Nearly three dozen people will be recognized at a statehouse ceremony today for donating land for conservation. Iowa Department of Natural Resources Land and Waters Bureau chief Travis Baker says this is the third annual “Gift to Iowa’s Future Recognition Day.”
He says the first Monday in April is set aside to honor Iowans who’ve donated land, land value or conservation easements to the state. Around 4,300 acres of Iowa land with a value approaching $8 million was donated for permanent protection this year alone. The D.N.R. maintains a registry of such gifts to the state and other conservation organizations.
“One of the major groups that receives donations is the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation. Others include the Nature Conservancy or any of the county conservation boards,” Baker said. The donors associated with 33 donations of land or land value will be recognized at the State Capitol today at 11 a.m. Governor Branstad is among those scheduled to attend the ceremony.
By Pat Powers, KQWC, Webster City