Addition helps close habitat gap

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This article first appeared in INHF's Winter 2008 magazine.

“Prior to these projects, there was absolutely no habitat here.”

- Ed Weiner, wildlife biologist with the Iowa DNR

Nearly a decade ago, wildlife experts observed a major habitat gap between the Missouri River and the Loess Hills in Woodbury County. They knew something had to be done.

A recent addition to the Iowa DNR’s Table Marsh Wildlife Management Area helps fill that gap by restoring habitat for pheasants, deer, waterfowl and other species. INHF helped the Iowa DNR acquire the 40-acre site. Located two miles east of Hornick, the tract adjoins Table Marsh. It is now open for public use, including hunting and bird watching.

Table Marsh is part of a regional wetland restoration effort. Thanks to efforts by INHF, the Iowa DNR, the Woodbury County Conservation Board and other partners, the Owego Wetland Complex now comprises 1,330 acres.

“Prior to these projects, there was absolutely no habitat here,” said Ed Weiner, wildlife biologist with the Iowa DNR.

Like many public areas, protecting and restoring this site required many months, partners and funding sources. INHF purchased the property from a private owner in January 2006. The land had been enrolled in the Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP), a program administered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

The Iowa DNR received acquisition funds through a federal North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) grant. The NAWCA funding used in this particular project was attained through Ducks Unlimited, which submitted the grant application.

See related news release

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