Government Involvement in the Loess Hills

The Loess Hills of western Iowa have rare plants and animals, and fragile ecosystems. The hills are nationally unique and can only be found one other place—China. They are truly a national treasure. And one that is 95% privately owned.

Because the government doesn't own much land here, it doesn't have much say in what happens with most of the Loess Hills. Nevertheless, there are state and federal government programs in place to assist the landowners in the Loess Hills.

There are mixed reactions when it comes to governmental presence in the Loess Hills.

•	Some landowners want to be able to use the land without any government interference.
•	Some landowners think that government programs are helpful.
•	Some landowners feel they are already wonderful stewards of the fragile landscape.

Government Programs

A variety of government programs are offered to farms and rural areas all across Iowa including the Loess Hills.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service
Staff members provide technical assistance and information about soil and water conservation. They also prepare conservation plans for individuals. It also has set aside federal dollars to protect unique farmland in the Loess Hills. In combination with the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation and the Nature Conservancy, the funding has purchased conservation easements on 920 acres in Plymouth, Monona, and Woodbury counties in the Loess Hills. The sites contain native grasslands and scenic views. These views would probably be developed if not protected by the conservation easement.

Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) - Division of Forests and Prairies
This organization offers several services which incorporate all aspects of woodland management including tree planting; species selection; insect, disease, and prairie identification. The District Foresters will prepare management plans and give advice on available financial assistance programs.

Agriculture Conservation Program (ACP)
This organization provides cost-sharing opportunities enabling farmers to carry out conservation, water quality and environmental protection practices.

Farm Service Agency (FSA)
This is a federal agency that administers programs such as farm loans, farm programs, food aid, conservation incentives and others. The goal of the agency is to help keep the nation's farmers and ranchers on the land.

Will Assistance Continue?

The Loess Hills area is a giant working landscape that, in some people's opinion, needs governmental assistance to survive. The fragile soil and unique ecosystems that are managed properly by private landowners might survive, but may also need some aid from governmental programs to thrive. Farmers may also need assistance to properly manage their land. Some areas of the Loess Hills are so rare that they need easement protection. Whatever the level of government involvement, the controversy on governmental presence in the Loess Hills will continue.

Sources