Earlier this week the Linn County Board of Supervisors and the Cedar Rapids 
City Council each passed resolutions that affect the Rock Island State Preserve 
and a 100-acre neighboring property owned by the Linn County Conservation 
Board and being managed as a county preserve.

The crown jewels of these two properties are the diversity of native plants 
and the large number of butterfly species.  In addition there is a reproducing 
population of blandings turtles that use both properties.  The 100-acres was 
donated to the Linn County Conservation Board.  

The resolutions state:
- once the City of Cedar Rapids annexes the land surrounding the Rock Island 
State Preserve, the Linn County Conservation Board will be requested to 
approve transfer of the title to the property to the City of Cedar Rapids.  The City 
of Cedar Rapids will maintain the Rock Island State Preserve as a state 
preserve.
- the county-owned portion of the preserve would be better managed as a city 
park, with management by the City of Cedar Rapids
- the City of Cedar Rapids will pay the Linn County Conservation Board 
$200,000 for the purchase of the 100-acre county preserve and the Linn County Board 
of Supervisors will also pay the Linn County Conservation Board $200,000 for 
the purchase of the preserve property. 
- With the transfer of land to Cedar Rapids, the easement for the highway 
will be established.
- The Linn County Conservation Board is being requested to agree to this.

Last night the Linn County Conservation Board tabled any action, with 
resolution to be made by April 18.  Letters may be sent to the Linn County 
Conservation Board,  1890 County Home Road, Marion, Iowa 52302


Pam Mackey-Taylor

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