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Mines of Spain Addition INHF is working with the Friends of the Mines of Spain and the City of Dubuque to protect 52 acres adjacent to the scenic and popular Mines of Spain State Recreation Area, a dramatic bluffland landscape along the Mississippi River. The new addition, near the park’s entrance, will allow the park to provide safer access at the E.B. Lyons Interpretive Center, where overflow crowds now park on the nearby road. (Download map.) Scenic views will be improved. Native vegetation will be restored near the interpretive center so visitors can gain an experience of native Iowa prairie. Runoff will be reduced, which will improve water quality in Catfish and Granger creeks. City officials view the new acquisition as “extremely important to buffer the park and interpretive center from development, and protect and enhance the park's historical, archeological, cultural and natural resources." Help plan the addition A plan is being formulated to define the appropriate function and management of the pending 52-acre addition to the Mines of Spain State Recreation Area. Public input is invited through Feb. 20, 2012, to determine the best use of the addition to this unique and scenic area. Background This historic and beautiful state park claims a variety of official designations, including as a state Watchable Wildlife Area and an Important Bird Area (more than 213 species have been identified here). It is also part of the National Recreation Trails System and a National Historic Landmark with 252 known archaeological sites. The Mines of Spain was INHF's second-ever land protection project in 1979, when the fledgling organization succeeded in setting aside the park's original 1,240 acres. Project partners |
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