The timber sales in Preparation Canyon State Parks is to remove tree that were knocked down by the tornado this spring. Trees form neighboring areas are also being salvaged. The removal of the damaged trees have revealed virgin prairie that had been covered by the trees and will allow that prairie to recover. If this had happen 300 years ago the prairie fires that were common in western Iowa would have consumed the fallen trees over time. These are not standing dead tree but trees that are on the ground. I see the salvage of the lumber in this situation good for the prairie and opens the road to Preparation Canyon that has been closed. Glenn Pollock - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - To unsubscribe from the IOWA-TOPICS list, send any message to: [log in to unmask] Check out our Listserv Lists support site for more information: http://www.sierraclub.org/lists/faq.asp Sign up to receive Sierra Club Insider, the flagship e-newsletter. Sent out twice a month, it features the Club's latest news and activities. Subscribe and view recent editions at http://www.sierraclub.org/insider/