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Targeted Development Review and Environmental Assessment
Effigy Mounds National Monument » Targeted Development Review and Environmental Assessment » Document List
This planning effort will be aimed at deciding the fate of certain infrastructure constructed within Effigy Mounds National Monument between 1999 and 2009. The Targeted Development Review and Environmental Assessment (TDR/EA) will focus on two boardwalks, three bridges, the foundation of a modern hoop structure, and railings at the Fire Point Overlook. All of this infrastructure was constructed between 1999 and 2009 without proper compliance with the requirements of Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, and the National Environmental Policy Act.
One of the two boardwalks to be addressed by the planning effort stretches between the bridge adjacent to the Visitor Center and Three Mounds. The other is the Yellow River boardwalk, which extends for roughly a half-mile from the Visitor Center area through the wetlands on both sides of the Yellow River.
The bridges the TDR/EA will consider include the pedestrian bridge spanning the Yellow River along the Yellow River boardwalk, and two pedestrian bridges towards the northern end of the Hanging Rock trail.
A modern hoop structure was constructed in the park's North Unit in 2007 to store mowing equipment. While it is currently dismantled, the foundation remains. The TDR/EA will determine whether this structure remains, or if removed, to what degree we will rehabilitate the area.
Finally, ironwood railings were installed at the Fire Point Overlook in 2004. Prior to this installation, no railings had been in place at this location in its 50+ year history. The ironwood railings altered the scenic view from the overlook and cannot be reliably strength-tested, making them vulnerable to breaking unpredictably when visitors lean, stand, or sit on them. The plan will guide the decision on whether to remove the railings entirely - restoring the pre-2004 appearance to the overlook - or replace them with something more substantial and reliable.
563-873-3491, x101
One of the two boardwalks to be addressed by the planning effort stretches between the bridge adjacent to the Visitor Center and Three Mounds. The other is the Yellow River boardwalk, which extends for roughly a half-mile from the Visitor Center area through the wetlands on both sides of the Yellow River.
The bridges the TDR/EA will consider include the pedestrian bridge spanning the Yellow River along the Yellow River boardwalk, and two pedestrian bridges towards the northern end of the Hanging Rock trail.
A modern hoop structure was constructed in the park's North Unit in 2007 to store mowing equipment. While it is currently dismantled, the foundation remains. The TDR/EA will determine whether this structure remains, or if removed, to what degree we will rehabilitate the area.
Finally, ironwood railings were installed at the Fire Point Overlook in 2004. Prior to this installation, no railings had been in place at this location in its 50+ year history. The ironwood railings altered the scenic view from the overlook and cannot be reliably strength-tested, making them vulnerable to breaking unpredictably when visitors lean, stand, or sit on them. The plan will guide the decision on whether to remove the railings entirely - restoring the pre-2004 appearance to the overlook - or replace them with something more substantial and reliable.
Contact Information
Jim Nepstad563-873-3491, x101