Supervisors approve conservation purchase for 35-acre Assam Sedge Prairie

The Story County Board of Supervisors voted Aug. 4 to approve Resolution 27-02, authorizing the county to acquire roughly 35 acres in Lafayette Township known as Assam Sedge Prairie for conservation.

County staff described the property as a high-value remnant sedge meadow that ranked second in the county's sensitive areas inventory and noted the landowner supported protection and public access. County staff told the board the purchase would be made at fair market value, paid on an installment schedule using a donation, and coordinated through the Outdoor Alliance of Story County. "It's very high on the ecological value when we do the sensitive areas inventory," a county presenter said, emphasizing the area's diversity and the landowner's interest in conservation. The chair opened the public hearing, recorded no public comments, and the board moved and approved the resolution.

Board members indicated the site could be opened to the public after paperwork and a small parking lot are installed; staff estimated public access could be available later this fall. The board's approval directs staff to complete acquisition steps and coordinate implementation through the county's conservation staff.