Foundation gift protects Arnolds Park “Green Space”

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This article was written and posted on INHF's website in December of 2005.

Leaders of the Messengers of Healing Wind Foundation announced Friday that, after proposing the concept nearly a year ago, they have finalized permanent conservation protection on a section of West Okoboji Lake shoreline known locally as the Green Space.

The Foundation, a charitable group with many ties to this region, donated $500,000 to place a conservation easement on the nine-acre site. The funds go to the Iowa Great Lakes Maritime Museum (IGLMM), the nonprofit organization which owns the museum, Arnolds Park Amusement Park, and the adjoining Green Space. The easement will be held and monitored by the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation (INHF), a nonprofit conservation group.

A conservation easement is a permanent, legally-binding agreement that limits how the land can be used. The $500,000 compensates the site's owners for agreeing to the conservation restrictions.

Residents and visitors have long enjoyed the Green Space for activities ranging from family picnics to public gatherings and concerts. Consequently, this easement was tailored to preserve the site's scenery, open spaces and public recreational opportunities. It prohibits commercial agriculture or feedlots, housing developments, dumping and other uses that would threaten these goals.

“The Foundation is pleased to have been a part of a creative solution that will ensure permanency of the Green Space as a public gathering place,” said Andrea Waitt Carlton, President of the Messengers of Healing Winds Foundation. “We hope this gift, through the conservation easement, will enhance the quality of life for the Great Lakes Area residents, families, and visitors.” 

Mark Ackelson, INHF president, notes that his group already holds and monitors dozens of such easements around the state.

“Conservation easements are an increasingly popular way for private individuals and organizations to protect land because here, as in so many cases, owners are rewarded for simply agreeing to perpetuate what they’re already doing,” Ackelson said. “The beauty of a permanent conservation easement is that the current board—and the general public—is now assured that no future board can compromise the Green Space to meet short-term financial needs. Messengers of Healing Winds has purchased that peace of mind for all of us.”

According to Mike Zenor of IGLMM, “We’re excited about and grateful for this substantial contribution. We’ve been working diligently to eliminate our debt, and—though we still have some funds to raise—this donation takes us a long, long way.”

For more information on the Green Space at Arnolds Park see the related magazine article.

For more information, e-mail Cathy Engstrom, Director of Communications, or call (515) 288-1846.