Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation:Wetland complex expanded in Kossuth County

The Goose Lake Wetland Complex recently received a 55-acre expansion, which will add to the existing 449 acres of wildlife habitat.

The addition will allow easier access to the north and west ends of the

Bryan Hellyer/DNR

A view of the restorable wetland and prairie area on the Neusch property

existing wetland complex. It also offers water quality benefits, adds to the landscape level habitat needs of local and migratory wildlife, and provides additional recreational opportunities for Kossuth County residents.

The property is located adjacent to Burt Lake in northwest Kossuth County, seven miles north of Armstrong on Highway 15. It has three wetland basins that will be restored, along with much needed nesting cover for grassland birds and waterfowl that use this wetland complex. The property will also help reduce sedimentation, improve water quality, and protect approximately 150 feet of shoreline around Burt Lake.

“We plan to reconstruct a diverse native prairie on the cropland portion of this tract and restore hydrology back to temporary and seasonal wetlands within a two-year period,” said Bryan Hellyer, wildlife biologist for the Prairie Lakes Wildlife Unit team of the Iowa DNR’s Wildlife Bureau. “This tract contains a native prairie pasture, which will be managed using prescribed fire to invigorate native fauna.”

The Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation provided assistance by purchasing the property from the Neusch family. The Iowa DNR was able to purchase the property through a North American Wetlands Conservation Act grant.

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 Kossuth County include the Geigel Conservation Area, Scuffham Property, Smith Woods and others.

“The Iowa DNR appreciates this grant program and the hunters who fund it – along with the help of the Neusch family and the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation,” said Hellyer.

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