The Eddyville Dunes Campaign

How the Campaign Began

A nomination for the 1997 IowaSierra Club Grassroots Award
written by Daryl Smith of UNI.

[Members of Cedar Prairie Sierra Club have become aware of their activities and are impressed with their dedication to preventing human destruction and alteration to our natural environment and by their campaign to prevent destruction of wetland and sand prairie habitat as well as state endangered species.

About a year and one-half ago (1995) they became aware that the proposed Eddyville Bypass project near Ottumwa would impact upon and possibly destroy some rare wetland and prairie habitats and seriously impact rare native plant populations. At that time, the project was moving full speed ahead and was apparently going to be done.

The two of them embarked upon a personal crusade to save these areas and plants. Through their activities, they have involved the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, communicated frequently with the Federal Highway Administration, the Iowa Department of Transportation and alerted concerned Iowans and several organizations about the serious effects of this highway project. They have made presentations to various groups including the Iowa Academy of Science.

As a result of their work, the Bypass Project was delayed for a biological survey. A preliminary report from Dr. James Christiansen states the unique value the project area derives from its combination of wetlands and sand prairie, which provides feeding, nesting and hibernating areas for its inhabitants. The habitat at Eddyville provides homes for the Ornate Box turtle, a state threatened species, Blandings turtle, rare snakes, the six-lined racerunner lizard, and other amphibians and mammals (birds and invertebrates were not included in the survey).

The species present in the Dunes represent a community that disappeared from Iowa except for a few preserves scattered around the state. The report recommends that the road be moved one mile east to avoid impacts and preserve and protect the prairie community.

Through their studies of the area, Glenda and Pat have discovered two populations, one extensive, of the state endangered pale-green orchid. They continue to attempt to hold the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) accountable to the National Environmental Policy Act ((NEPA) mandated by Congress in 1969 to protect our nations natural resources. FHWA was unwilling to acknowledge significant impact at Eddyville as this would necessitate an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). Although an EIS would objectively assess impacts and evaluate alternative alignments to avoid the Dunes it would cost time and money. (map of routes)

They conducted a campaign to encourage Iowans and others to write letters to the FHWA requesting an EIS and continue their efforts to work with state agencies and groups to increase awareness of the impending loss of this valuable habitat and species.

[An EIS has been required as a result of their efforts. ]

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A note from Glenda Buenger about Eddyville Dunes is summarized below:

The IDOT had intended to let bids on the bypass project in January 1997. Now it's a year later (1998) and they are further away from building the road than before. [The FHWA has announced that they will, in cooperation with the IDOT, prepare an EIS for the project.]

We started networking support for the Dunes through Iowa Environmental Council member organizations a year and a half ago, and continue to gain support as we go along. I now send the Dunes newsletter to about 130 entities and individuals. If you would like more background, please contact us.

When it is time for public comments on the Draft EIS, I'll be sending another newsletter with help for making comments to advocate an alternative for the Bypass, and avoiding the Dunes.

If you do outings, please consider a visit to Eddyville Dunes. Pat and I are always delighted to show people this remarkable place, and once you see it, it's easier to understand why we feel so adamant about protecting it. Birds were, unfortunately, omitted from last spring's biological survey, but we've had several birders out including Jim Fuller [from Iowa City] and Tom Johnson and Ray Cummins from the Rathbun Bird Club, and I think they found the trip worthwhile. I don't know if you know Jane Clark, but she has visited with Central Iowa Sierra Group. The orchids are blooming the 2nd or 3rd week of July.

Thank you for your help and support - we can't do this ourselves. We are, all of us, the "human vocal cords" for these few remaining places in Iowa. On behalf of the Eddyville Dunes and Wetlands, we thank you.

Glenda Buenger and Pat McAdams, 2282 Teller Avenue, Rose Hill, Iowa 52586

****For more information or directions to the Dunes, contact them at 515-632-8308.

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