The biggest remaining bulrush bed in Iowa’s Great Lakes system lies just offshore. The 93-acre site will be restored to wetland and prairie, and all will transfer to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources for continued management.
This is INHF’s most expensive land protection project ever! But the benefits are big as well.
This project will…
- preserve the natural lakeshore, its associated bulrush bed and the critical environmental benefits they provide
- restore wetlands and establish a diverse prairie on former cropground,
- protect ecological and recreational values of the adjoining Hales Slough (a state-owned public wildlife area),
- provide trail access through the property for the Dickinson County Trail system, and
- secure public ownership and low-impact public enjoyment of an Iowa treasure.
Thanks to all who contributed to Anglers Bay! The $6.67 million funding goal has been met for acquisition, restoration, and project management.
Gifts are still welcome for:
- Prairie planting and wetland restoration. Additional support will add to the diversity of the restoration.
- Establishing the trail across this site. This trail segment will be part of the multi-use trail being developed around Big Spirit Lake by the Dickinson County Trails Association.
Learn more from the links below or by contacting Anita O’Gara or Cheri Grauer on our staff. Or donate now through our secure website.
Links:
Project announcement, 11/05 news release
Detailed project description, Winter 2006 magazine
Legislature appropriates $1.5 million to project, 5/06 news release
Private fundraising now past halfway point, 6/20 news release
Anglers Bay update, Summer 2006 magazine
Anglers Bay Project meets milestones, 10/06 news release
Anglers Bay receives statewide support, 1/07 news release
Okoboji Foundation Grant marks 90 percent milestone, 6/07 news release
The Messengers of Healing Winds Foundation announces $70,000 challenge grant, 8/07 release
Anglers Bay project is now fully funded, 9/07 release
For more information, e-mail Cathy Engstrom, Director of Communications, or call (515) 288-1846.
