INHF completes
several wetland projects

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Once regarded as unmanageable wastelands and drained extensively for agricultural production, Iowa's wetlands are now recognized as a tremendous natural resource to our state.

Wetlands provide a place for Iowans to hunt, hike and learn about the natural environment. These diverse ecosystems provide a natural habitat for countless species of migratory waterfowl and other wildlife. Meanwhile, wetlands naturally filter our water and improve its quality, without the expense of chemicals or a water treatment plant. They also help reduce flooding by storing excess water in the upper reaches of the watershed.

Unfortunately, Iowa has lost more than 90 percent of our wetlands since since the late eighteenth century. However, thanks to efforts by government programs, such as the Natural Resource Conservation Service's Wetland Reserve Program, and private organizations, such as the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, the tide is turning.

"INHF recognizes the countless benefits that wetlands provide to our state," said Bruce Mountain, land projects director for INHF. "These sites will continue to provide invaluable services to both humans and wildlife for generations to come."

Several wetland sites across the state have been permanently protected in 2002 as a result of INHF partnerships:

Eagle Lake Heritage Prairie, Hancock County
The Hancock County Conservation Board (HCCB) recently purchased a 164-acre wetland site, now known as Eagle Lake Heritage Prairie, from INHF. The site is located five miles southeast of Britt and will become part of the wetland complex associated with the 919-acre Eagle Lake Wildlife Area. INHF served as interim owner of the property until HCCB secured the purchase price, with funding assistance from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Ducks Unlimited and Pheasants Forever.

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) helped the HCCB plant native prairie grasses and flowers on the property. Last spring they planted Big Bluestem, Little Bluestem, Canada Wildrye, Indian Grass, Side-oats Grama and many native flowers. This site is now open to the public for hunting, bird watching, hiking, nature study and more.

"As the native grasses and forbs become established, it will give the general public a chance to see a beautiful, reestablished natural area," says Charles Ashland, chairman of HCCB. "I can just see, in the spring after the prairie has been established, the hen mallards dropping out of the sky to nest here. It will be a great area for nature enthusiasts and hunters alike."

Little Rock River Greenbelt, Lyon County
In August, Lyon County added another link to its chain of wildlife oases along the Little Rock River Greenbelt. INHF assisted the Lyon County Conservation Board (LCCB)with the purchase and was willing to serve as interim owner if needed. The 72-acre property will form the North Unit of the LCCB's Little Rock River Wildlife Area. Two other county properties, totaling 310 acres, already lie a few miles downstream. Like the existing greenbelt parcels, the property will be open for public recreation.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has collected early evidence that this site supports the Topeka Shiner, a federally endangered minnow species. Planned restoration will help protect the Shiner's natural habitat while helping filter water used by the Lyon and Sioux Rural Water system.

"When you get all of the fibrous roots and the biomass of the prairie grasses, it is going to be one gigantic sponge to suck up extra nutrients from runoff from the fields," says Craig Van Otterloo, director of LCCB.

Owego Wetland Complex, Woodbury County
With the recent addition of two key parcels, the Owego Wetland Complex in Woodbury County now contains two unbroken square miles of wildlife habitat. In July, the Woodbury County Conservation Board (WCCB) purchased two additions from INHF, totaling 442 acres, for the county-owned complex. WCCB has restored 320 acres in the complex so far and hopes to complete the restoration in the next two or three years.

In creating the Owego complex, five willing landowners first sold the agricultural rights to USDA through the Wetland Reserve Program (WRP) and then sold the residual value of the land to WCCB. INHF helped three of the landowners exchange their WRP land for better farm ground. INHF also assisted the county with public fundraising.. The Iowa Department of Natural Resource's Wildlife Stamp program contributed $83,000. Woodbury County also used funds raised by environmental fines assessed by the DNR. Private project donors include the Kind World Foundation, Ducks Unlimited and Pheasants Forever.

"Bringing the wetlands back to the Missouri flats gives my grandchildren a chance to see nature as it was 100 years ago," said Dave Adam, president of WCCB. "I believe this project gives wildlife a solid chance to survive for many generations to come."

Nicole Paseka of Onawa is a Robert R. Buckmaster Intern. She is studying journalism and sociology at Iowa State University.

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