Anglers Bay project awarded $1.5 million

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This article was written and posted on INHF's website in May of 2006.

Organizers of the Anglers Bay project on Big Spirit Lake are pausing to celebrate the project’s first major public funding—before digging into the larger fundraising task ahead.

As the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation (INHF) and other project supporters hoped, Anglers Bay was awarded a $1.5 million appropriation by the 2006 state legislative session for the purchase of “unique and treasured land in Iowa.”

Located on the northeast shore of Big Spirit Lake, the Anglers Bay project protects 3,500 feet of natural shoreline. It’s lined by the area’s largest bulrush bed, which provides critical habitat for fish, birds and other wildlife.

INHF is purchasing the site on contract for eventual transfer to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). Once transferred, the 93-acre site will become a public area for wildlife habitat, low-impact recreation and bike trail access. Between land acquisition and initial restoration, the total project cost is $6.67 million.

“We’re thrilled that the legislature recognized this project’s value not only to the area’s native plants and wildlife, but also to water quality, public recreation and tourism,” said Mark Ackelson, INHF president. “We’re particularly grateful to the local legislators—Senator David Johnson and Rep. Mike May—for their tenacious efforts to educate their colleagues about the site’s importance and to secure this critical funding.”

The $1.5 million award is part of a $5 million public funding goal. The IDNR has pledged $2 million from its budget, payable over its next three fiscal years. Project supporters will request another $1.5 million appropriation during next year’s legislative session.

Meanwhile, INHF has begun raising the remaining $1.67 million from private sources—locally and throughout the state.

“We need a lot more dollars before our final payment falls due in July 2007, but this project has already generated huge public and private support,” noted Ackelson. “I can’t say I never lose sleep over raising this kind of money, but I’m very optimistic. Once people find out what’s at stake here, their next question is usually ‘How can I help?’” 

Formerly slated for development, the site contains the area’s most diverse aquatic plant population. The extensive bulrush bed is only the most visible of its varied plants. According to researchers, these plants provide critical nursery sites and habitat for many of the lake’s game and nongame fish species. Their seeds provide a feast for migrating birds.

Future management plans for the site include restoring prairie and wetland areas and building a trail that links to the Dickinson County Recreational Trails system. Meanwhile, the site adjoins and buffers natural resources at Hale’s Slough, a state-owned wetland and hunting area.

Current owners Don and Nancy Yarnes had considered building 35 or more houses on the site, which many local residents and researchers had feared would destroy the bulrush bed and its benefits.

“We are forever grateful to Don and Nancy for not only reconsidering their building plans, but then selling their land at a bargain price for public use and preservation,” noted Ackelson. “It took their flexibility to get the project started. With additional vision and support from the Iowa DNR, state legislature, local supporters and so many others, we’re well on the way to saving this piece of the lake’s natural heritage for future generations. Maybe one day our great-grandkids will think of us while enjoying a quiet day of fishing here.”

Project contributions, designated “Anglers Bay,” can be sent to the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation's website or by mail at 505 Fifth Ave., #444, Des Moines, IA  50309.

For more information, e-mail Cathy Engstrom, Director of Communications, or call (515) 288-1846.