Pioneer Cemetery Commission concerned about plowing at First Orleans Lutheran Cemetery site

The Winneshiek County Pioneer Cemetery Commission is trying to figure out whether recent plowing near the First Orleans Luther Cemetery has crossed the boundary of the cemetery.
 
The Commission met Thursday night to discuss the issue.  There are nearly 40 historic cemeteries in Winneshiek County and their boundaries are not always well-defined.  Even if there are grave markers and/or local histories about these cemeteries, legal descriptions are not always available.
 
No land records have been found with a legal description of First Orleans Lutheran Cemetery.  A 2009 deed says the cemetery "is located in the Southwest 40 feet of the property next to the field drive."  Unfortunately, that is not enough to go on to do a traditional land survey.  
 
At this time the WCPCC is working on verifying the dimensions and location of the cemetery and is looking for any photos that local people have of the cemetery.  The group is also working with historical aerial photos to try to determine location and size, is searching land records to see if there is a hidden "legal description" somewhere and is talking to more Orleans Township residents.
 
In order to go forward with preservation of the 1st Orleans Lutheran Cemetery WCPCC will have to have either an archaeological survey or a GPR survey to determine the boundaries of the cemetery.  They are both expensive and, at this time, a funding issue.