Key Conservations Programs

Bikes on a trail with yellow overlay

Though grants and other one-time funding measures can provide a boost, consistent, dependable funding for conservation comes from programs overseen by the Iowa legislature. Legislators rely on dialogue from constituents to allocate funding appropriately.

These three programs remain among INHF’s top legislative priorities year after year. Learn how each supports conservation in Iowa to aid in your advocacy conversations.


Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP)

REAP is Iowa’s premier conservation program, investing in the enhancement and protection of the state’s diverse natural and cultural resources. REAP has supported over 15,000 projects across the state in each of Iowa’s counties, including:

  • Parks, trails & wildlife areas
  • Soil & water conservation
  • Historical resource preservation
  • Roadside vegetation
Quick Facts:

Administering Agencies: Department of Natural Resources, Department of Agriculture & Land Stewardship, Department of Transportation, Economic Development Authority

Funding Source: Environment First Fund (gaming receipts), Natural Resource license plate sales

Average Appropriation: $12 million per year. REAP is authorized to receive $20 million annually, but funds are regularly diverted

Unmet Needs: REAP grant requests exceed an average of 3x the amount available

Legislative Request: Fully fund REAP at $20 million

Learn how REAP has supported your community here.


State Recreational Trails Program (SRT)

SRT is a competitive grant program that leverages private and public funding to support trail projects. In addition to helping construct over 2,000 miles of trails, it has supported:

  • Trail corridor acquisition
  • Surfacing, resurfacing, rehabilitation, construction upgrades
  • Bridge construction and repair
  • Signs, parking and rest areas, information centers
Quick Facts:

Administering Agency: Iowa Department of Transportation

Funding Source: Rebuild Iowa’s Infrastructure Fund (gaming receipts)

Average Appropriation: $2 million per year

Unmet Needs: SRT requests average 8x the amount available, approximately $15-20 million per year

Legislative Request: Increase funding for the State Recreational Trails Program


Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund

Iowa voters approved a constitutional amendment in 2010 to create the Natural Resources & Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund, a dedicated funding source to improve water quality, protect our soil, enhance wildlife habitat and increase recreational opportunities. However, the legislature must first pass a statewide sales tax increase of 3/8 of a cent to fund the Trust. Once funded, the Trust Fund would support:

  • REAP Program
  • State Recreational Trails Program
  • Soil & water conservation
  • Natural resources
  • Watershed protection
  • Lake restoration
  • Local conservation partnerships
Quick Facts:

Administering Agencies: Department of Natural Resources, Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Department of Transportation

Funding Source: The Trust Fund requires a statewide sales tax increase of 3/8 of a cent

Appropriation: No funds have been credited to the Trust Fund. Once funded, the Trust Fund would generate approximately $200 million annually

Unmet Needs: The Trust Fund would help meet the outstanding demand for parks, trails, wildlife areas and soil and water conservation practices. Other states, including Minnesota, Missouri and Arkansas have passed similar voter-approved measures to successfully expand conservation and outdoor recreation opportunities

Legislative Request: Fund the Natural Resources & Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund