Value of Iowa’s Natural Resources

From our gentling rolling hills of native prairie, to our rocky bluffs along the Mississippi, Iowa teems with birds, mammals, fish, reptiles and amphibians. While we may struggle with habitat loss, pollution, and other environmental issues, Iowa is a state that is rich in natural beauty and resources.

Iowa’s natural resources have value to humans economically, such as the soil that we grow our food in, as well for hunting, and fishing. These uses are considered “consumptive use” of Iowa’s natural resources. Our natural resources also have intrinsic value of their own, meaning they possess value in and of themselves.

 

Iowa’s Natural Resources Links
Iowa Department of Natural Resources

Iowa Wildlife Series: Iowa Insects, Spiders, and Other Invertebrates

Iowa Wildlife Series: Iowa Nesting Birds

Iowa’s Plants: Iowa Trees

Iowa’s Biological Communities Series: Iowa Prairies

Iowa’s Biological Communities Series: Iowa Wetlands

Iowa Wildlife and People Series: Iowa Biodiversity

Iowa Environmental Issues Series: Iowa Habitat Loss and Disappearing Wildlife