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. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - To get off the IOWA-TOPICS list, send any message to: [log in to unmask]