Congress moves to protect Loess Hills

A Western Iowa landmark and land formation is subject of Congressional action today. Iowa Senator Tom Harkin is introducing a bill that asks the National Park Service to study the Loess Hills — the first step toward possible national protection for what he calls an Iowa treasure.Senator Chuck Grassley, who Harkin says will be working with him in supporting the legislation, says such studies could cost between 125- and275-thousand dollars. Harkin says the Loess Hills deserve some sort of recognition and protection. In Des Moines, the Iowa House has also takenaction on the Hills, asking seven counties to take a comprehensive look at how to protect the region. They are: Plymouth, Woodbury, Monona, Harrison,Pottawattamie, Mills and Fremont.