Hunter
11/13/26
The Iowa Outdoor Recreation Task Force released its final report Thursday, and suggests the state should impose taxes or fees to bolster investment in recreation projects across the state.
The Des Moines Register reports Governor Kim Reynolds created the Task Force in June to guide the state’s new Iowa Office of Outdoor Recreation and shared the results of the report. The task force’s recommendations call for lawmakers to establish the office permanently and fully fund it. They also want an exploration of a new fee or tax to pay for recreation projects, designate regions where investment should be pinpointed, and determine where Iowa needs more lodging and recreation infrastructure.
With Democratic Governor-elect Rob Sand taking office in January, there’s speculation that he will push to fund the Iowa Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund. It was approved by voters in 2010 but legislators have never funded it. The fund, known as IWiLL, stands for Iowa Water and Land Legacy.
Lawmakers would have to approve an increase in the state sales tax to fill the fund. Governor Reynolds proposed a 1-cent increase in 2020 but backed off amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Senate Majority Leader Mike Klimesh said he wants any proposal to result in a net tax decrease.
Among its other recommendations, the Task Force suggested developing a five-year statewide plan with priorities and measurable goals for outdoor recreation.