Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation:DU Marsh expanded in Clay County

A 50-acre expansion of Clay County’s DU Marsh could provide 20 acres of additional restored wetland habitat, valuable upland nesting cover and improved water quality for the area.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) originally purchased land for DU Marsh from the Rustan family in 1985. The wetland complex is located approximately one mile west of Ruthven and consists of a 90-acre restored wetland and associated uplands.

“This property is the perfect piece to the DU Marsh puzzle,” said Bryan Hellyer, wildlife biologist for the Prairie Lakes Wildlife Unit team of the Iowa DNR’s Wildlife Bureau. “Besides adding critical wetland habitat to the wetland complex, an additional 30 acres of upland habitat will be reconstructed in the next couple of years. The addition of this tract also brings the complex boundary out to a county gravel road, improving access and availability to Clay County residents.”

Acting as a facilitator, the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation helped the DNR by purchasing the property when the Rustan family wanted to sell. INHF is a nonprofit, conservation group that works with private landowners and other partners to protect Iowa’s land, water and wildlife. Past INHF projects in Clay County include the Elser Property, Ocheyedan River Corridor, Dewey’s Pasture Complex and others.The DNR repurchased the tract using Prairie Pothole Joint Venture funding from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

“The Iowa DNR appreciates the willingness of the Rustan family, the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in pursuing this tract of land,” said Hellyer.

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