There's growing concern that the hills are beginning to crumble, creating an ensuing dispute among farmers, preservationists and developers over the future of the hills. Jim Patrico As Cliff and Donna Rahel of Crescent, Iowa, stroll through the tall grasses, they stop to admire a burst of color popping through the ground cover. They excitedly call out the name of each wildflower-purple coneflower, leadplant and more. The couple purchased a piece of the hills 30 years ago and built the house in which they were married. Donna has a doctorate in history.
Cliff is an investment banker.
Neb. A ski slope is just down the road from their property. Homes dot once pristine hillsides. Roads cut and curve through nearly vertical walls of silt. A nearby rock quarry scars an otherwise scenic view. Cliff shakes his head in dismay.