(Radio Iowa) – After more than 60 years, the University of Iowa is ending its lease on the MacBride Nature Recreation Area, as officials say renewing the lease would be too expensive. The U-I first leased the land from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the early 1960s. Over the decades, the park has welcomed countless researchers and locals, while Johnson County Conservation director Brad Freidhof says it’s also home to the university’s wildlife camps.

The university pays no rent but is responsible for maintaining the 485 acres of trails and natural growth. The lease with the Corps of Engineers will end in 2029.

U-I President Barbara Wilson says continuing the lease would not have been financially feasible, given the university’s current resources. A statement from the university said keeping the land would cost 14-point-eight million dollars up front, and an additional million dollars every year for upkeep.

(James Kelley, Iowa Public Radio)