A group of Iowa organizations that works for conservation funding is sponsoring a series of forums around the state to discuss the proposed Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund. Rosalyn Lehman, campaign coordinator for the Sustainable Funding Coalition, says the proposed fund is to be addressed next year by state legislators.

Lehman says the funding would come from tax revenue the next time the legislature raises the sales tax. Lehman says: "We’re not asking to raise taxes. We’re just asking Iowans to commit three-eights of one cent of the next sales tax revenue towards natural resources and outdoor recreation opportunities."

Lehman says meetings have already been held at three locations in the state, with several more planned during the next few weeks. She says there’s been good turnout and conversations at meetings in Independence, Grinnell and Perry.

Another meeting is set for tonight in Ames at the Public Library at 6:30. Wednesday, Iowa Central Community College in Fort Dodge will host a meeting at 7 P.M. Another meeting on the proposed trust fund will be Saturday at the Muscatine Community College Student Center at 9 AM. Other meetings are planned in Mason City, Sioux City, Atlantic, Des Moines and Chariton. For more information, contact Lehman at (515) 202-7720 or e-mail: [email protected].