The Linn County Comprehensive Plan was developed in 2013 and was meant to help guide the physical, social and economic development in Linn County for the following 10 to 20 years. The comprehensive plan has seven identified priority areas: Resource Protection, Livable Communities, Hazard Planning, Economic Development and Employment Opportunities, Sustainable Development, Transportation, and Alternative and Renewable Energy. Residents of the county were surveyed and it was determined that the most important issue facing the county was Resource Protection (at 23%).

Resource protection is identified as the identification, preservation, enhancement, and restoration of our resources. Elements of resource protection include: soil, agriculture, water, air, plants, animals, and minerals. 

One identified strategy, within the comprehensive plan, for meeting the goal of conserving and enhancing our natural resources, open spaces, and wildlife habitat throughout the county is to adopt a sensitive area ordinance (criteria to include - wetland protection, aquifer recharge areas, flood prone areas, karst topography, fish and wildlife conservation, threatened and endangered species, unique natural areas of the county, and timber resources.) 

The Linn County Planning & Development Department is now (as of July 2022) seeking funding to hire a consultant to complete an inventory of sensitive areas within unincorporated Linn County and draft a new Sensitive Areas Ordinance.  This Ordinance will allow staff to identify and protect the natural resource areas, open space and wildlife habitats located in the County.

As development pressure in Linn County, Iowa increase, it is vital that we make sure that development in unincorporated Linn County is strategically planned to protect both agricultural, recreational, and environmentally sensitive land.  A Sensitive Areas Ordinance will provide a firm foundation for staff to assess development applications and ensure that adequate provisions are in place to protect these areas.  Mitigating further damage or destruction of natural resources and wildlife habitats is important to ensure future Linn County residents and visitors have access to high value natural areas.

Please sign this petition if:

1) You are a Linn County resident
2) You value our natural areas 
3) You support taking action to protect our unique and sensitive areas within Linn County, Iowa.