News : Conservation is Essential – For Our Economy, Our Health, and Our Future

Youth enjoying an evening of firefly catching at Firefly Festival 2025

Paddlers enjoying the Cedar River in Benton County

By Shelby Williams, Director

 When budget season rolls around, it’s not uncommon to hear that conservation will be “getting the axe.” Parks and natural areas are sometimes viewed as extras, something nice to have, but not essential. The reality is, nothing could be further from the truth

Outdoor recreation is one of Iowa’s strongest economic engines. A recent study shows that outdoor recreation contributes $4.6 billion to Iowa’s GDP and generates over $8 billion in total economic output. It supports 60,000 jobs and provides $2.1 billion in earnings for Iowa families.

Right here in Benton County, our parks and natural areas are part of this statewide success story. Iowa county parks system generates $3.07 billion annually, with county parks contributing a third of that. Creating an impressive return of investment: for every $1 invested in county conservation, the economy receives $10 in return. That’s one of the best returns on investment anywhere in public service.

But conservation is not just about dollars— it’s about people.

Local organizations like the Benton County Suicide Prevention Coalition and the Benton County Critical Incident Stress Management Team have spoken out strongly in support of conservation. Why? Because access to nature is proven to reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, PTSD, and even suicidality. With nearly 79% of Benton County residents naming mental health as their top health concern, this connection cannot be ignored.

For first responders in our community, police officers, EMTs, and firefighters, exposure to traumatic events takes a heavy toll. Benton County’s CISM Team reports that outdoor recreation and green space are among the most effective coping and resilience tools. Parks are not luxuries for them, they are lifelines.

Even more broadly, research shows that time outdoors lowers blood pressure, reduces obesity, and strengthens social connections. If access to green space increased by just 10% across Iowa, the state could save $80 million in healthcare costs annually, including $19 million in Medicaid spending.

Conservation also protects what we can’t replace, our soil, water, and wildlife. These natural resources are worth tens of thousands of dollars per acre, from preventing erosion to reducing flood risk to cleaning the air we breathe. In a time when every dollar matters, investing in conservation is one of the smartest financial decisions we can make. 

Advocating for conservation has always been part of our work, but it is becoming more important than ever. If the value of parks is ever questioned, the answer is simple: close the gates for a day. The impact would be immediate, visible, and deeply felt.

 Conservation is not where the axe should fall. It is where investment should begin.

 *Stats in this article retrieved from: “The Economic Impact of Recreation in Iowa” Prepared for Iowa’s County Conservation System by Scioto Analysis.

What You Can Do to Support Conservation

-Visit your local parks – Use them, enjoy them, and let others see their value.

-Share your story – Tell friends, neighbors, and decision-makers why Benton County’s parks matter to you.

-Advocate – Contact local and state leaders to remind them that conservation is both an economic driver and a community lifeline.

-Stay informed – Follow Benton County Conservation for updates and opportunities to get involved.

-Be a voice for nature – Our parks cannot speak for themselves. They rely on all of us.

-Get involved locally – Join the Benton County Conservation Foundation by volunteering, getting involved with meetings, fundraising, or donating.