DNR adds to public trout stream corridor

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Note: This page last updated 10-14-2004

FOR RELEASE: IMMEDIATELY
CONTACT: Cathy Engstrom, INHF: 800/475-1846 or 515/288-1846
(Cathy after Hours: 515/331-7709)
Bill Kalishek, DNR Fisheries: 563/382-8324

Graphics available on request: photo of brook trout and map of protected stream

DNR adds to public trout stream corridor

In a project that will bring smiles to both anglers and conservationists, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is acquiring another 40 acres along Iowa's premiere stream for brook trout.

The site is located on South Pine Creek in Winneshiek County, about eight miles northeast of Decorah. It adjoins other state-owned areas just downstream. Like them, the addition will be open for public catch-and-release trout fishing. South Pine Creek supports Iowa's highest population of naturally reproducing brook trout, the state's only native trout species.

The Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation (INHF), a nonprofit conservation group, purchased the site on contract from David Dinger in 1998. INHF used funds donated by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Hawkeye Fly Fishing Association and INHF's Trout Stream Protection Revolving Fund.

Last month, soon after INHF completed the contract purchase, IDNR approved purchasing the site from INHF for the remaining $5,000 project balance. The transfer is in process.

INHF, which has protected nearly 80,000 acres of Iowa's natural lands, began helping the IDNR acquire public parcels along South Pine Creek in 1994. The latest addition puts the entire upper half of the stream corridor in public ownership, 227 acres in all.

"Without the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, we wouldn't have any protection on this stream," said Bill Kalishek, IDNR Fisheries Biologist. "With this newest addition, they offered a great bargain to the DNR and to the people of Iowa."

Mark Ackelson, INHF president, noted that local landowners also deserve much credit. "Brook trout are a fussy species that demand pristine, free-flowing water," said Ackelson, "The reason they survived in South Pine Creek is because it's surrounded by very responsible landowners, like David Dinger, who used good farming practices and protected the stream's integrity. Many other Iowa streams weren't so fortunate."

Dinger also sold INHF a conservation easement on 20 acres just off the creek. The easement restricts Dinger and future owners from adding buildings, feedlots and other uses that could damage the stream's integrity-while allowing him to continue farming existing fields, conduct sustainable timber harvests and maintain private use and ownership. In addition to transferring the 40 acres to IDNR, INHF also transferred responsibility for monitoring this easement.

When INHF and IDNR first began protecting South Pine Creek in 1994, it was Iowa's only source for naturally reproducing brook trout. IDNR biologists later discovered that the stream's brook trout were genetically distinct from those found anywhere else in the world.

Over the years, IDNR fisheries staff have bred South Pine's trout and placed populations in select area streams to improve their odds for long-term survival.

"Protecting the land was important," said Ackelson. "However, long-term management efforts by IDNR staff and volunteer support from private groups like the Hawkeye Fly Fishermen have further ensured the site's integrity-whether you look at it as a conservationist or a trout fisherman."

Brook trout, more fondly known as "brookies," are popular with fishermen who like a challenge. "Brookies are hard to catch," noted Marion Conover, IDNR Fisheries Bureau Chief. "These trout are smarter than the ones we get out of the hatchery. They're pretty wise."

Like the previously protected parcels, the new addition will be open for public catch-and-release trout fishing. Fishermen must park along the road and hike a mile to get to the creek.

Kevin Baskins, IDNR's Communications Bureau Chief, noted that his department has fielded many out-of-state information requests about Iowa's trout fishing. "Iowa's trout fishing doesn't takes a backseat to anyone," Baskins said. "We're also the one of the few states in the region that offers year-round trout fishing."

More information on South Pine Creek and its genetically unique trout can be found at www.inhf.org or http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/fishing/trout/spine.html.

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