Fundraising Goal Met for Ventura Cove Enhancement Project 

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

Thanks to nearly 300 donors who provided more than $817,000 in private contributions, the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation (INHF) has achieved its fundraising goals for the Ventura Cove Enhancement Project.

As a result of this $1.7 million project, Clear Lake residents and visitors now have 26 more acres and an additional 1,000 feet of shoreline to use and enjoy on the west end of Clear Lake.

The Ventura Cove Enhancement Project, comprising land north and south of the Ventura Grade, features a mix of quiet shoreline, woodland and wetlands and recreational and educational amenities. Public amenities near the fishing jetty—including restrooms, a parking area and an educational kiosk—will likely be completed by 2007. Future plans also include extension of the round-the-lake trail through the woodland and along the grade.

A partnership between INHF, private landowners (who made a bargain sale), the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, and public and private donors secured the protection of the area. The project received significant public funding through the state Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) program.

“This project provides a host of benefits to the Clear Lake area, including natural shoreline preservation, water quality protection, and safer recreational opportunities,” said Mark Ackelson, INHF president. “None of these accomplishments would have been possible without the interest, involvement and support of our partners and donors.”