Learn about the Land - A Geologic Guide to the RAGBRAI Challenge, July 2006

Thie bourchure that is produced by the Iowa Geological Society, talks about points of interest to people that are biking accross Iowa. Part of RAGBRAI.

Recycled Content Plastic Bag and Soy Inks Report, FY 2006

Report to Margaret Thomson, Chief Clerk, about Recycled Content Plastic Bag and Soy Inks.

Woodland Improvement and Crop Trees in Iowa, 2005

Vigorous and Healthy woodlands in Iowa have the unique distinction of being able to provide a wealth of benefits for the landowner and residents of the state. Benefits from a healthy forest include timber and wood resources, watershed protection, fragile site protection, wildlife and bird habitat, aesthetics and beauty, and recreational opportunities.

Biodiesel Fuel Revolving Fund Expenditures Report, FY 06

Report of expenditures from the biodiesel fuel revolving fund for biodiesel fuel used in Iowa Department of Transportation vehicles.

Investimento Directo Estrangeiro em Cabo Verde

Os fluxos gerados pela economia de Cabo Verde, desde sempre, foram insuficientes para financiar o seu desenvolvimento, devido aos constrangimentos relativas à falta de recursos naturais, ao défice da balança comercial e à dimensão e fragmentação do território. Neste sentido, o capital estrangeiro surge como um recurso estratégico no desenvolvimento de CV, sendo um instrumento chave para colmatar alguns défices da economia cabo-verdiana. Logo a relevância do estudo proposto, que parte da questão: “Os incentivos e o ambiente oferecidos por CV têm sido suficientemente eficientes para atrair o IDE ou os números poderiam estar melhores?” Na sequência da revisão teórica e da literatura, a fim de obter a resposta à pergunta da pesquisa, analisamos os incentivos e o ambiente oferecidos aos investidores externos, através de instrumentos empreendidos pelo Governo de CV e analisamos a evolução dos fluxos do IDE no país, com especial atenção ao período 2000-2006, a partir de dados estatísticos. A análise posterior – percepção dos investidores externos em CV – deu lugar a um estudo qualitativo, a partir de um inquérito efectuado à uma amostragem probabilística de dez investidores externos, elegidos a partir de critérios fundamentados. Como resultado, observamos que os instrumentos empreendidos pelo Governo na atracção do IDE têm mais de dez anos de existência, não coincidindo com os maiores picos de IDE em CV ocorridos nos dois últimos anos. Observamos, ainda, que, de uma forma geral, os investidores externos privilegiam o mercado cabo-verdiano pela estabilidade política e económica. Por outro lado, apontam grandes constrangimentos a nível de infra-estrutura, ligações marítimas internas e aéreo para o exterior. As formalidades administrativas foram, também, objecto de avaliação negativa por parte dos investidores inquiridos. Posto isto, concluímos que, de uma forma geral, os instrumentos de atracção ao IDE em CV não são suficientemente eficazes para atender às necessidades dos investidores externos. Isto demonstra que há um interessante terreno a ser explorado. The cash flows generated Cape Verde’s economy, so far, have been insufficient to finance its development, due to constraints concerning the lack of natural resources, the trade balance deficit and the geographical distribution and dimension of the territory. In this context, foreign capital appears as a strategic resource for Cape Verde’s development. Foreign investment is a significant instrument to overcome some shortfalls of the cape-verdean economy. Therefore the relevance of this study which is based on the question: "The incentives offered by CV and the environment have been effective enough to attract FDI or the numbers could be better?" Following the literature and theoretical review, in order to get the answer to the research question, we have analyzed the stimulus and environment provided to foreign investors through instruments launched by the Government. We have analysed the evolution of FDI´s flows into the country, with particular focus on the period 2000 - 2006, from statistical data. The subsequent analysis - the perception of foreign investors in CV - produced a qualitative survey study, conduced on a sampling of ten foreign investors, selected from founded criterions. As a result, we observed that the instruments undertaken by the Government in attracting FDI are over than ten years old and the higher FDI peak took place during the two last years. It was noticed that foreign investors choose the cape-verdean market because of its politic and economic stability. On the other hand, foreign investors show great constraints in terms of infrastructure, internal maritime connection and international flight connections. The administrative formalities are also subject of a negative evaluation by the investors surveyed. We have eventually figured out that the attraction instruments for FDI in CV are not effective enough for the needs of foreign investors. This demonstrates that there is a interesting ground to be explored.

Successful Tree Planting, March 2002

Advance planning, proper species selection, site preparation, careful handling of tree seedlings, and a good weed control program will help assure a successful tree planting. A commitment to plant with care, is an important first step that leads to successful establishment of tree and shrub seedlings.

For Land’s Sake, February 2002

Grass and weeds are a problem because they grow faster and are often taller than young seedlings. They compete with your seedlings for the limited moisture, nutrients, light, and space. Grasses and broadleaf weeds may kill your seedlings. At the very least, they keep seedlings from growing as quickly and vigorously as they would without competition. In addition, a thick stand of grass or weeds next to your seedlings provides habitat for rabbits and rodents who can girdle or cut off your seedlings. The only way to avoid these problems are to control the grass and weeds that cause them.

E85 Retail Station Locations in Iowa

House File 2754, relating to renewable fuel and energy, was enacted on May 30, 2006. The Act established goals and incentives for the use of renewable fuel, including E85 gasoline (85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline). Section 33 of the Act states: Sec. 33. DEPARTMENTAL STUDY – E85 GASOLINE AVAILABILITY. The state department of transportation and the department of natural resources shall cooperate to conduct a study to provide methods to inform persons of the availability of E85 gasoline offered for sale and distribution by retail dealers of motor fuel in this state, including the location of each retail motor fuel site where a retail dealer offers E85 gasoline for sale and distribution. The department's study shall include methods for identifying those locations for the convenience of the traveling public including but not limited to the identification of those locations on roadside signs and on the official Iowa map published pursuant to section 307.14. The departments shall jointly prepare and deliver a report to the governor and general assembly, which includes findings and recommendations, not later than January 10, 2007.

09033-018 Camp Creek Final Report

Growing Green Communities is strongly committed to improving the quality of Camp Creek and its watershed by reducing soil loss, which will benefit landowners by preserving their topsoil and improve the water quality of Camp Creek by reducing sediment loading of the creek. To accomplish the goal of reducing soil loss and improving water quality, Growing Green Communities has worked with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to identify areas of concentrated flow paths (CFPs) within the Camp Creek Watershed using LiDAR topographic mapping technology. A goal of this project is to identify sites expected to have the greatest impact in reducing soil loss and to install Best Management Practices (BMPs) at these sites. Landowners and other project partners will work to develop the most effective BMPs for each site. After the BMPs are designed and constructed, a conservation easement will be recorded to protect the BMPs. GGC plans to record 40 acres as easements. The easements will be purchased by Growing Green Communities and donated to a qualified conservation organization for long term management and maintenance.

Report to Government Oversight Committee Regrading Soil and Water Conservation Districts Competition with Small Business, 2006

At the request of the Government Oversight Committee, the Ombudsman gathered information regarding competition by county Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD) with small business through the sale of products and services. The goal of the Ombudsman’s review was to assist the Government Oversight Committee (Committee) in gaining an objective understanding of the issues so the Committee can ascertain whether there is a problem that requires legislation this legislative session. The Ombudsman focused on gathering specific information from four SWCD offices in central Iowa; Dallas, Greene, Guthrie and Jasper. These offices were specifically identified in documentation presented to the Government Oversight Committee by affected small business owners (contractors), Jon Judson of Diversity Farms and Dan Brouse of Iowa Restorations. However, with 100 SWCDs in Iowa,1 each with their own elected commissioners and each with different practices, priorities and fundraising activities, what the Ombudsman learned about these four counties may not be applicable to all the SWCDs in Iowa. The Ombudsman assigned the case to the Assistant Citizens’ Aide/Ombudsman for Small Business, Kristie Hirschman. For reference purposes in this report, actions taken by Ms. Hirschman will be ascribed to the Ombudsman.

Lake Darling: A Snapshot of Success, 2006

Before improvements were made, a number of factors were hurting the water quality in Lake Darling and driving people toward other lakes.

GIS Mapping: Creating Solutions for Rock Creek Lake, 2004

Rock Creek Lake is at risk. The centerpiece of Rock Creek State Park in Jasper County, Rock Creek Lake offers visitors a range of recreational opportunities, including the second busiest campground in Iowa and great fishing. However, many different factors are threatening the lake. Action is being taken to improve the lake for today’s visitors and to preserve the lake for future generations. GIS mapping is helping to make those improvements possible.

DNR Interactive Mapping: A tool for Iowa Agriculture, 2006

The planning tools you need to improve both your farming operation and Iowa’s streams and lakes are right at your fingertips. With DNR interactive mapping online, you can access a large amount of information for free and without special software.

The Fox River Needs Your Help, 2007

The Fox River is on Iowa’s impaired waters list. By working to reduce pollution in the watershed, we can make the Fox River healthy again.

A success story: The rebirth of Iowa’s trout streams, 2007

Practically since settlement of the state, Iowa trout streams had to be stocked to maintain a trout population. But improvements in water quality are leading to healthier, self-sustaining trout populations - and local communities are reaping the benefits.