This article first appeared in INHF's Summer 2008 magazine.
The following land projects were completed within the past few months.
Allamakee County
INHF recently transferred a 70-acre site to the Iowa DNR. Now open to the public, the site is an addition to the Yellow River State Forest in Allamakee County. The property contains upland woodlands, limestone outcrops and at least one coyote den. Funding sources include the state Blufflands Revolving Loan Fund and the federal Forest Legacy Program.
Benton County
A new addition to Benton County’s Hannan Park expands public uses while broadening wildlife habitat within a Bird Conservation Area. The park was already used for fishing, camping, bow-hunter safety classes and 3-D bowshoots. The 40-acre expansion adds limited public hunting. At the county’s request, INHF purchased the 40-acre site in 2005 and provided interim ownership until funds could be raised. Funders include INHF’s Alma Natura Fund (for habitat protection), the State Habitat Stamp program (paid by hunters), the Buchanan County Conservation Foundation and county funds.
Guthrie County
INHF recently transferred 195 acres (in two parcels) to the Guthrie County Conservation Board and the Iowa DNR. Located along the Middle Raccoon River, the site adjoins or is near numerous public areas: it’s across the river from the Guthrie County’s S.E. Robinson Wildlife Area, just downstream from the Iowa DNR’s Lennon Mills Wildlife Area and just upstream from Dallas County’s growing Big Bend Wildlife Area. The site is also within the Raccoon River Protected Water Area and a catch-and-release zone for smallmouth bass. It will be managed as a wildlife area. Funding sources include a Wildlife Habitat Stamp grant, REAP grant, the Prairie Woodland Conservation Foundation, several Pheasants Forever chapters, the Iowa State Pheasants Forever Trust and the Turkey Federation.
Humboldt County
Janet and Vic Lothe recently donated 15 acres of her childhood farm to INHF. Located on the edge of Humboldt and along the West Fork of the Des Moines River, the Henderson Farm Woodland contains oak-hickory woodlands and a potential oak savanna.
Louisa County
INHF recently assisted the Tri-Rivers Conservation Foundation, a local nonprofit conservation group, in acquiring land for the future Louisa Interpretive Center. INHF provided interim ownership and a donation. The property adjoins Langwood Education Center, a popular natural area owned by the Louisa County Conservation Board. The two local organizations are partnering on the interpretive center.
For more information, e-mail Cathy Engstrom, Communications Director, or call (515) 288-1846.