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January 11 forum set on future of Iowa forest reserve programThreats to a state program that has protected what’s left of Iowa’s forests and woodlands for 100 years will be discussed at a public forum on Saturday, January 11. The 9 a.m. meeting will be at the Northeast Iowa Community College Town Clock Center, 680 Main St., in Dubuque.
State Rep. Chuck Isenhart and Dubuque Area Land and Water Legacy invite Dubuque County landowners enrolled in the program and other stakeholders to share their views. Earlier this year, by one vote, the Iowa House of Representatives passed a bill that would gut the Forest and Fruit Tree Reservations Act, established in 1906.
Under the law, landowners protecting two or more acres of woodland can qualify for a property tax exemption if the forest or fruit trees are properly managed. Dubuque County Assessor Billie Selby will present information on use of the program in Dubuque County.
Also presenting:
• William Beck, forestry specialist for Iowa State University Extension and Outreach;
• Jeff Jensen, director of community programs, Trees Forever;
• Brian Preston, director, Dubuque County Conservation Department; and
• John Schroeder, New Melleray Abbey forester.
The proposed legislation would give county supervisors power to repeal the exemption. The bill was supported by Iowa Farm Bureau, the Iowa Corn Growers and the Iowa Soybean Association. Opposed were most conservation and public interest groups.
“Only about eight percent of Iowa is forested, less than one acre for every man, woman and child,” Isenhart noted. “This program plays a key role in protecting what’s left of the state’s water quality, especially in the Driftless area, and provides for wildlife habitat, soil health and hunting ground.” Almost three-fourths of Iowa land is cropped, mostly with corn and soybeans.
“The Driftless region in northeast Iowa, including Dubuque County, has the greatest density of woodland and has the most to lose if this program is unwound,” Isenhart continued. “As of 2023, seven counties in The Driftless accounted for 24 percent of the state’s 832,344 protected woodland acres.”
According to Art Roche, chair of Dubuque Area Land and Water Legacy: “In 2021, nearly 60 percent of people voting in Dubuque County approved raising property taxes to support natural resources and outdoor recreation. Clearly, citizens are willing to invest tax dollars to protect land and water, including our forests. Private owners want to keep acres in their natural state and manage them in the public interest.”
“The General Assembly and governor are squeezing the revenue sources of cities and counties,” Roche observed. “We should not be tempting local leaders to balance their budgets on the back of nature,” Roche said.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
NICC Town Clock Center for Professional Development, 680 Main Street, Dubuque, United States
