While it is well publicized that Iowa ranks first nationally in corn, soybean, hog and egg production, it is less widely known that the state also has the least remaining native vegetation, some of the poorest water quality, and the fewest outdoor recreational opportunities. The Iowa Water and Land Legacy — IWiLL — Amendment, question one on this November’s ballot, offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to fix the latter while further improving the former.

How will this be achieved? Passing the IWiLL amendment establishes a Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund for Iowa, similar to what is already instituted in our neighboring states of Minnesota and Missouri. The fund will provide a permanent, dedicated and accountable funding mechanism for conservation programs across the state.

What will be the benefits? These programs will enhance our drinking water, rivers and streams; conserve our working farmland; restore our wetlands for flood protection; conserve our natural areas and fish and wildlife habitat; and improve our parks and trails systems for now and future generations. In addition to providing stable funding to compensate private landowners who volunteer to participate in the establishment of conservation practices, the fund will create jobs for thousands of young Iowans who wish to pursue this important and rewarding work right here at home.

What will the neighbors think? Based on a recent survey of state residents, 90 percent of Iowans think protecting our land and water is critical to keeping our economy strong, 86 percent believe protecting Iowa’s fish and wildlife benefits us all, and 77 percent support dedicating additional funding for natural resource protection. Young Iowans stand to gain the most from adopting the IWiLL amendment.

I encourage you also to vote “yes” on question one this November. For Iowa, forever.