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Harrison County Conservation Board seeks city lot for Roberts Prairie/Missouri Valley Overlook trailhead
Summary
The county conservation board asked Missouri Valley’s council to allow use or donation of a small city-owned lot on North 1st Street as parking and trailhead access for a newly acquired 10-acre parcel (Roberts Prairie/Missouri Valley Overlook). The county and a private donor would cover transaction costs; supervisors must still approve.
Pat POTUS, director of the Harrison County Conservation Board, asked the Missouri Valley City Council on March 3 to let the county use a small city lot on North 1st Street as a gravel parking lot and trailhead for a 10-acre parcel the conservation board received as a donation.
"For those of you that don't know me, I'm Pat POTUS. I'm the director for the Harrison County Conservation Board," Pat said, describing the parcel (Roberts Prairie) and how it ties into the Missouri Valley ridgeline and Loess Hills. He said the county board approved the transfer contingent on city support and that a private donor would cover survey and transaction costs, while the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation would help facilitate the conveyance.
Council members raised questions about access, an existing wellhead on the proposed parking site, and possible future utility relocation along North 1st Street. One council member suggested allowing the conservation board to build and use a parking lot while the city retained title; Pat said the county would be flexible and could modify a gravel footprint if utilities needed to be pushed later.
Pat told the council the county’s intent is low-impact public use — "We’re not gonna develop it — we're gonna have low impact, just hiking trails," he said — and emphasized restoration, wildfire risk reduction and potential educational partnerships with local schools.
Council members signaled support to continue researching the transfer and asked staff to review easement and survey options before returning with a formal recommendation. Pat said he would present the plan to the county supervisors next; if they approve, he anticipated beginning the transfer process and limited work this summer.
The council did not adopt a formal ordinance or conveyance at the meeting; members agreed to review contingency language, confirm access and grant/easement implications, and return the item for a future vote.
