xvi PUBLIC PARKS OF IOWA 



SUPPLEMENTAL MEMORANDA. 



Publication difficulties for which extraordinary conditions incident to 

 the war are responsible, prevented the issuance of the first report of 

 the Board of Conservation until so long a time after the materials were 

 prepared, that it may now seem rather more historical than immediately 

 practical in its character. 



The time prior to August, 1919, was mainly used in the preliminary 

 study and investigation necessary in the beginning of all departures in 

 public affairs. The time after that date is therefore fuller of things ac- 

 complished. It is of these things begun or done the commission feels 

 something should be said at least in brief, pending the more elaborate 

 publication of matter relating thereto that may be further and indefinitely 

 delayed on account of conditions incident to the war, and the foregoing 

 brief summary has been prepared to meet this need. 



There are a number of areas not falling into the two classes here set 

 forth, such as Fort Atkinson, a purely historical area; proposed McGregor 

 National Park of too great an extent for a state project, and certain lake 

 bed areas too expensive for acquisition from present funds. 



All these areas and others of like character are in contemplation by the 

 board for acquisition through special appropriations or co-operation with 

 other persons or the general government. 



DEDICATION OF PARK AREAS. 



The Board of Conservation contemplates a series of programs dedicat- 

 ing the areas that have been or may be acquired, the coming summer. 

 Addresses of eminent men in and out of Iowa at the respective areas may 

 be expected to compose the complete account of historic, scientific, scenic 

 and recreational interests they respectively possess as public state parks. 

 There will be revealed the detailed account of the amount of lands re- 

 ceived and monies paid to individuals, the amount of lands donated and 

 all conditions going therewith and the amounts of money donated by 

 local persons and organizations toward assisting the state in acquiring 

 the lands. The series of dedications may be expected to produce and 

 make generally known the rule and practice for the use of the areas. 

 They will lay down the state policy for the further acquisition and ad- 

 ministration of public state parks. 



The Board of Conservation has been constantly surprised and inspired 

 by the apparent universal and helpful interest of the substantial citizens 

 of each community in which it has made effort to carry forward the 

 policy of establishing public state parks. Names of these men and women 

 are in our files and will remain forever in our archives to their credit. 

 They are omitted here merely on considerations of economy of time and 

 money. 



EDGAR R. HARLAN, Secretary. 

 Des Moines, Iowa, April 1, 1920. 



