A committee formed to review the University of Iowa’s use of the Macbride Nature Recreation Area (MNRA) is on track to complete its review and submit its report to President Barbara Wilson by May 1.

The 10-member committee, which has been meeting since September 2024, organized three subcommittees to focus on specific areas:

• Finance and history
• Academics
• External groups

The committee also has been collecting various data, including:

• Usage reports from internal and external groups, including university and K-12 classes, researchers, student groups, and organizations.
• Conducting a site visit.
• Estimating future maintenance and operations costs.
• Statements from a variety of campus stakeholders.

In June 2024, the university announced the review as part of a standard process for regularly evaluating programming and centers. The goal of such reviews is to ensure fiscal sustainability and consistency with the university’s mission of excellent education and research opportunities for a broad array of students.

The recreation spot, located north of Iowa City near Lake Macbride State Park, is owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The corps doesn’t charge the university rent, but the university is responsible for maintaining all landscape, structures, and roads on the 485-acre natural area. The university has leased the MNRA from the Corps of Engineers since the early 1960s, with the current agreement extending through July 1, 2029.

MNRA hosts UI WILD programs, including the Iowa Raptor Project, Iowa Wildlife Camps, and School of the Wild, as well as numerous Lifetime Leisure Skills program classes.

Campus members can submit input regarding the MNRA review by March 14 at this email address: MNRA-feedback@uiowa.edu.