Please take a few minutes to send your comments on the future of the Loess
Hills.  If you would like more information, contact me at
[log in to unmask]  Although the comment period ends December 15th, they
will continue to accept comments.  There is an extensive article in The
Sierran, however, delivery of the newsletter has been delayed.

LOESS HILLS - DO YOU CARE ABOUT THEIR FUTURE?

The Loess Hills Special Resource Study team of the National Parks Service
(NPS) has completed a preliminary evaluation of the Loess Hills landform
region in western Iowa. The evaluation will be included in a report that
will be submitted to Congress early next year.  To be eligible for
favorable consideration as a unit of the National Park System, an area must
possess nationally significant natural or cultural resources; be a suitable
and feasible addition to the system; and require direct NPS involvement.

The Resource Study team's preliminary findings have deemed the entire Loess
Hills landform region as suitable. There is not a comparable geologic loess
deposited landform represented within the National Park System.
Additionally, a number of the intact remnant prairies, particularly those
located along the western slopes of the Loess Hills, contribute to the
suitability of the landform region. Because of its rarity and its high
degree of site integrity, the Loess Hills have an outstanding potential for
scientific research.

Because there are multiple and overlapping jurisdictions, including state,
local and private ownership patterns present, the evaluation of feasibility
is challenging. Public interest in the study remains high and the NPS
remains committed to public involvement during all stages of the evaluation
process. Although this particular criterion is questionable, the NPS has
not completed its draft evaluation for the feasibility segment.

Comments on management options may be sent by December 15th
or as soon as possible to:

Sue Jennings
National Park Service
Loess Hills Study Team Coordinator
1709 Jackson Street
Omaha, NE  68102
Phone: (402) 221-3493
FAX: (402) 221-3465
Email: [log in to unmask]
(Email comments will be accepted)


Key points to consider in commenting to the NPS are:

National Resource -- Loess Hills area is a national resource that ought to
be preserved.
Partnership -- NPS should work in partnership with state and local
governments and business people, land owners, and conservationists to
accomplish this.
National Reserve and Heritage Corridor -- We support the concept of a Loess
Hills national reserve or preserve combined with a heritage corridor.
Identify Significant and Threatened Resources -- The most significant and
threatened natural, cultural, historical, and archeological resources
should be identified, working with state and local government, entities and
citizens.
Acquisition on Willing Seller Basis Only -- Key core properties should be
purchased by NPS from willing sellers only or acquired by voluntary
donation.  Conservation easements should also be acquired from willing
sellers only, as appropriate.
Coordination with Other Conservation Programs -- An effort should be made
to coordinate preservation efforts with the conservation programs
administered by USDA and other federal, state and local agencies.
Cooperative Agreements -- The heritage area should be managed through
cooperative agreements with state and local entities to interpret and
preserve the resource.
Public Involvement in Management -- A management structure with appropriate
federal, state and local involvement, balanced representation, and members
appointed for their expertise should be put in place.

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