Sisters Sign Conservation Easement to Protect 68 Acres

EasementSigningWEB

On Friday, May 17, the Dubuque Franciscans signed the establishment of a conservation easement of 68 acres of their property with the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation (INHF).

Under the agreement between the Dubuque Franciscans and the INHF, the Sisters will continue to own the 55 acres of prairie and 13 acres of woods of the north portion of their property (bordering on Roosevelt Rd.).

The easement designation, which was signed during a prayer service, limits future development for residential, commercial or industrial purposes, even if the property were to change hands.

“Since 1879 we have shared a unique relationship with this parcel of land on the north end of Dubuque,” said Sister Kate Katoski, president of the Sisters of St. Francis. “We were called to cherish and care for the gift of land entrusted to us, and as part of our legacy, we are now called to leave it for future generations.”

Caption: Sisters Kate Katoski (left) and Marie Cigrand (center) sign the conservation easement, while Erin Van Waus of INHF looks on.