Natural Resources

1000 Friends of Iowa promotes the conservation of our natural resources and planning communities in ways that will enhance the natural environment, and not take away natural resources that benefit everyone in our communities. We help Iowans look at the big picture in terms of the inherent value of land, air, and water. Protecting natural areas as by directing development to appropriate places is achievable through land use planning and policy.

Iowa already has the most altered landscape in the nation, mostly due to the conversion of the natural landscape to intensive agricultural production. As late as the 1860s, Iowa was 90-95% covered with prairie grasses, whose deep root system could soak up more than 5,000 gallons of water per hour, helping to mitigate flood damage. Today, Iowa has lost 99% of its native prairie and wetlands. One of Iowa's remaining natural landscapes, the Loess Hills, is found in only one other place: China. Besides adding beauty, character and recreational opportunities to our state, natural areas enhance our quality of life.

Poorly planned development can cause us to lose valuable natural resources like wetlands, woodlands, and prairies. Far too often, some of the most unique natural areas left in our state end up with a highway planned to run through them that would cause irreversible environmental impacts. Waterways that were once surrounded by a vegetative buffer and woodlands can end up with large-lot homes and chemically treated lawns butting up next to them. As habitat vanishes, wild animals become pests to drivers and suburban homeowners. Natural areas, widely used for hunting, fishing, and other types of recreation, become less available to the public when sprawl is uncontrolled. 

1000 Friends of Iowa works with citizens when alarming proposals for poorly planned development are under consideration, like a subdivision on a sensitive floodplain or a road planned through a valuable woodland. Many times, natural areas end up protected due to an organized coalition of committed citizens and community leaders.

Being proactive about sustainable development is a critical long-term solution to protect our natural resources. City and county comprehensive land use plans and codes can be revised to better protect natural areas, trees, and water quality. We also support Low Impact Development, which uses practices like establishing wetlands, vegetative buffer strips around waterways, and other practices to improve water quality and promote healthy watersheds. One of our 2007 Best Development Award winners, the City of Okobjoi, was recognized in their work incorporating Low Impact Development into their zoning ordinance.

Fresh air, healthy soils, and clean water can be a reality for future generations if we learn to look at the big picture of our environmental footprint.