Opinion as to what we should seek to increase Native Habitat in Iowa that is vital to native bird populations as well as migratory bird populations. I personally think that this idea is one hell of an initiative and a coalition of NGO's and others should work together to achieve it. Iowa Wildlife Habitat Diversity Fund Initiative It would be my suggestion that a draft proposal be done that would place a small tax on these items. Bird Seed Bird Baths Bird Houses Things of that nature. All funds generated should be directed to the states Wildlife Habitat Diversity Fund to support the restoration, enhancement and protection of Iowa's Native Birds and associated habitats. From upland restoration & recovery, wetland restoration & recovery to forestry restoration and recovery. Said revenues should be highly utilized first and foremost with every available federal matching grant opportunity where match ratio provides the opportunity to compound said revenues to accomplish small & large scale habitat restoration, enhancement, protection projects in the state of Iowa. I also feel that 25% of the said revenues generated by this initiative should be strictly allocated to a state Conservation Organizations Grant Program that should be developed into a 1 to 1 match ratio. Having the ability to formulate and increase instate joint partnerships on conservation projects I feel is going to be critical to our futures in protecting, restoring and enhancing vital habitat in Iowa. Especially important and vital native Iowa bird habitats. This initiative would fit well with other efforts and could be key in increasing support for present conservation programs utilized to restore, enhance and protect vital habitat in Iowa. NAWCA CRP WRP CREP WEP Iowa Buffer Strip Assistance Program I think accomplishing this even if limited to Bird seed would be a huge boost to our ability to restore, protect and enhance vital habitat in Iowa. I also think that all of those who purchase said items would highly be supportive of the Initiative and said efforts laid out in the letter. It would be like having our own Conservation Habitat P&R funds to help us deliver vital habitat to the Iowa landscape where we as a conservation community and our conservation programs are often at a huge disadvantage because of other land use policies. I seriously think that this initiative could be accomplished in Iowa over the next 5 years as the economic issues become more settled. WHAT WOUDL BE YOUR THOUGHTS? Please share this idea with others. Thanks Bill Smith Sioux City Iowa 712-253-0362 [email protected]_ (mailto:[email protected])
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