Delaney Fen protected by INHF conservation project

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This article was written and posted on INHF's website in July 2002. 

One of Iowa's least acknowledged ecological gems, found in a farm pasture in Allamakee County, will be permanently protected through a new conservation project by the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation.

In order to protect a rare fen and to limit residential development on property known as the Delaney farm in Allamakee County, INHF purchased 181 acres from Aelred and Dorthea Delaney at a public auction on Oct. 20, 2001.

"Fens are the rarest of Iowa's wetland communities, and this one is of extremely high quality," said Darrel Mills, land conservation specialist for INHF. "This fen supports several plant species that are currently endangered or threatened in Iowa."

The Delaney fen is a high-quality alkaline bog that results from the seepage of groundwater and supports a unique ecosystem due to its high pH levels. Iowa fens shelter more than 200 species of wildflowers, some of which only live in fens. Several endangered species, including Baltimore checkerspot, bogbean, shining ladies tresses, fringed gentian, sage willow and Grass of Parnassus, all thrive on the natural environment of the former Delaney property.

On June 12, 2002, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) officially purchased the 94-acre eastern parcel of the former Delaney land from INHF, which will become part of Clear Creek Wildlife Management Unit. This eastern parcel of property includes the fen, the half-mile trout stream of Clear Creek, blufflands and 33 acres of tillable ground that will be managed by the DNR.

Three local families bought the remaining western parcels of land from INHF. All have agreed to deed restrictions that will protect the stream and the land.

"We're not only saving the land; we're saving the relationship between people and land," Mills said. "For the public, this project means access to a half-mile trout stream and a fen, a unique and special ecosystem. On the private side, we've created the opportunity for a young family to live on a classic farm acreage and steward it privately. Two other couples share ownership and will care for the balance of the property."

Mills notes that the future of high-quality fens often depend on private landowners. "Most of Iowa's fens are located in privately-owned pastures surrounded by cropland, and many have been damaged," Mills said. "Hopefully, fens and other wetlands can be recognized and continue to be protected with a united effort between public agencies and private landowners."

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

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