The Iowa State Preserves System: A Progress Report

The Iowa State Preserves System was formed by action of the 61st General Assembly in 1965. It is administered by the State Advisory Board for Preserves. The function of the board is to locate, dedicate, direct management, and protect areas of natural, archeological, historical, geological or scenic value. To date nine areas have been dedicated: Hayden Prairie, Kalsow Prairie, Pilot Knob State Park, Sheeder Prairie, and White Pine Hollow, as Nature Preserves; Fish Farm Mounds, Turkey River Mounds, and Wittrock Indian Village as Archeological Preserves; and Fort Atkinson as a Historical Preserve. Nine additional areas have been recommended for preserve status. Short-term scientific studies for development of management plans and interpretive signs, have been conducted. A half-time ecologist was hired for 1968-69. There is urgent need to develop a public awareness of the importance of the Preserves Board in safeguarding Iowa\u27s natural lands, waters, unusual flora, fauna, and geological, archeological, scenic and historical features of scientific or educational values