Conservationists are warning that a bill going through the Iowa Legislature could stifle public entities' efforts to build bike trails, protect waterways and open new parks.
Driving the news: Senate File 2312 caps how much county conservation boards and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources are allowed to spend to acquire public land.
- The bill was originally proposed back in 2019, but died.
Between the lines: The spending cap is under market value — meaning property owners who want to sell may feel less inclined to accept offers from conservationists.
State of play: The ability to buy land from willing sellers is important in a fast-growing metro like Des Moines, said Rich Leopold, executive director of Polk County Conservation.