tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65012862011-07-14T17:38:33.848-07:00It used to be Iowa Child. Then it was the Environmental Project. Now it's called EarthPark. We now call it EARTHPORK.Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11814146760319823860noreply@blogger.comBlogger1391100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501286.post-69955620073227592322007-06-29T18:30:00.000-07:002007-06-29T18:55:06.775-07:00

While visiting Arizona last week, I took advantage of the opportunity to tour a forerunner of the PorkForest EarthPork known as Biosphere II, or more commonly, the Biosphere. The Biosphere is a $150 million project built in the late 1980’s to gather information that will be necessary if humans ever decide to build self-sufficient colonies on the Moon or Mars. The cost of the project is not

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03014548382303015678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501286.post-1165415139791155372006-12-06T06:25:00.000-08:002006-12-06T06:25:45.610-08:00

Yes, I know that Iowa Child changed their name to Earthpork.org or whatever it is these days, but I had to highlight that David Oman and his band of con artists is letting the IowaChild.org domain expire after having it since 1997. That's a stupid thing to do. Only spammers or pornographers will grab that domain on the aftermarket. Might as well spend the $10 a year and keep it redirecting

State 29noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501286.post-1155048225491112932006-08-08T07:43:00.000-07:002006-08-08T07:43:45.506-07:00

Nicholas Johnson is full of obvious and important questions concerning the proposed Rainforest and the impact it might have on residents of Riverside, IA (pop. 961):This representation by Oman can most charitabily be characterized as "misleading."(a) He, and the casino, have represented -- without involving the City -- that a hotel/motel tax will be enacted, the money from which will go to the

State 29noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501286.post-1154752431683159962006-08-04T21:11:00.000-07:002006-08-04T21:33:51.786-07:00

From the Washington Evening Journal:Proponents of the $155 million Earthpark Thursday painted a rainbow of opportunity, complete with a proverbial pot of gold, in a move to get city support for the rain forest/science learning center.After more than two hours of visual presentation, discussion and public comment, the mayor and council asked Earthpark to put it in writing."We will get a packet of

State 29noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501286.post-1154699119248113352006-08-04T06:42:00.000-07:002006-08-04T06:45:19.270-07:00

From the Cedar Rapids Gazette by Gregg Hennigan:Though Riverside is one of two finalists trying to land the proposed $155 million Earthpark indoor rain forest, people here still have many questions about the project.Those concerns were aired last night during a City Council meeting attended by about 35 residents that included a presentation by Earthpark officials. The meeting, which began with a

State 29noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501286.post-1153946779523101522006-07-26T13:46:00.000-07:002006-07-26T13:46:19.543-07:00

David Oman's typically evasive defense of how Iowa Child, The Environmental Project, EarthPork, EarthPark is going to be financed is on full display in Kay Henderson's Radio Iowa blog.Required reading for all of you following the Pork Forest project.

State 29noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501286.post-1153854790425576582006-07-25T12:10:00.000-07:002006-07-25T12:14:30.710-07:00

From the Des Moines Register:Organizers of Earthpark, the proposed environmental learning center, announced today that two communities have emerged as finalists for the $150 million project.Development organizations in Riverside and Pella submitted financial packages to Earthpark directors that met or exceeded the $25 million in local funding stipulated last spring by the Earth Park board of

State 29noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501286.post-1152210965431619262006-07-06T11:14:00.000-07:002006-07-06T11:36:09.666-07:00

From the Des Moines Register:The city of Grinnell withdrew from the list after it failed to raise the required $25 million match needed to contend for the proposed four-acre indoor rain forest...The three cities left on the list of proposed sites are Pella, Tiffin and Riverside. Pella and Riverside have already secured the necessary $25 million, but as of the beginning of June, Tiffin had

State 29noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501286.post-1150318135064914572006-06-14T13:42:00.000-07:002006-06-14T13:48:55.076-07:00

From the Iowa City Press-Citizen:With two of four finalist communities having secured the necessary $25 million funding to land the mammoth project most commonly known for its indoor rain forest, some are calling for the list to be trimmed......The Riverside group recently disclosed their land offer and the sourcing for their $25 million, while the Pella/Lake Red Rock group has remained silent."

State 29noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501286.post-1147971515203586112006-05-18T09:58:00.000-07:002006-05-18T09:58:35.223-07:00

First, donate $3000 to Chuck Grassley. He'll then turn around and get $50 million from everybody, including our great-great-great grandchildren.Second, try to get more public money.Third, spend 10 years snowing and stringing along various communities on your idea. Make sure the big newspaper in the state is in your back pocket and refuses to print anything other than your press releases and the

State 29noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501286.post-1147920008253334112006-05-17T19:19:00.000-07:002006-05-17T19:40:08.266-07:00

2008: River City, Buxton, Lithograph City, or Sevastopol.

State 29noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501286.post-1147895201726022062006-05-17T12:45:00.000-07:002006-05-17T12:46:41.743-07:00

EarthPork.Heh.

State 29noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501286.post-1147892745309026652006-05-17T12:05:00.000-07:002006-05-17T12:05:45.326-07:00

You've met someone who seems really cool, creative, and fun. This person is unemployed at the moment, but really looking hard - meeting with people, getting the word out. They have some unique ideas that seem promising. So you think about hiring them, and you start to check out their resume and references. In doing so, you find a few problems. First off, their desired salary is way out of

Menoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501286.post-1147888306562026822006-05-17T10:51:00.000-07:002006-05-17T10:51:46.580-07:00

It used to be Iowa Child. Then it was called The Environmental Project.Now it's EarthPark.From Radio Iowa:Bill Menner, Executive Director of Poweshiek Iowa Development, says they've announced a partnership with Siemens to be the "technology provider" for the rainforest, and have rolled out a name for the project -- "EarthPark."Menner says Siemens has been in the forefront of the technology

State 29noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501286.post-1147870923588044622006-05-17T06:01:00.000-07:002006-05-17T06:02:03.600-07:00

The Des Moines Register is reporting that the Rainforest Con Artists are going to hold a news conference this morning to announce some new bullshit that the media will eat up.Do you think they're going to announce that they're taking over the Des Moines Botanical Center? You know, the one that has lost $2 million in taxpayer dollars over the past three years.Not likely.Maybe Tom Vilsack is going

State 29noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501286.post-1147368713425751022006-05-11T10:27:00.000-07:002006-05-11T10:31:53.436-07:00

While it is not an entirely analogous facility, I'd be violating my oath as a Pork Forest Basher if I failed to mention that the Botanical Center in Des Moines is losing money hand over fist.Yeah, yeah, I know that the Pork Forest is all about research and being "for the children," but at it's core it's a very large enclosed garden. Such facilities tend to be giant taxpayer sinkholes...as

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03014548382303015678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501286.post-1139181779297057652006-02-05T15:22:00.000-08:002006-02-05T15:32:41.326-08:00

How to Make the Iowa Rainforest a SuccessAt the Blogger Bash last evening, we came up with some nifty ideas to make the Boondogle Porkforest Rainforest a mega-hit.First and foremost to make the Rainforest a success - let's not limit the venue with the idea that it's mainly for kids. Yeah kids are great and all, but adults need fun and educational opportunities too!Our first idea was to allow

Roycenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501286.post-1134067654282485652005-12-08T10:46:00.000-08:002005-12-08T10:47:34.293-08:00

From the Des Moines Register:Backers of a massive rain forest-and-aquarium project in Iowa on Thursday told Coralville officials they will open negotiations with other Iowa towns.Coralville officials almost immediately countered that they have no intention of getting into a bidding war for the project and will look for other uses for the proposed site along Interstate Highway 80 in case

State 29noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501286.post-1133548973589786012005-12-02T10:41:00.000-08:002005-12-02T10:42:53.600-08:00

By Jackie Kaeding, an op-ed in the Iowa City Press-Citizen:Imaginative, exciting, different. These are all lofty adjectives I've heard describing the Environmental Project's proposed rain forest, one of the state's latest ideas for development. In my opinion, project leaders and supporters have their heads stuck in the clouds.The idea, originally thrown on the table back in 1996, somehow found

State 29noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501286.post-1133454191647255152005-12-01T08:20:00.000-08:002005-12-01T08:23:11.656-08:00

Via a reader and from the Dubuque Telegraph-Herald (requires subscription):Rainforest in Dubuque?If the environmental project falls through in Coralville, local officials might consider putting it near the riverfrontby ROB KUNDERTCoralville, Iowa, officials hope to meet soon to finalize details with developers of a controversial multi-million-dollar rainforest project that Dubuque officials

State 29noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501286.post-1133453304806726562005-12-01T08:06:00.000-08:002005-12-01T08:08:24.820-08:00

From the Iowa City Press-Citizen:Don't let the proverbial door hit you on the way out.That ought to be the message from the city of Coralville to organizers of the proposed $180 million rain forest project.While this editorial board has tried to open-mindedly seek information about the rain forest project, the latest from the organizers of the project is too much ("Rain forest wants show of

State 29noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501286.post-1133012347325049672005-11-26T05:34:00.000-08:002005-11-26T05:39:07.340-08:00

From the Cedar Rapids Gazette on Friday, by reporter Zach Kucharski:The Environmental Project leaders have worked actively with Dubuque city officials since at least September on a possible partnership there for the artificial rain forest planned for Coralville, documents show.That was two months before leaders of the proposed $180 million indoor rain forest gave Coralville until next Friday to

State 29noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501286.post-1132948008682188322005-11-25T11:45:00.000-08:002005-11-25T11:46:48.696-08:00

From the Des Moines Register, a ridiculously one-sided and day-late story by Jennifer Jacobs:The message from rain forest promoters to Coralville city officials: show us the money and show us the land, or we might explore locating the $180 million project elsewhere.Days after a U.S. senator turned up the pressure on the slow-progressing rain forest, former Gov. Robert Ray, the chairman of the

State 29noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501286.post-1132848525274438662005-11-24T08:07:00.000-08:002005-11-24T08:08:45.286-08:00

From the Iowa City Press-Citizen:By Adam PrachtLeaders of a planned $180 million rain forest project want to know that city officials are behind them or they will look at other options.A Friday letter from the chairman of the project's board of directors, former governor Bob Ray, to Coralville Mayor Jim Fausett said project leaders want assurances in writing that city staff and council members

State 29noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501286.post-1132845846369225872005-11-24T07:22:00.000-08:002005-11-24T07:24:06.380-08:00

From the Waterloo Courier, via the AP:Coralville has been given a Dec. 2 deadline to provide more land for a proposed indoor rainforest or risk losing the project to another city.Organizers of The Environmental Project sent a letter this month to Coralville leaders outlining their demands, including increasing the city's 22-acre site offer by at least three to eight acres.Project leaders also

State 29noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501286.post-1131895305572353812005-11-13T21:15:00.000-08:002005-11-13T21:42:30.610-08:00

A reliable reader from Marion emails to say that the Cedar Rapids Gazette has a lead editorial today about the Rainforest project that says Senator Chuck Grassley is writing a bill which will not only give David Oman and the other con-artists two years to come up with matching funds for the $50 million $47.1 million left, but Grassley's also changing the focus of the project from just the

State 29noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501286.post-1131895228851908642005-11-11T19:23:00.000-08:002005-11-13T07:20:28.853-08:00

From WHO-TV, via the Associated Press:Iowa Organizers of an indoor rain forest project say they'll give one more shot at working a land deal in Coralville.If that fails, they'll find another place to build their forest.Board members of The Environmental Project decided today to continue talks to get 22 acres along Interstate 80.But hours after that decision, city officials in Dubuque said they've

State 29noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501286.post-1131895165469250572005-11-11T18:44:00.000-08:002005-11-13T07:19:25.483-08:00

A reader pointed us to this piece in the Cedar Rapids Gazette's free section:Rain forest path a slippery slope?Published: 11/11/2005 5:13 PMBy: Zack Kucharski - The GazetteCORALVILLE, IA - Some City Council members here say additional negotiations with the group planning to build the $180 million indoor rain forest is a set-up by the project to force negotiations into an impasse and allow the

State 29noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501286.post-1131716751025273322005-11-11T05:45:00.000-08:002005-11-11T05:45:51.040-08:00

From the Iowa City Press-Citizen:Following the direction of the rain forest project's board of directors Thursday, project leaders will continue to work with Coralville officials on the details of a contract to transfer more than 20 acres of city-owned land.David Oman, executive director of the project, said the board of the $180 million Environmental Project voted 14-1 during its meeting in

State 29noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501286.post-1131674120174481212005-11-10T17:49:00.000-08:002005-11-10T17:55:20.186-08:00

From KWWL:The rain forest project is expected to cost $180 million. If the land donation from Coralville goes through and if the federal grant stays, that's worth $100 million.Project organizers say they will work with the city to get $20 million from Vision Iowa. Oman says they also need $20 million from local donors. And $20 million from corporations.Oman says a loan against the land would pay

State 29noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501286.post-1131572860810652262005-11-09T13:43:00.000-08:002005-11-09T13:48:16.293-08:00

From the Des Moines Register:Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley, who helped secure $50 million in federal money for a rainforest dome in Iowa, has persuaded the Senate to require rainforest backers to raise private money for the rest of the project within two years or lose the federal money.Grassley said his initiative is aimed at generating additional resources for the Iowa Environmental Project, which is

State 29noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501286.post-1131544948899822872005-11-09T06:00:00.000-08:002005-11-09T06:02:28.913-08:00

From the Iowa City Press Citizen:Rain forest ideas on displayDesigners attend environmental conferenceBy Adam PrachtIowa City Press-CitizenCORALVILLE -- Architects and consultants with an enclosed rain forest project are attending a conference on environmentally conscious architecture starting today with plans to promote the project and to bring back ideas for it.The $180 million Environmental

State 29noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501286.post-1131118277002003112005-11-04T07:26:00.000-08:002005-11-04T07:31:17.016-08:00

From DM Cityview Online in the Civic Skinny column this week (no point linking since their pages change from week-to-week): As it's been reported, the Coralville City Council and city officials are so disenchanted with the rain forest project that they're getting ready to pull out altogether. As a preemptive move, the rain forest organizers think they can move the project closer to Des Moines (

State 29noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501286.post-1130598480532246812005-10-29T08:05:00.000-07:002005-10-29T08:08:00.543-07:00

Adam Weeks of North Liberty, writing to the Press-Citizen:It troubles me to witness such narrow mindedness by the very reporters we turn to for news each day. For years now, the Iowa Environmental Project, though it has had other names, has been simply called a rain forest in Iowa.Well, in my opinion, if one wishes to garner any sort of support, this oxymoron should be put to rest. However, it is

State 29noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501286.post-1130245000957589582005-10-25T05:55:00.000-07:002005-10-25T05:56:40.966-07:00

From the Iowa City Press-Citizen:More than a month has passed since city officials and leaders of a planned $180 million enclosed rain forest began discussing how to hand over 22 acres of city-owned land to the project, but it's still unclear when a final agreement could arrive.The Environmental Project is planned to anchor the Iowa River Landing southeast of Interstate 80 and First Avenue and

State 29noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501286.post-1130089822444918872005-10-23T10:46:00.000-07:002005-10-23T10:50:22.476-07:00

From DM Cityview, Civic Skinny column, October 20, 2005 edition:And lastly, even though there have been rumblings about possibly relocating the all-but-dried-up rain forest idea from Coralville to Des Moines, if anyone involved would bother to look at the federal pork legislation regarding the project, they would notice it calls for the behemoth to be built only in Johnson County. Why would that

State 29noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501286.post-1130083047466901312005-10-23T08:55:00.000-07:002005-10-23T09:16:43.290-07:00

From Governor Yepsen's column today:Vilsack needs to be consistent to win the presidency. So, he should:• Give back some of Iowa's pork. Offer to give back to the federal government the $50 million Iowa got to build a rainforest in Coralville. No one else seems to be putting any money into the $150 million-plus project. It's become a source of naysaying and ridicule around the country. There's

State 29noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501286.post-1129726777133246822005-10-19T05:57:00.000-07:002005-10-19T05:59:37.140-07:00

University of Iowa professor Colin Gordon has an excellent op-ed in the Des Moines Register today that skewers fauxscal conservative Chuck Grassley:The kind of numbers thrown around in the federal budget — $50 million here, $20 billion there — can be a little surreal for those of us who are not economists or members of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.But occasionally the

State 29noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501286.post-1129081496364439252005-10-11T18:44:00.000-07:002005-10-11T18:50:44.320-07:00

From reporter Angie Meng at the Daily Iowan:The deadline for the Iowa Environmental/Education Project to provide Coralville with answers about the proposed $180 million rain forest passed nearly a month ago - and some city councilors are beginning to seriously question the project.Several weeks before the Sept. 20 deadline, some councilors said if they didn't see significant improvements, they

State 29noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501286.post-1128054637545313362005-09-29T21:20:00.000-07:002005-09-29T21:30:37.550-07:00

No one can put together a persuasive argument like Iowa ex-pat Dave Burge, aka Iowahawk. Today, he has come up with a compelling series of reasons to support the Porkforest, including, for example, this one:Once completed, the Rainforest is expected to draw millions of yearly visitors from as far as Newton and Muscatine. These visitors will stay at local hotels and eat at local restaurants,

Donhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03014548382303015678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501286.post-1127662412727912132005-09-25T07:33:00.000-07:002005-09-25T08:33:57.286-07:00

Embedded within DMR Editorial Page editor Carol Hunter's column this morning about how perfect the People's Republic Of Portland is this:When I look at Iowa's recent political landscape, I see mostly solid, earnest types who try to do right by their constituents but would hardly capture the imagination of the nation's youth. Maybe that's why I'm pulling for the implausible Coralville rainforest

State 29noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501286.post-1127571963369843592005-09-24T07:18:00.000-07:002005-09-24T07:26:03.376-07:00

In today's Iowa City Press-Citizen:On Friday, the Press-Citizen reported that Sen. Charles Grassley was still supporting a $50 million federal grant for the proposed Coralville rain forest project, even as he called for an across-the-board federal spending freeze to fund Hurricane Katrina relief. In a news conference Wednesday, Grassley said he expected most of the cost cutting to fund the $200

State 29noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501286.post-1127480800605003722005-09-23T06:02:00.000-07:002005-09-23T07:36:35.556-07:00

So..... Senator Chuck Grassley thought it was "unseemly" to talk about eliminating the Death Tax recently. He also wants either a tax increase or a spending freeze "spread out over seven years" to pay for Katrina rebuilding.But $50 million in Pure Pork for a Rainforest in Iowa is OK. This is the same Rainforest who hasn't been able to raise a dime of private money over the past six years,

State 29noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501286.post-1127392447342528612005-09-22T05:32:00.000-07:002005-09-22T05:35:54.980-07:00

From the Iowa City Press-Citizen:Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, said Wednesday that an across-the-board freeze of federal spending could help to pay for Hurricane Katrina relief, but the executive director of a planned rain forest project said its federal funds were unlikely to disappear."It would require a pretty dramatic reversal," said David Oman, executive director of The Environmental

State 29noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501286.post-1127279407131156772005-09-20T22:01:00.000-07:002005-09-21T11:11:31.636-07:00

Random had a great post concerning Coralville's inability to enforce their own "deadline" with the PorkForest Board.Now it's time to put the pressure on the Coralville City Council members who refuse to hold the PorkForest Board to any deadline and who continue to allow this unfunded, partially deficit/taxpayer-financed boondoggle to fester while prime real estate goes undeveloped:Jim Fausett,

State 29noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501286.post-1127220341630994032005-09-20T05:43:00.000-07:002005-09-21T11:11:48.076-07:00

That David Oman sure is arrogant.From the Iowa City Press-Citizen:There's still no word on whether the group behind the proposed $180 million rain forest project in Coralville will accept the terms of a draft land transfer agreement from the City Council, but some officials say there has been progress.It's been four weeks since the City Council issued a term sheet outlining the conditions under

State 29noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501286.post-1127134084588774532005-09-19T05:46:00.000-07:002005-09-21T11:12:02.333-07:00

From the QC Times:CORALVILLE, Iowa (AP) — City officials are continuing their negotiations for the transfer of 22-acres of land for the construction of an indoor rainforest.Officials say progress has been made and talks will continue despite the approaching deadline imposed by members of the City Council.“There have been three meetings and multiple conversations since we got to closure on the

State 29noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501286.post-1127086168307477802005-09-18T16:23:00.000-07:002005-09-19T06:15:13.200-07:00

Welcome Instalanchers! Want some background on the $180 million PorkForest project in Coralville, Iowa?Start reading the Show Me The Money post from April 2005. Or click on any month's archive.Related: The Environmental Project official web siteTechnorati: porkbusters

State 29noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501286.post-1127049879061012602005-09-18T06:24:00.000-07:002005-09-19T06:15:40.873-07:00

Dear Jennifer,Don't you think it's a bit unseemly to have your husband want to build that PorkForest with the $50 million in deficit-financed National Debt that Senator Charles Grassley procured for him last year, especially in light of all the money that will be needed to rebuild after Hurricane Katrina?By the way, where is your husband? We haven't seen him for months. News organizations can

State 29noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501286.post-1125664558613403162005-09-02T05:34:00.000-07:002005-09-02T05:35:58.620-07:00

From the Daily Iowan:As far as ridicule goes, an indoor rain forest in eastern Iowa has proven an inviting target, drawing denunciations and jibes from a variety of sources (this page included), including its hosts in the city of Coralville. City councilors may yet opt to stick with the Iowa Environmental Project - a plan to build a 4.5-acre indoor tropical rain forest, 1 million-gallon aquarium

State 29noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501286.post-1125586887848897062005-09-01T07:40:00.000-07:002005-09-01T08:18:00.136-07:00

From today's Iowa City Press-Citizen:CORALVILLE -- A proposed $180 million rain forest project is in danger of extinction in Coralville.The project has been controversial, with leaders saying it will bring 500 construction and 200 permanent jobs, attract 1.1 million to 1.5 million visitors annually and add $187 million to the state every year. But critics have said project leadership has been

Menoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501286.post-1125579242133865752005-09-01T05:50:00.000-07:002005-09-01T06:22:31.533-07:00

From this morning's Iowa City Press-Citizen:A proposed $180 million rain forest project is in danger of extinction in Coralville.Leaders of The Environmental Project announced Wednesday the hiring of London-based Grimshaw Architects, which was not the city's expressed preference, to design the enclosed 4.5-acre rain forest planned for about 20 acres southeast of Interstate 80 and First Avenue.The

State 29noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501286.post-1125540034840070712005-08-31T18:57:00.000-07:002005-08-31T20:18:04.440-07:00

A reader points us to this nugget in the Cedar Rapids Gazette:City Council member John Lundell said today he will no longer support a proposed simulated rain forest unless there is a complete change in project leadership.Lundell's decision means the majority of the city's five-member council are opposed to the project."I've now lost complete confidence in the Environmental Project's ability to

State 29noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501286.post-1125509695543491412005-08-31T10:34:00.000-07:002005-08-31T10:35:39.103-07:00

From the DMR:Backers of the Coralville rainforest project have hired the architects who designed a similar, successful project in England.The Environmental Project, the Iowa organization, has hired Grimshaw Architects, which has offices in London, New York and Melbourne.The firm designed The Eden Project in Cornwall, England.“We believe Grimshaw will bring an understanding of environmental

State 29noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501286.post-1125177829753642152005-08-27T14:22:00.000-07:002005-08-27T14:26:14.213-07:00

The Press-Citizen has an op-ed today concerning The Environmental Project.

State 29noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501286.post-1125006943501665102005-08-25T16:12:00.000-07:002005-08-25T18:48:37.556-07:00

Don't lose faith in rain forestI was disappointed to read that two Coralville Council members have said they were losing faith in the Iowa Environmental project, think it is not going to be possible to build and we should move on to other things ("Rain forest losing its magic," Aug. 23). It has caused so much discussion, so much dissension and taken so much time to try to make it work. Surely, we

Menoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501286.post-1124973645279420162005-08-25T05:38:00.000-07:002005-08-25T05:41:03.650-07:00

Coralville has set a deadline.

State 29noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501286.post-1124946656900648822005-08-24T21:37:00.000-07:002005-08-24T22:11:54.266-07:00

From KCCI TV:Coralville's city leaders are also considering whether to scrap the proposed $180 million Iowa Environmental Project plan all together."Well, I thought it was a dream that we both shared, but right now, it's gone to that point where we as a city have to move on," said Tom Gill, a council member.City council members like Gill are frustrated because they want to move forward."No ground

State 29noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501286.post-1124888170832698072005-08-24T05:53:00.000-07:002005-08-24T05:56:10.840-07:00

From the Des Moines Register:Some Coralville city leaders are casting doubt on the future of the proposed Iowa Environmental Project, a $180 million indoor rain forest and education center off of Interstate Highway 80.A lack of concrete details or evidence that private money has been raised is leading some City Council members to say they want Coralville to consider alternatives for the valuable

State 29noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501286.post-1124801698836949892005-08-23T05:49:00.000-07:002005-08-23T05:54:58.843-07:00

From the Press-Citizen:The natives are getting restless in Coralville -- two of five city councilors say they're ready to give up on the Iowa Environmental Project's proposed $180 million indoor rain forest project.Councilors Jean Newlin Schnake and Tom Gill are concerned that the city has invested too much time and energy without getting much in return."It's like we keep following the carrot out

State 29noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501286.post-1124820439542790032005-08-22T22:31:00.000-07:002005-08-23T11:07:19.546-07:00

The Press-Citizen has this article on the new requirements facing the proposed fake rainforest in Coralville. An interesting excerpt:Herwig likened the project to the St. Louis Arch, saying projects of that scope are hard to pull off.It's an interesting comparison, given the Arch apparently attracts 4.1 million visitors per year. However: 1) the cost of building the arch was only 13 million

Menoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501286.post-1124542105201129882005-08-20T05:43:00.000-07:002005-08-20T05:48:25.210-07:00

From the Iowa City Press-Citizen:The architects who designed the $180 million indoor rain forest facility from top to bottom have been dropped from the project.David Oman, executive director of the Iowa Environmental Project, said the board terminated its contract with Chermayeff, Sollogub and Poole of Boston in June after Peter Sollogub left the company to return to his previous firm."That

State 29noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501286.post-1123765100968263952005-08-11T05:57:00.000-07:002005-08-11T08:17:24.656-07:00

From the Des Moines Register:Philippe Cousteau, grandson of the late oceanographer Jacques-Yves Cousteau, has been elected to the board of the Coralville rainforest project in Iowa.The Environmental Project board announced the election this week. Cousteau, 25, spent part of this week in Des Moines meeting with rainforest project founder Ted Townsend and other staffers.In an interview Wednesday

State 29noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501286.post-1123677774620509232005-08-10T05:36:00.000-07:002005-08-10T05:44:43.580-07:00

The latest from the Press-Citizen:CORALVILLE -- City councilors got their first look Tuesday night at a first draft of an agreement to put tight stipulations on transferring city land to the planners of a $180 million enclosed rain forest.The Environmental Project is planned for 22 acres southeast of Interstate 80 and First Avenue and would include a 4.5-acre rain forest, a 1-million gallon

State 29noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501286.post-1120787984976247962005-07-07T18:51:00.000-07:002005-07-07T18:59:44.983-07:00

From the Iowa City Press-Citizen:A $180 million, 4.5-acre enclosed rain forest project now has important benchmarks, including a guaranteed completion date, after a $5.5 million agreement with a development manager.If The Environmental Project meets its fund-raising goals by Oct. 31, 2006, project vice-president Nancy Quellhorst said KUD International would guarantee a May 1, 2009, completion.The

State 29noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501286.post-1119531390803035772005-06-23T05:54:00.000-07:002005-06-23T08:37:04.256-07:00

From the Press-Citizen this morning:The leaders of a planned $180 million enclosed rain forest are on the verge of signing a contract with a company to oversee the construction of the project.According to Nancy Quellhorst, vice president of The Environmental Project, a team of consultants from KUD International would be coordinating diverse aspects of the construction of the 4.5-acre,

State 29noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501286.post-1119194104260834722005-06-19T07:14:00.000-07:002005-06-19T11:16:51.596-07:00

Not rainforests, but this:

State 29noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501286.post-1117982814634260172005-06-05T07:36:00.000-07:002005-06-05T07:46:54.643-07:00

From the Mpls Star-Tribune (registration required):CORALVILLE, IOWA -- Once the wild monkeys get here, and the tropical trees and plants, Nancy Quellhorst figures all the doubts and snickers she hears now will stop."I get questions every day," she said. "People don't know what to expect."That's because she is trying to create a rainforest.On the Iowa prairie.It's no joke. In the next few years,

State 29noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501286.post-1117982130525741782005-06-05T07:35:00.000-07:002005-06-05T07:35:30.530-07:00

From the Des Moines Register's letters section today:Last year the Register supported the proposed Coralville rain forest because "Iowa needs more big thinking" ("Listen to Younger Iowans," March 12, 2004). This year it was because "it's not as crazy-sounding as it once was" ("Fund the Unexpected," April 25, 2005). Really?We benefit from "big thinking." No dream is "crazy." But both require

State 29noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501286.post-1117716119766052682005-06-02T05:39:00.000-07:002005-06-02T06:07:32.453-07:00

From the Iowa City Press-Citizen's Letters to the Editor section:Some Johnson County residents are angry a rain forest is being built. Some people in Iowa City are angry a new homeless shelter is being built. Some residents in Washington County are angry a casino is being built.There are to many angry people in this area. To curb this anger I propose we build The Avenue of the Saints Iowa's Child

State 29noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501286.post-1114876493123379872005-04-30T08:27:00.000-07:002005-09-19T06:16:55.083-07:00

Finally! An Iowa newspaper is calling for the con artists organizers of the Iowa Child rainforest project in Coralville to come up with some private contributions:After landing a $50 million federal gift early last year, officials of Coralville's proposed Environmental Project have been busy seeking money from private sources. They haven't had much luck.Now they've gone to state officials,

State 29noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501286.post-1114523384794868932005-04-26T05:37:00.000-07:002005-04-26T06:49:44.796-07:00

There are some interesting comments following the Corvis post from yesterday which I'll address here.The Englert's original restoration budget was $2 million and it was hoped to be completed by summer 2001. It ended up being $5.2 million and December 2004.I would considering applying the same scale to the current Rainforest numbers for a more realistic projection, especially because so much

State 29noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501286.post-1114462074959902852005-04-25T13:00:00.000-07:002005-04-25T13:47:54.960-07:00

Corvis writes about Random and my posts concerning the Register's absurd editorial calilng for more taxpayer money to be thrown at the Rainforest.I hope more bloggers write about this and reference the RSS link to the editorial. Why this link and not the regular old URL on the Register's site? I use a newsreader to check headlines and stories from a number of sources because it's much easier and

State 29noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501286.post-1114452694017795392005-04-25T10:07:00.000-07:002005-04-25T11:15:30.433-07:00

apparently feels the fake rainforest is a really swell idea that just needs a little more help from folks like us:A rain forest in Iowa?It's not as crazy-sounding as it once was, with just over half the money raised for the $180 million Environmental Project in Coralville, including a $50 million federal grant.Wow. If I didn't know better, I'd presume from this sentence that the project had

Menoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501286.post-1114437288381332592005-04-25T06:54:00.000-07:002005-04-25T13:30:24.130-07:00

I don't even know how to get my head around this ridiculous pile of words by the Des Moines Register's Editorial Board concerning their blind support of the proposed rainforest in Coralville.The media, at one point in time, used to act as watchdogs when it came to out-of-control projects that were largely or totally funded by taxpayer money. You know what I'm talking about: Mike Wallace going up

State 29noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501286.post-1114235257411928922005-04-22T22:26:00.000-07:002005-04-22T22:47:37.413-07:00

On Friday morning, Random wrote in her blog:my gut reaction: OMG, are they serious? They applied for more government money without showing any progress on the private donor front? And they expect us stupid Iowans just to look the other way? Yet, I shouldn't be surprised. They've been condescending at best from the beginning.Great point. I'd enjoy reading a further analysis.I am still intrigued

State 29noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501286.post-1114233795772975892005-04-21T10:22:00.000-07:002005-04-22T22:23:15.776-07:00

Here are the details from the Des Moines Register concerning the PorkForest's $20 million application to Vision Iowa for desperately needed money:Developers of a $180 million indoor rain forest project in Coralville plan to seek $20 million from Vision Iowa.The decision to ask for state money is the first announcement in more than a year indicating how the Environmental Project's board of

State 29noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501286.post-1114003132089202152005-04-20T06:18:00.000-07:002005-04-20T06:18:52.090-07:00

The Cedar Rapids Gazette has this on the front page of their closed web site:CORALVILLE, IA - Officials for the $180 million Environmental Project will seek $20 million in Vision Iowa funds for the 4.5-acre indoor rain forest they've proposed, The Gazette reports in a copyrighted story. The request, a joint submission by The Environmental Project and city of Coralville, is expected to be filed by

State 29noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501286.post-1113338890445816522005-04-12T13:47:00.000-07:002005-04-12T13:49:45.540-07:00

From the Sioux City Journal:City leaders have met several times recently with organizers of The Environmental Project, trying to get a construction timetable for a planned indoor rainforest.Asked if city leaders were satisfied with what they've learned about the $180 million project, City Administrator Kelly Hayworth said: "I think we're headed in that direction."The centerpiece of the proposed

State 29noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501286.post-1113246721905930552005-04-11T12:11:00.000-07:002005-04-11T12:12:01.906-07:00

Nicholas Johnson is saying "Show Me The Money" concerning the Iowa PorkForest in this Press-Citizen guest opinion piece today.David Oman has been repeating the same lines for the past 5 1/2 years. When are the major media in Iowa and the Coralville City Council going to wake the hell up?

State 29noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501286.post-1112289069402091552005-03-31T09:08:00.000-08:002005-03-31T09:12:00.590-08:00

The Daily Iowan has an update about the Rainforest's lack of fundraising:Talk about when Coralville's indoor rain forest will break ground is circulating as fundraising remains stalled, leaving city councilors wondering if the $90 million still needed to build the project will ever be found.Councilor John Lundell said he still supports the environmental project but has concerns about funding."

State 29noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501286.post-1111596542427980862005-03-23T08:48:00.000-08:002005-03-25T10:30:34.806-08:00

UPDATE AND CORRECTION BELOW:Sandra L. Hudson of Iowa City, a member of the Porkforest's Community Advisory Council, tries to go to bat for the project in this morning's Iowa City Press-Citizen:I had thought The Environmental Project was just one more walk-through conservatory. I discovered that the primary intent is scientific research and science education with universal access to learning. The

State 29noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501286.post-1111340621656756742005-03-20T09:42:00.000-08:002005-03-20T09:43:41.656-08:00

Barb Vakulskas of Iowa City had a great letter to the Press-Citizen:The idea of using the land in Coralville that has been earmarked for the "rain forest project" for a different purpose certainly should tweak the interest of Coralville residents ("Coun-cilors in the dark on rain for-est progress," March 12). This project has served to make Iowa the laughing- stock of the country yet again --

State 29noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501286.post-1111066524833704542005-03-17T05:30:00.000-08:002005-03-17T05:35:24.866-08:00

The Iowa City Press-Citizen has an editorial regarding a Coralville City Council member's concern over the lack of details from the PorkForest con artists. Unfortunately, the staff editorial doesn't hold anybody's feet to the fire:That city councilors put off requiring a timeline -- which Councilman Tom Gill requested four months ago -- certainly was understandable. While giving project leaders

State 29noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501286.post-1110766961848184292005-03-13T18:18:00.000-08:002005-03-13T18:22:41.850-08:00

KCRG has a report press release on Ted Stilwill, the former director of the Iowa Department of Education, who is now a yes-man shill for the Townsend/Oman con game.

State 29noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501286.post-1110657203813509892005-03-12T11:33:00.000-08:002005-03-12T12:06:17.796-08:00

In the beginning, Coral was very attracted to Rain. She was a quiet girl, but looking to break out of her shell. Rain seemed like her dream date. An attractive, new-age kind of guy, Rain was creative, fun and full of new and original ideas. They’d talk for hours over coffee about life, his vision, his dreams. Coral was completely smitten. Things started to get serious, and they began to plan

Menoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501286.post-1110651428843741482005-03-12T09:59:00.000-08:002005-03-12T10:20:33.346-08:00

This is hardly a big surprise (from the Iowa City Press-Citizen):If the business partnership between Coralville and the rain forest project were a dating relationship, the couple's conversation would have grown stale, and they wouldn't be able to remember their last deep discussion.Those are the sentiments of Councilor John Lundell, and he's calling for city and The Environmental Project leaders

State 29noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501286.post-1109340924376920012005-02-25T06:09:00.000-08:002005-02-25T06:15:24.376-08:00

From this morning's Iowa City Press-Citizen:Environmental Project vice president Nancy Quellhorst said Thursday that a groundbreaking this summer would be ceremonial only and that actual work won't begin until late this year -- about a year after initial projections.With 2½ to 3 years needed for the project, Quellhorst said the work would be finished in mid to late 2008 -- months past the April

State 29noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501286.post-1108744706428465872005-02-18T08:35:00.000-08:002005-02-18T08:38:26.466-08:00

Via the Nicholas Johnson web site:The cartoon is copyright by The Gazette and Joe Sharpnack, and reproduced here for educational, non-commercial, fair use only. Any other use requires the permission of The Gazette and Joe Shapnack, whose Web site, www.sharptoons.com, provides contact information and a portfolio of his work, which not only appears regularly in The Gazette, but has also appeared in

State 29noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501286.post-1107981040236438302005-02-09T12:30:00.000-08:002005-02-09T12:30:40.236-08:00

Steve @ Pardon My English had a long rant last week about economic development in Iowa and mentions the PorkForest project and this site. It's good.

State 29noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501286.post-1106861684072892422005-01-27T13:31:00.000-08:002005-01-27T13:34:44.073-08:00

From a link on Professor Johnson's website, I found this story on the fake rainforest in the Boston Globe: If They Build It, Who Will Come?

Menoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501286.post-1106845719545426202005-01-27T08:54:00.000-08:002005-01-27T09:08:39.546-08:00

If you're a supporter of The Environmental Project ™ and want a soapbox to defend it in this forum, feel free to email me and I'll see about getting you set up as a contributor. The vast majority of Iowans do oppose the project, as do all of the regular contributors to this blog, but in fairness I'd like to keep the door open to those who think it's a good idea and want to defend their reasoning

State 29noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501286.post-1106802694479190272005-01-26T20:53:00.000-08:002005-01-26T21:13:15.426-08:00

I took the wayback machine to October 8, 1999 and discovered the following bit about private funding of the PorkForest:That investment will require a five-year commitment from multiple funding sources, including: • Private funding ($10 million has already been committed) • Local governments • State of IowaFast forward 5 years later (November 2004) and guess what? The project still only has

State 29noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501286.post-1106710583739501952005-01-25T19:34:00.000-08:002005-01-25T19:45:06.136-08:00

Nicholas Johnson had an editorial in the Cedar Rapids Gazette on January 9th concerning the PorkForest. It's reprinted on his web site. Johnson's editorial was in response to a December 23, 2004 editorial by the Cedar Rapids Gazette (reprinted here). After Johnson's editorial was published, he followed up with:Once again, the paper fails to mention that its publisher, Joe Hladky, is a member

State 29noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501286.post-1105586488208164362005-01-12T19:12:00.000-08:002005-01-12T19:21:28.206-08:00

Opposing Pork or Opposing Science? Well, if you believe this column from the Iowa City Press-Citizen, opposing the Pork Forest is the equivalent of being against teachers and professors doing research. Random Mentality comments on this rather hefty leap of logic by saying: The "implication" is not that we should sacrifice research to education. To take the specific case of the fake rainforest

Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02366492659819948967noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501286.post-1103821117380273462004-12-23T08:57:00.000-08:002004-12-23T08:59:10.123-08:00

Random Mentality and State 29 both comment on recent developments with the PorkForest.

State 29noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501286.post-1101325646167305642004-11-24T11:46:00.000-08:002004-11-24T11:47:26.166-08:00

The Coralville City Council has discovered that their taxpayer-financed hotel and convention center next to the PorkForest is coming in way over budget.

State 29noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501286.post-1100181703849549972004-11-11T06:00:00.000-08:002004-11-11T06:01:43.850-08:00

State 29 has more on Coralville City Council member Tom Gill - who's calling David Oman and Ted Townsend's incredibly expensive bluff.

State 29noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501286.post-1096464180524623602004-09-29T06:20:00.000-07:002004-09-29T06:23:00.523-07:00

City moves to seize land for rain forest From the Iowa City Press-Citizen, Wednesday, September 29, 2004: City officials have initiated condemnation proceedings against a property owner who stands in the way of a planned $180 million indoor rain forest and education center. City Administrator Kelly Hayworth said the city asked a judge to appoint a compensation committee to place a value on

State 29noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6501286.post-1095696838761190962004-09-20T08:34:00.000-07:002004-09-20T12:12:05.853-07:00

Some thoughts from State29 on the Des Moines Register article on Sunday concerning the phony PorkForest attendance projections: Visitors could stroll on suspended wooden bridges 100 feet in the airThat is, until somebody decides to commit suicide by jumping off. The 20-story enclosure would look like a giant foil-covered caterpillar to motorists next door on Interstate Highway 80.Er, no. It

State 29noreply@blogger.com