Jarad Klein (R-Keota) photo by Sally Y. Hart

A lack of state gathered scientific evidence forced a local representative to vote against a turtle harvesting measure in the state legislature earlier this week. State Representative Jarad Klein of Keota was the only legislator to vote against House File 2357, which directs the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to set a season for trapping any species of Iowa turtles. The measure passed on Tuesday by a vote of 96-1.

Klein states the topic of a turtle harvesting season has been an on-going issue discussed with the Natural Resources Commission since 2009. He added the NRC has had the authority to set a time frame up for a season but due to a lack of scientific evidence of a declining turtle population in Iowa, the commission has consistently denied the request.

Klein said the issue was turned over to the legislature this session. He cited anecdotal evidence presented during committee hearings last month as the reason for his opposition of the bill.

House File 2357 now heads to the state senate for approval.