U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on Friday said Iowa needs a conservation effort similar to its $2 billion Vision Iowa program, the public-private investment that led to development of the Iowa Events Center, Dubuque’s America’s River Project and other landmark efforts, The Des Moines Register reported. The former Iowa governor said he spoke Thursday night with Gov. Terry Branstad about ways the state and federal governments can work together, along with farmers, agribusinesses, and environmental and conservation groups, to mount a large effort that could quell a lawsuit filed by Des Moines Water Works. The Des Moines area utility sued three northwest Iowa counties, claiming the drainage districts they run should be regulated under the Clean Water Act due to excessive nitrate pollution.