This article was written and posted on INHF's website in January 2007.
Residents in the Iowa Great Lakes region may consider Anglers Bay at Big Spirit Lake a local project. But organizations across Iowa are getting involved too. From Ames to the Quad Cities, from Grinnell to Waterloo, Iowans all over have recognized the importance of protecting this lakeshore habitat.
The Anglers Bay project, supported by the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation (INHF), aims to protect two-thirds of a mile of bulrushes and other aquatic plants along Big Spirit Lake, as well as restoring adjacent prairie and wetlands. All are critical habitat for wildlife and important for water quality. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources will be the permanent owner of the Anglers Bay property, ensuring that the area will be available for low-impact public use.
Iowa Audubon made a special effort to fundraise for Anglers Bay by exhorting all statewide chapters to donate. Their mutual encouragement drummed up over $5,000 of support, through chapters and individual members alike. Audubon donations came from various locations around the state, like Grinnell, the Quad Cities and Cresco. Major gifts came from the chapters in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, Sioux City, Spirit Lake and Ames.
All chapters recognized the importance of this land, teeming with wildlife.
“While our activities usually concentrate on birding and bird education, it becomes increasingly clear that birders must become activists in land protection to help secure a future for the birds we enjoy,” said Iowa Audubon president Doug Harr.
Meanwhile, INHF has also spotlighted Anglers Bay in its member publications and special appeals over the last year. Over 500 INHF members have donated to the project, even though most of them are not from the project area.
Other generous gifts came from the Dickinson County chapter of Pheasants Forever, the Iowa Great Lakes Fishing Club, the Upper Great Plains chapter of Muskies, Inc., and the Des Moines chapter of the Izaak Walton League. These organizations join local groups—such as the Spirit Lake Protective Association and the Okoboji Protective Association—with their significant donations.
With so many Iowans deeming Anglers Bay a natural treasure worthy of protection, 85% of the private funds needed have been raised. Another $234,000 remains to be raised by this summer.
Tim Roberts, of the Upper Great Plains chapter of Muskies, Inc., hopes organizations that have already donated will inspire other groups to throw their efforts behind the project.
“Our chapter of Muskies, Inc., wanted to keep with the goals of supporting sound conservation practice and protecting habitat—not only for muskies but the entire ecosystem that supports this wonderful top-of-the-food-chain predator—so we enthusiastically donated $1,000 to the Anglers Bay project,” said Roberts. “I challenge other outdoor clubs to step up and match our donation, and the donation of the Iowa Great Lakes Fishing Club.”
According to INHF staff, out of the 29 projects the Foundation was involved in last year, Anglers Bay stands out because of its wide support.
"We see primarily local funding for many of the land protection projects we are involved in statewide,” said Anita O’Gara, INHF vice president. “Some are able to gain state funds because of their importance or uniqueness. Only a very few projects are so special they gain support from individuals and organizations from across Iowa and beyond. Anglers Bay is one of these very few.”
The Anglers Bay project began last October when landowners Don and Nancy Yarnes sold their lakeside property to INHF.
For more information, e-mail Cathy Engstrom, Director of Communications, or call (515) 288-1846.
