INHF's 2001 REAP projects

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by Cara Hall

While INHF receives no state funds for our operations, many of our land protection projects depend on major state grant support for their success. These six INHF projects were funded in large part by 2001 REAP grants.

1. Pine Lake State Park Addition, Hardin County

This 68-acre property borders Pine Lake State Park on the Iowa River. Its woodland, sandstone bluffs and deep ravine will expand wildlife habitat, improve water quality and extend the local hiking trail system. INHF submitted the REAP grant and is providing interim ownership. INHF's Gunderson Family Fund provided matching dollars.

2. Sewell Park, Palo Alto County

The late Gene Sewell owned this parcel for 50 years and felt strongly that it should be open to the public, rather than privately developed. He made a bargain sale to INHF. We held the property until the City of Emmetsburg could raise REAP funds. The city will add a boat dock and covered picnic area to their new Sewell Park.

3. Big Springs, Clayton County

photo by Darrel Mills/INHF

Big Springs, an 11-acre wooded property, is located in Guttenberg along the Great River Road. It overlooks the Mississippi River and contains a scenic, year-round spring and stream. INHF initiated the discussion with the school board, which owned the property, and wrote the REAP grant application for the city. The City of Guttenberg plans to develop the site for picnicking and hiking.

4. Gateway Park and Preserve, Iowa County

This 131-acre site contains two lakes, cropland, wetland and timber--plus nesting habitat for bald eagles. INHF helped the community outline the project and then write the REAP grant application. The Iowa County Conservation Board will mange the park, which will provide public fishing, boating, hiking, biking, wildlife viewing and environmental education. A prairie reconstruction is also planned.

photo by Perry Thostenson/INHF

5. Indian Bluffs Wildlife Area, Jones County
This 40-acre addition to the scenic Indian Bluffs Wildlife Area features spectacular geological features, includng twin rock towers called "Chimney Rock." INHF assisted with landowner negotiations, prepared the REAP grant application and provided interim ownership. The property will be managed by DNR as an undeveloped public recreation area. Tree planting and prairie/savanna reconstruction on crop fields are planned.

6. Manikowski Prairie Preserve, Clinton County

This 134-acre addition will nearly quadruple the size of the preserve, which contains rare limestone prairie. The addition contains native prairie, cropland and an abandoned railroad corridor. The Clinton County conservation Board plans to restore and expand the native prairie and convert the railroad bed to a hiking trail. INHF helped negotiate the acquisition, prepare the REAP grant application and secure matching funds from Alliant Energy Foundation.

Cara Hall was a Svare/Buckmaster Intern. She is a Drake University graduate with a degree in magazine journalism.

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