Executive Summary

The Loess Hills of western Iowa are a distinctive topographic region
encompassing more than 640,000 acres and extending for nearly 200 miles in a
narrow band that parallels the Missouri River valley. Here, exceptionally
thick deposits of windblown silt form a region of unique hill forms that
have
been described as "the best example of loess topography not only in the
Central Lowlands, but in the United States" (National Park Service 1985).
The
striking terrain is an outstanding example of landscapes formed by two
fundamental geological processes-- the action of wind and the erosive
sculpture of water. The intricately dissected region is characterized by
distinctive shapes: narrow corrugated ridges with alternating peaks and
saddles; numerous steep side slopes and branching spurs, often featuring
natural benches known as "catsteps"; and precipitous bluffs, some with
sheer,
nearly vertical faces rising from the adjoining Missouri River floodplain.
The geologic significance of the Loess Hills has been recognized for well
over a hundred years, and the biological significance for nearly as long.
The
area's rich archeological and historical resources, combined with the
extensive prairie ecosystems, contribute to the landform region's
exceptional
value.

In 1999, Congress directed the National Park Service to conduct a special
resource study to evaluate the Loess Hills of Iowa for possible designation
as a unit of the National Park System. The study includes a natural and
cultural resources overview that describes the study area, and evaluates the
national significance of the Loess Hills as well as the suitability and
feasibility of including this entire landform region as a unit of the
National Park System. In accordance with this legislative direction, the
National Park Service has provided management recommendations for the
long-term preservation of the Loess Hills of westem Iowa in this study
document.

The National Park Service recognizes that there is a strong desire by many
people and organizations to preserve the scenic and natural values of the
area. Already, a number of promising efforts to protect and interpret the
Loess Hills have been initiated by state, local, and private entities. These
entities include seven local County Conservation Boards, Golden Hills
Resource Conservation and Development, Loess Hills Alliance, Western Iowa
Tourism Region, Western Hills Area Education Agency, Iowa Department of
Natural Resources, Loess Hills National Scenic Byway Council, Iowa Natural
Heritage Foundation, Loess Hills Preservation Society, and The Nature
Conservancy.  Additionally, the Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service, U.S. Geological Survey, and the Natural Resource
Conservation Service serve as federal partners in several efforts currently
underway to study and protect the Loess Hills.

Based on the application of National Park Service criteria, the National
Park
Service concludes that the Loess Hills landform region contains resources of
national significance. It also finds that the Loess Hills would be a
suitable
addition to the National Park System. However, the ownership pattern, size,
multiple jurisdictions, threats, and lack of comprehensive planning make
designation as a unit of the National Park Service not feasible. Five
management frameworks for the long-term preservation of the Loess Hills are
identified and evaluated in this special resource study. One management
concept provides for the continuation of local management at the city and/or
county level (no change), while another calls for a more holistic approach
to
managing the region through the formation of a Joint Powers Board. The Joint
Powers Board could be composed of representatives from each county
containing
a portion of the landform region. Neither of these concepts includes federal
designation. The other two alternatives include National Park Service
involvement designating either portions of, or the entire region as a
National Reserve, an affiliated area the National Park Service. Each
management option considers land protection programs already available in
the
Loess Hills, comments received from landowners and citizens living within
the
study area, as well as comments from the general public. Together, these
four
alternatives, while having various degrees of federal, state and local
involvement, remain sensitive to private landowner concerns and complement
existing conservation efforts of
state, local, and private entities.
In evaluating the management alternatives, the National Park Service
recognized the value having strong, locally-based support and commitment to
preserving the Loess Hills landform region. The National Park Service also
recognized that the agency could provide support to local efforts to protect
the significant resources of the Loess Hills and could help ensure that
these
resources are preserved for generations to come.
The recommended management strategy for the Loess Hills landform region is a
blend o four management alternatives previously discussed. This combination
relies upon local planning efforts and the voluntary formation of a Joint
Powers Board. Upon completion of a Comprehensive Plan that meets National
Park Service criteria, the Loess Hills of westen
Iowa, or selected segments of the Loess Hills, could be designated as a
National Reserve by request of the Joint Powers Board and the Governor of
Iowa. This strategy provides for initiative that originates at the local
level and allows for state and federal assistance. This recommendation
recognizes the national significance of the Loess Hills, encourages and
enables local units of government to develop measures to protect the
resources of the Loess Hills. The recommendation also provides for federal
participation in the preservation of Loess Hills at a level of involvement
supported by local units of government and citizens of the region.
Additionally, the study team recommends the following studies:
An evaluation of the Glenwood Archeological Locality and the Jones Creek
Watershed properties for possible National Historic Landmark designation.

An evaluation of any or all of the 12 Special Landscape Areas identified by
this study (Appendix D) for National Natural Landmark designation.

An ethnographic resources study to include a cultural affiliation component
and a cultural properties survey that identifies places in the Loess Hills
that are important to the Cultural traditions and beliefs of native peoples
who have an historical association with the Loess Hills.

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