Group effort may help protect upper Iowa river views

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This article was written and posted on INHF's website in March 2000. 

A private landowner, neighbors, a private non-profit organization and state government are combining efforts in a precedent-setting attempt to protect scenic views and open spaces along the Upper Iowa River near Decorah.

The project began germinating when neighbors learned of Gary Seegmiller's plans to build 34 homes on an 88-acre property that lies along the Upper Iowa River in an area known locally as River Bend. The property is owned by Seegmiller's mother, Gertrude Seegmiller of Decorah.

Concerned neighbors approached the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation (INHF) about seeking alternatives to development in this and other sections of the River Bend area. INHF is a member-supported nonprofit group that protects Iowa's land, water and wildlife.

On March 17, Gertrude Seegmiller and INHF signed a working agreement that could resolve the deadlock and create a win-win solution for all concerned. According to the signed contract, if both parties agree to a fair price after an independent appraisal, INHF will purchase 128 acres from the Seegmillers (the 88 acres previously slated for development plus another 40), with plans to resell it to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR). DNR would protect the property for open space and public recreation.

A successful deal also depends on local support because the DNR does not pay full appraised cost for development rights. Therefore, INHF is attempting to package the Seegmiller property with donations of both cash and conservation easements so that DNR gets more total land protection for its money.

A conservation easement is a method by which private landowners can retain land ownership while donating selected rights (in this case, development rights). Unless the donor chooses, land protected by private conservation easements is still private and is closed to public use.

If the deal goes through, the Iowa DNR will eventually repurchase the Seegmiller land from INHF and-in combination with a package of River Bend easements-the Decorah area will have a permanently protected natural area along the Upper Iowa.

"The Foundation has pulled off some complicated projects in our 20-year history, but this one may be the most complex yet," said Mark Ackelson, INHF President. "Successful completion of this project depends on three variables: appropriate appraisal value, a sufficient pool of donated funds and easements, and quick timing to beat the contract deadline."

INHF is no stranger to protecting the Upper Iowa River watershed. Previous INHF projects in Winneshiek County include Chimney Rock, the Upper Iowa River Palisades, Canoe Creek Public Access and more. The Foundation has also assisted in protecting Chipera Prairie, Cardinal Marsh and several cold-water trout streams. Statewide, INHF has protected more than 55,000 acres.

"This is a unique, groundbreaking venture for the DNR," said Al Farris, administrator of DNR's Fish and Wildlife Division. "We have worked many times before with the Foundation, but always on more traditional land acquisition projects. However, this looks like a rare opportunity to bring additional protection to the Upper Iowa River and move forward the Protected Water Areas program."

"We anticipate we will fund this project with Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) dollars, not from our general operations budget," Farris continued. Property purchased with REAP funds by the state requires the reimbursement of real property taxes by the state.

"After approximately one month's negotiations, the Seegmillers are happy that a working agreement has been reached with INHF and DNR for the sale of the property," said Dale Putnam, the attorney representing Seegmillers. "Both sides have worked hard in an attempt to get the sale completed. The Seegmillers just hope that all of the people who urged this sale will back up their offers so the sale can be completed."

"If this project works, there will be plenty of kudos to pass around-from the landowners to the DNR to the neighbors," said Darrel Mills, INHF's land conservation specialist in northeast Iowa. "But we have only a few weeks to pull it all together."

For more information or to contribute to this project, contact INHF at 800-475-1846.

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

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