Rich Leopold on Environment

Let's Go Outside: stewardship of Iowa's land, air, and water

Widely recognized as Iowa's leader on conservation, Rich Leopold was asked to come to the capital city, to lead of one of the most important agencies in state government. From 2007-2010, he directed the Department of Natural Resources. He led more than 1,100 people--and consistently balanced his $200 million budget--as a steward not only of Iowa's land, air, and water, but of taxpayer dollars.

To Rich, "Let's Go Outside" means many things: outside the ineffective political system, outside the current angry rhetoric, outside in the literal sense of enjoying our outdoors.

Listen to rural voters while promoting clean water

Leopold said, "I am a biologist by trade, but I've never run for elected office before," Leopold said. "I am not the typical 'anointed one' or senator. Now I am running for governor." However, Leopold did cite extensive government management experience. "I was director of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources four years," he said. "I have led a lot of government agencies, so I am the 'insider-outsider' kind of guy." Leopold is now Polk County's Conservation Board Director. Leopold told reporters that Independents and "Teddy Roosevelt-type Republicans" will find his candidacy attractive.