Looking Ahead

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This article first appeared in INHF's 2005 Annual Report.

Many of the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation’s projects span several years. Some of our most exciting projects, though they may have begun in 2005 or before, will require even more significant staff time and financial needs in 2006. Some are well underway, some are in early negotiation stages and can’t be discussed in detail, and some are nearing their final celebrations. Here’s a sneak-peek:

Anglers Bay

Regular readers of our magazine know we’ve already launched a $6.67 million project to protect a 93-acre site that includes 3,500 feet of shoreline along Big Spirit Lake. The site borders the area’s largest remaining bulrush bed—a haven for fish, birds and myriad aquatic plant species. INHF is working with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to devote $5 million in public funds to the project. We’re also seeking $1.6 million in private support.

Trails

After adding 24 miles to central Iowa’s trail network in 2005, we’re already negotiating future additions. In eastern Iowa, we will continue to partner with state and local agencies to support the Mississippi River Trail project, a planned route from the river’s headwaters to the Gulf. And, if 2006 is a typical year, we’ll provide technical assistance to about a dozen other trail projects throughout the state.

Loess Hills

A national study of Iowa’s Loess Hills prioritized 12 “special landscape areas” (SLA) for protection. Our 2005 addition to Waubonsie State Park protected an additional 17% of one SLA. We’re now working with landowners in another SLA to place conservation protections on private land.

Mississippi River bluffs

INHF and other conservation groups have long targeted the rugged blufflands along the Mississippi River in northeast Iowa for special protection. We’re now in the early stages of working with multiple landowners on public or private protection options that, when combined with previously protected land, could protect almost six contiguous miles of bluffland—a critical concentration of habitat to support at-risk bird and wildlife species.

Celebrations

But it’s not all work and no play. Plans are already well underway to dedicate and celebrate three significant projects: Marietta Sand Prairie in Marshall County (Sept. 30), Whitewater Canyon in Dubuque/Jones counties (date TBA, perhaps May), and Ventura Cove at Clear Lake (late summer date TBA). Visit www.inhf.org or contact our staff for details!

Letter from the Board Chair

2005 Highlights

2005 Land Projects

INHF by the Numbers

Major Donors

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