Statement on Driftless National Park Proposal - Rescinding Effort

After much deliberation, I have decided to rescind the Driftless National Park Proposal. I have spent the past week hearing from folks in the proposed park area, and I have heard a clear message of great care for the land and their home, an interest in continuing and improving that care, and that this park proposal is not the correct way to execute that care. I still strongly believe that a Driftless National Park & Preserve is deserved and would ultimately be of great benefit to the environment and the larger southeast Minnesota community, and that it ~could~ be done while maintaining existing usage and residence. That said, it has been made apparent to me the collateral damage continuing to push this idea could now cause. And while I had hoped to have had more of an opportunity to explain the benefits of this idea and clear up any misinformation, many folks have conveyed to me, through heartfelt experience, why this idea is not a good fit at the current time - and I am inclined to agree. It would be wrong to proceed.
I apologize to those who this idea has frightened. Forcibly taking land was never my intention. Despite the extensive work I put into the proposal, it is clear I do not understand everything there is to know about this land and its people.
The core tenets of this idea of mine were efforts for the conservation of the Driftless ecosystem - an incredibly rich environment unlike anywhere else - and the preservation of this landscape for future generations. These efforts do not need to be in the form of a National Park. I hope that, through all of the positive support, attention, and conversations this idea has sparked, that these efforts can be further bolstered for the Whitewater Area and the greater Driftless. Let’s keep these conversations going! These efforts are still worth doing, and many folks are already undertaking the hard work. The Driftless still needs greater protection.
If you have found that this proposal has hurt any effort to help improve the local environment, please let me know and I would be happy to come and help mend this effort or relationship in person.
Lastly, thank you to those that did support this idea, those that offered feedback along the way, and those who showed respect and understanding through disagreement (whose dialogue ultimately persuaded me to end this campaign). I undertook this effort believing this idea was worth great consideration, but not knowing the end result. I feel the many lessons I have learned along the way are invaluable. Sometimes life calls us to answer the call and take that great chance, and after four years of exploring the Driftless from Rochester, I felt it worthwhile to take that chance. I am glad I did.
I will keep all of the associated internet material with this proposal up for a week so this message can be received, and then most of it will be deleted.
If you would like to converse on efforts to help protect the Driftless, or help bring a greater understanding of this special place and community to me or others, please reach out. I would love to learn more and explore what can be done.

Protecting our shared natural areas is still a worthwhile effort for the Driftless and across our nation. While the ultimate goal here was not achieved, I hope this can lead to other efforts which can.

Sincerely,
Sean Macaday