Somehow, the DOT and the company writing the Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement for the Highway 100 Extension determined that a State Preserve does not qualify for a 4(f) designation. State Preserve is the highest level of protection offered in Iowa. The recent "Iowa Conservationist" magazine of the Iowa DNR has a lengthy article about the "greening" of the DOT. Let's see, what do we call this? Jane Clark Iowa DNR News State Preserves Advisory Board For immediate release Friday, August 24 For more information, contact Daryl Howell, 515-281-8524. PRESERVES BOARD IN OPPOSITION TO HIGHWAY 100 EXTENSION DES MOINES - The State Preserves Advisory Board voiced its opposition to the proposed Highway 100 extension in Linn County. The board cited concerns about the impact the highway would have on Rock Island Preserve and Hanging Bog Preserve. Board members discussed the draft supplemental environmental impact statement for the highway project prepared by the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) and felt the DOT had not looked at adequate alternative locations or done an adequate study of the impact on the area. "The needs of the preserve extend beyond the boundaries of the preserve," said Laura Jackson, board member from Cedar Falls. The board was further concerned that Rock Island Preserve was not designated as a 4 F property, a federal designation for protected areas, and that could impact future road projects. "I am mystified as how the Federal Highway Administration could conclude that," said Mike Smith, attorney with the Iowa Attorney General's office. Many board members said they were concerned about protecting the Byssus Skipper, which is listed as threatened in Iowa. Other concerns include the impacts of noise from the highway and on wetlands in the area. Dick Heft, Linn County Conservation Board chair, said it appears the draft supplemental environmental impact statement was created in support of the highway project and dismisses the preserve status. Heft said the draft supplemental environmental impact statement was looking at that specific corridor and not looking at other alternatives and that the Linn County Conservation Board has not taken a position on which alternative would be most preferred. The board will send a letter with its comments and concerns to the DOT and the Federal Highway Administration and will send a letter of opposition to the Natural Resource Commission when it meets in Des Moines on Sept. 5. In a separate letter to the DOT and the FHA, the board will address the issue of 4 F designat - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - To get off the IOWA-TOPICS list, send any message to: [log in to unmask]