I don’t need to tell you that biking is becoming a much more
popular recreational activity in the state of Iowa. As a result, we believe it
is important that bicyclists have the opportunity have their voices heard in
what is Iowa’s largest recreational funding program.
Below is a press release announcing meetings being held around
the state to garner continued support for a very instrumental state recreation
program.
The Resource Enhancement and Protection fund (REAP) has been
around for 24 years, supporting conservation and recreation in communities and
counties across the state. Of the $20 million annual allocation, an
average of $12 million has actually been appropriated to the Department of
Natural Resources over the years. The funds are split between several
state agencies to further conservation, recreation, soil & water quality
and historical projects. REAP has been instrumental in supporting the
biking community through local and regional trail projects across the
state.
REAP wants to hear from those who have benefited from the program.
Next year is the 25th Anniversary of REAP, let’s make sure that when
the REAP Congress meets in January, the priorities are set and the
accomplishments are highlighted. Below is a press release on the meetings
and a list of the remaining REAP assembly meetings. Please grab your
neighbor, biking buddy or children and attend one near you!
For immediate release: September 19, 2013
www.iowadnr.gov
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REAP ANNOUNCES 18
MEETINGS ACROSS STATE
MEDIA CONTACT: Tammie
Krausman, DNR, at 515-281-8382 or Tammie.Krausman@dnr.iowa.gov
DES MOINES - The public will have a
chance to shape the future of Iowa’s conservation and outdoor recreation at any
of the 18 Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) assemblies this fall.
REAP is a program that provides grants
for and encourages enhancing and protecting Iowa’s natural and cultural
resources. The assemblies will show local impacts of REAP.
“We get the opportunity to go out to
the public to talk about REAP’s local impact,” said Tammie Krausman, REAP
coordinator.
The assemblies will also allow
attendees to voice ideas for changes and modifications to REAP and its
programs.
“People who are passionate about
conservation and outdoor recreation should get involved to make decisions on
what’s happening locally,” said Krausman.
The assemblies will also allow
participants to elect five members for REAP Congress. REAP Congress will meet
Jan. 4 at the state capitol to talk about a variety of conservation topics such
as soil conservation, water quality and outdoor recreation.
Next year is the 25th anniversary of
REAP, so the meetings will reflect on REAP’s accomplishments. They will also
look to the future.
“REAP is as relevant today as it was
24 years ago, and the needs are still as great,” said Krausman.
All 18 assemblies are open to the
public and will have open houses from 6 to 6:30 p.m. The assembly will be held
from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
REAP received $16 million for fiscal
year 2014 (July 1, 2013 to June 2014). In addition to projects that enhance and
protect resources, funding also goes to enhance soil and water quality,
historic preservation, roadside vegetation and several other programs that are
beneficial to Iowa. REAP has funded projects in every county in Iowa.
People can get involved in REAP
outside the assemblies as well. “Most counties have a REAP committee where, if
they want to talk more about these things, they can,” Krausman said.
County REAP committee chair person
contacts can be found on the DNR’s website at http://www.iowadnr.gov/Portals/idnr/uploads/REAP/2012%20REAP%20County%20Chairs.pdf
The remaining meeting locations and dates are listed below.
Additional meeting details can be found at: http://www.iowadnr.gov/Environment/REAP/REAPPublicParticipation.aspx.
Afton, Nov. 12
Muscatine, Oct. 22
Burlington, Oct. 23
Fairfield, Oct. 24
Shenandoah, Oct. 28
Council Bluffs, Oct. 29
Fort Dodge, Nov. 5
Lovilia, Nov. 6
West Des Moines, Nov. 13