30th anniversary

The number of naturally reproducing trout streams has gone from six to 45 thanks to landowner water quality efforts.

Eagles, peregrines, turkeys, swans and otters were rarely seen in Iowa by the mid-1980s. Now these species thrive.

1,200 new miles of hiking and biking trails now criss-cross the state, increasing health and recreation.

More than 60 percent of Iowa’s ag drainage wells have been plugged, eliminating direct pollution to groundwater.

Eleven new lakes now provide wildlife habitat, fishing, boating and economic development to local areas.

Iowa landowners have enrolled more than 4,500 acres into easements and developed conservation practices to protect water and habitat.

Dozens of Iowa companies have invested millions of dollars to reduce waste streams and improve energy efficiency profitably.

In two amendments to the Iowa constitution, Iowans voted by huge margins to protect and create funding for natural resources.

Iowa industries have reduced two major air pollutants, NOx and SOx, by 43 percent and 60 percent respectively – a huge decrease.

Wind energy now accounts for 28.5 percent of Iowa electricity production.

2.2 million Iowans now participate in curbside recycling in 644 Iowa communities.

Paddlers enjoy 915 miles of new water trails and 14 unsafe low-head dams have been renovated to improve paddler access.

Thousands of volunteers have dedicated millions of hours to caring for natural resources.

A leading pollutant of groundwater, 30,000 underground storage tanks and 5,300 contaminated UST sites have been removed and cleaned up.

Iowans with differing physical abilities have more accessibility to enjoy the outdoors.

More than 1 million acres of prairies, wetlands and forest have been restored in the last 30 years.

Almost $10 million annually has been invested in 45 Iowa lakes, improving water quality and recreation.

147,000 new acres of natural areas, parks and forests now provide habitat for wildlife and outdoor recreation like hunting and fishing.

Iowa’s first destination state park along with numerous other new parks now welcome thousands of visitors.

More than 100 Iowa buildings have earned LEED certification, the highest national standard for green design.

Iowa has become one of the top deer-hunting spots in the nation due to science-based deer management strategies.

Sewage treatment improved dramatically in last 30 years through $1.6 billion in facility improvements across Iowa.