Loess Hills Alliance Stakeholder Survey

Loess Hills Alliance - Maintaining the Balance

The Loess Hills Alliance and other non-profit organizations are working in the region to balance development and permanent protection. Together, these organizations partner to restore native vegetation, protect cultural and natural resources,educate landowners and the public and minimize human impact to significant areas. They promote the unique history and characteristics of the landscape. Working together, the Loess Hills Alliance has directed nearly 2.8 million dollars in appropriated state funds and raised additional funds from grants and partner counties. These funds have been used to restore native habitat, conserve natural resources from more intensive development and education and tourism
opportunities.

This survey seeks to ask community members, stakeholders and people who care about the Loess Hills for input as we work together to provide the best support possible for this National treasure.

www.loesshillsalliance.com

Facebook - LoessHillsAlliance

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* 1. In which county within the Loess Hills do you live?

Plymouth County

Woodbury County

Monona County

Harrison County

Pottawattamie County

Mills County

Fremont County

Other (please specify)

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* 2. How would you describe your connection to the Loess Hills Alliance? (please check all that apply)

Board member

Elected official

Business owner

Loess Hills Landowner

Conservationist

Nonprofit organization

Loess Hills Resident

Loess Hills Consumer

Other (please specify)

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* 3. How familiar are you with the Loess Hills Alliance and its mission?
"The Loess Hills Alliance strives to protect special natural and cultural resources while ensuring the economic viability and private property rights of the region through the creation of a common vision for Iowa's Loess Hills."

Very familiar

Somewhat familiar

Not aware of the organization or mission

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* 4. The Loess Hills Alliance implements projects through three community-based committees, developed as the result of a comprehensive plan to promote, protect and preserve the Loess Hills of Western Iowa. They are:

Economic Development
Stewardship
Protection

Below are several projects that the Loess Hills Alliance has supported toward that goal. Please rank in order of importance, the projects you believe best serve the mission (1 = most important, 10 = least important).

Prescribed burning to promote vegetation management and invasive species control

Minimize impact from new development and resource extraction

Erosion prevention and mitigation

Ensure technical resources and assistance is available to landowners interested in protecting and restoring the ecological condition of their property

Preserve and restore native vegetation, such as tall grass prairie and oak savannas

Cost share and assistance for willing landowner easements or land acquisitions for natural area and cultural resources preservation

Regional and national advertising to promote Loess Hills businesses and tourist attractions, including the Loess Hills National Scenic Byway

Providing grant assistance to small businesses and community attractions to support innovative economic development within the Loess Hills

Increasing visitor traffic at recreation facilities, events and area attractions.

Offering education and technical assistance to businesses and landowners in the Loess Hills.

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* 5. The State of Iowa appropriates funding each year from the general fund to support the Loess Hills Alliance, to support the projects listed above. For the past several years, the funding amount has remained level. Do you believe the Loess Hills Alliance should receive additional funding to better support these efforts?

Yes

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* 6. What needs, resources or activities would you like to see addressed through the Loess Hills Alliance?

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* 7. If you are not currently involved with the Loess Hills Alliance Board or committees, and would like to be, please provide an email address or contact information and we will contact you about future meetings.