The City of Dubuque, Friends of Mines of Spain, Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation and Department of Natural Resources invite the public to view and comment on a draft plan for land acquisition to the E.B. Lyons Interpretive Center Area.
Citizen input is being sought for development of a management plan for a land parcel acquired recently by the City of Dubuque that is adjacent to the EB Lyons Interpretive Center. The Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation is assisting the city with this acquisition.
The 52-acre acquisition presents opportunities, challenges, and limitations. Some ideas being considered are the expansion of interpretive opportunities that would be universally accessible and close to the Center; the ability to experience dramatic scenery; develop an area for youth group camping and provide more parking close to the Interpretive Center that is badly needed. The steep topography which adds to the scenic beauty, also limits options. For example, like EB Lyons Interpretive Center, this addition can’t be connected by road to the Mines of Spain. Protection of the archeological, historic, and natural resources may also limit what might be done with the land.
“The view from this newly acquired area is breathtaking,” said Angela Corio, state park planner for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
“We want to make sure that our final plan enhances opportunities for visitors to EB Lyons Interpretive Center , is consistent with the goals of the Mines of Spain master plan, and most importantly protects this very beautiful and unique landscape,” said Corio. “While we have had many entities working on a draft plan for the parcel, public input will be extremely helpful to us in finalizing our plans.”
A multi-disciplinary planning task force with representatives from the Friends of the Mines of Spain, the City of Dubuque, the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, and the DNR forestry, wildlife, ecological, and park bureaus has developed the draft plan with possible options for future development and management of the 52-acre addition.
An electronic survey seeking input on use of the newly acquired parcel can be found at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/5HP8JWC. The deadline for completing the electronic version of the survey is Monday, Feb. 20th.
In addition to the electronic version of the survey, paper copies of the survey are available at the Carnegie-Stout Public Library, 360 W 11th St, Dubuque and at E.B. Lyons Interpretive Center. Paper surveys need to be mailed to Mines of Spain, 8991 Bellevue Heights, Dubuque, IA 52003 by Thursday, Feb. 17th.