Not just a boring landscape but dangerous for the future of land usage. We need the wildlife and prairie that once covered Iowa, that made it fertile. Without sanctuaries, Iowa will become a desert.
"No sanctuary is too small. Nature will supply the products and the labor to create them. We only need to value them economically, not just ethically. Economic incentives, artificially supported markets, and policy regulations have favored and rewarded the tremendous loss of physical sanctuaries in our farm landscapes in the past. But we can use those tools to establish value and reward landowners for providing sanctuaries on their land. Modest, innovative changes in our county, state, and national tax laws, could free up money to support sanctuaries. For example, we could use small percentages of already existing taxpayer-supported subsidies, like ethanol-blended gas that supports corn production, to promote sanctuaries."
Russ is right. We need to place value in land that is kept wild. Iowans must understand that lack of biodiversity makes for a boring landscape.
Not just a boring landscape but dangerous for the future of land usage. We need the wildlife and prairie that once covered Iowa, that made it fertile. Without sanctuaries, Iowa will become a desert.
Great piece. Thank you.
"No sanctuary is too small. Nature will supply the products and the labor to create them. We only need to value them economically, not just ethically. Economic incentives, artificially supported markets, and policy regulations have favored and rewarded the tremendous loss of physical sanctuaries in our farm landscapes in the past. But we can use those tools to establish value and reward landowners for providing sanctuaries on their land. Modest, innovative changes in our county, state, and national tax laws, could free up money to support sanctuaries. For example, we could use small percentages of already existing taxpayer-supported subsidies, like ethanol-blended gas that supports corn production, to promote sanctuaries."
What a refreshing perspective from an Iowa Stater! Thank you so much! We need more voices like yours coming from Iowa's ag school.
What a wonderful article. Thank you. It’s important.
Thank you for this vivid, passionate essay. May your voice be heard!
Thanks Russ. Well stated. Is the river channel in the bottom photo one of the Nishnsbotna’s?