers the cost of lunch, plus a new publication by ISU economists titled Iowa's Land and Environment - Serving Competing Needs. The registration deadline is June 8. A brochure that includes meeting agenda and registration form is available as a PDF (56K).

The publication includes a historical perspective of Iowa land use and conservation, background information on land ownership, valuation and taxation, and results of public surveys on wetlands use and the types of recreational opportunities Iowans desire.

Each meeting will begin at 9 a.m. and adjourn at 3:15 p.m. Morning sessions will include presentations on a historical perspective of Iowa land use, survey results, and the current status of Iowa resources, with a focus on land and water quality, urbanization and recreation. There will be time for open discussion before lunch.

Afternoon sessions will focus on possible tradeoffs between economic development and land preservation. Each meeting will feature different afternoon speakers talking about local issues.

Project sponsors are the ISU economics department, ISU College of Agriculture, University Extension and the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture.

Registration brochures are available at county extension offices. Send a registration form and a $20 check payable to Iowa State to C. Phillip Baumel, ISU, 460 Heady Hall, Ames, IA 50011. Or call 515/294-7318 for details or to request a brochure.

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Editor's note: Members of the news media are invited to attend these meetings. The registration fee will be waived for reporters. If you plan to attend, please contact Susan Thompson (515/294-0705 or sander@iastate.edu).

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