Potential Addition To
Waubonsie State Park

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An extremely rare opportunity exists - perhaps the last chance - to acquire the entire 711-acre property, formerly known as Camp WaShawtee Girl Scout Camp, as an addition to Waubonsie State Park. If this property were divided into smaller parcels and developed, it would harm the wildlife habitat and the state park visitor's experience at Waubonsie. On the other hand, for $2.6 million the property could be used to expand the park and add facilities to make Waubonsie a more attractive destination.

Camp WaShawtee
Camp WaShawtee is completely enclosed in a loess hills valley with additional spectacular views from the boundary ridge tops. The extensive facilities, built in 1966, include 2 heated buildings, 5 rustic cabins (3 with electricity), large dining hall, 6 small miscellaneous buildings, 10 wooden pit toilets, 37 wooden tent platforms, open horse barn & tack shed, corral, swimming pool, 15-acre lake, and 2 maintenance buildings.


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Waubonsie State Park
The 1254-acre park, with spectacular vistas of the ancient Missouri River valley, is located in southwest corner of Fremont County (in the southwest corner of Iowa), almost equidistant from Missouri to the south and Nebraska to the west. Acquired in 1926, it is the largest of three Loess Hill state parks in Iowa. The park facilities, developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, include a 42-site campground, an equestrian campground, picnic shelter, and 7 miles of hiking and equestrian trails.

This Acquisition Would Benefit Waubonsie State Park
- This acquisition would increase the size of Waubonsie by 56%.
- Many of the camp facilities would be incorporated and greatly expand the recreational     opportunities of the park.
	- The lake and pool - currently Waubonsie does not offer any water-based recreation desirable for extended stays during the warm summer months.
	- The two-story, heated "nature center" would be converted to a multi-functional building. Open year round, it could provide multi-family (four bedroom) overnight accommodations and when not in use could function as a standard park rental lodge for family reunions, weddings, etc.
	- The heated "Lane Lodge" (staff house) would be converted to a standard family cabin available year-round.
	- The five rustic cabins would be converted to camping cabins - another offering currently not found at Waubonsie.
	- Provide a suitable location for a new wastewater treatment lagoon needed for the park that is currently not available. WaShawtee borders a portion of the eastern boundary of the park, connecting to the two ridge tops where the picnic area and campground are located.
	- The trail system within WaShawtee would greatly increase trail opportunities for hikers and equestrians.

This Acquisition Would Benefit the Local Economy
Conveniently located in the tri-state area and easily accessible from I-29, Waubonsie is one hour away from Omaha/Council Bluffs and minutes from the Missouri and Nebraska borders. The additional recreation offerings afforded through this acquisition would increase extended vacation stays at Waubonsie. Currently the state park has 70,000 visitor guest days annually. A park visitor spends an average of $12.88/day according to a "Survey of Iowa State Park and Recreation Area Users" conducted by the University of Northern Iowa College of Behavioral Sciences.

It is estimated that the park usage at Waubonsie could double with the addition of two water features, year round overnight accommodations, larger trail system and event rental lodge. The initial economic impact is estimated to be $1.8 million (this is without the commonly used multiplier of three which the Department of Economic Development and RC&Ds use to indicate the number of times tourist dollars circulate within a region).

This Acquisition Would Advance Natural Resource Protection
The Loess Hills is one of Iowa's most distinctive landforms. WaShawtee is one of the largest contiguous woodlands in the Loess Hills; and it constitutes approximately 17% of the Waubonsie Special Landscape Area identified as a priority for protection by the National Park Service. Together with Waubonsie State Park, 39% of this Special Landscape Area would be protected.

Partnering for the Future
Acquiring Camp WaShawtee will be challenging. The Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, in cooperation with the Department of Natural Resources, working to acquire this park addition.

The State of Iowa through IDNR and the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation are proposing to also partner with a nonprofit organization known as Hole-in-the-Hills at WaShawtee (HHW) which provides support services and outdoor camp experiences for terminally ill children and their families. HHW will partner with other national and local organizations to provide 30-50 professional staff and volunteers as well as facilities for 200-300 campers. This camp would be located on 30-70 acres at the far eastern portion of the property leased to them for that purpose. The camp and IDNR will also be able to share some of the water, sewer and road infrastructure as well as use of portions of the property.

Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation has the opportunity to accept assignment of the existing contract between HHW and the current owner. The Foundation has negotiated additional conditions so that the entire property can be acquired and initial IDNR planning and interim management funded for a total of $2.6 million. The contract will need to be paid in full within two years.

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