Securing the Promise

Iowa’s Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund

November 10, 2026 5:30 p.m.

Schwab Auditorium in the Coralville Public Library

Hosted by the Johnson County Conservation Board

The Johnson County Conservation Board is pleased to invite the public to attend a presentation by Dan Cohen titled “Securing the Promise:  Iowa’s Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund” in the Schwab Auditorium at the Coralville Public Library. Park in the underground parking and enter the doors on the lower level.  Doors open at 5 p.m. with the program starting at 5:30 p.m. There is no fee to attend.

Learn about Iowa’s Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund and how it supports conservation, clean water, and outdoor recreation for current and future Iowans. Discover how its funding will support permanent, substantial, and reliable investments in water quality, soil conservation, wildlife habitat, and outdoor recreation opportunities throughout the state, and what this would mean for Iowans and Iowa communities. In 2010, the question of whether to amend the Iowa Constitution to include the Trust Fund (also known as I WiLL) was placed on the general election ballot.  A super-majority (60% or greater) of Iowans voted to create the Fund.  However, for the past 16 years, the Iowa Legislature and Governor have neglected to fund the Trust. 

Cohen is a retired Executive Director for the Buchanan County Conservation Board, and continues to work as an outdoor writer, wildlife photographer, and advocate for clean water, wildlife, and outdoor recreation.  From 2006-2010, Cohen represented Iowa’s County Conservation System on the Governor-appointed Sustainable Funding for Natural Resources Committee, which made recommendations to create the constitutionally protected Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund.  He continues to help secure the Trust Fund promise for current and future Iowans. Cohen’s writing and photography can be found on his Nature Communications Substack:  https://dwcohen81.substack.com/. 

This presentation is intended to help everyone understand how the Trust Fund works, why it matters, and what steps we can take to secure its promise of improved land and water for generations of Iowans. We look forward to seeing you all there.  Iowans looking to protect Iowa's Land, Water, and Future.