The Eddyville Dunes Campaign
The Eddyville Dunes and Wetlands
The wind-blown sands of the Eddyville Dunes were deposited 12-15,000 years ago in a process very similar to the formation of Iowa's Loess Hills. The 1200 acres of sand deposits, up to 60 feet thick, are punctuated by closed depressions forming the numerous open water wetlands and wet meadows of the Eddyville Dunes.
A preliminary draft flora of the Dunes and Wetlands has been prepared by William Pusateri, IDOT botanist. Thus far, he has documented the occurrence of over 600 species in the project corridor and Dunes area. They include the state endangered Pale-green or Tubercled orchid (Platanthera flava var. herbiola ) and seven special concern species. The proposed construction area also supports Showy orchis (Galearis spectabilis ), Twayblade (Liparis sp.), and Ladies-tresses within easy hiking distance of the Platanthera .
The Dunes' flora is complemented by its animal inhabitants. Dr. Jim Christiansen (Drake University) performed a survey for the IDOT in 1997. The Dunes represent "one of the most complete, although fragile, prairie communities present in Iowa," he wrote, "a community that has disappeared from Iowa except for a few small areas around the state." The fauna includes the Ornate box turtle, a state threatened sand species, and Blanding's turtle, a Federal special concern marsh species. Also present are Six-lined Racerunner, Prairie King snake, Prairie Ring-necked snake, and other vertebrates. Based on preliminary studies, the Dunes and Wetlands are home to 33% of the state's plant species, 34% of the reptiles, 55% of the amphibians, 60% of the small mammals, and 50% of the nesting birds.
A 4-lane highway through the Dunes is the IDOT's preferred route for the Eddyville Bypass, a segment of the Des Moines to Burlington corridor. This proposal would directly impact about 100 acres of the Dunes, including protected species and their biodiverse habitats. The FHWA required the IDOT to perform an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Bypass project in 1997. The purpose of an EIS is to assess alternate routes which would avoid and/or minimize environmental impacts.
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