Land donation improves
Wildcat Bluff

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An Earth Day dedication at Wildcat Bluff Recreation Area on April 22nd will honor the land donation and lease that are improving the park's accessibility, security and educational opportunities.

The Benton County Conservation Board (BCCB) will honor Wendling Quarries and Manatt's, Inc. for their donation of seven acres to create a new entrance to Wildcat Bluff, located two miles south of Urbana. The companies also donated soil and clay fill from their adjacent property to elevate and relocate the entrance roadway.

The park's former entrance was subject to regular flooding, causing the park to close for many weeks each year. The new entrance will be school bus accessible, increasing the park's educational opportunities. The BCCB also intends to plant native prairie species, especially prairie flowers, along the entrance road to increase the site's beauty and teaching value. This is the park's first expansion.

Wendling Quarries also signed a long-term lease of two acres on the park's border on which a ranger residence will be built. The BCCB believes that having a ranger in residence will reduce vandalism and improve security at both the park and the neighboring quarry. The full-time ranger residence will be beneficial, too, for long-term goals of improving the park's campsites and hiking trail. The land is leased initially for 50 years, with an option for three 10-year extensions.

Wildcat Bluff has become one the county's most frequently visited parks because it has the best access to the Cedar River and the most abundant woodland area in the farmland-dominated county.

The dedication on April 22 will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10:30 a.m. for the nearly completed entrance. The public is welcome at this ceremony to mark the park's grand re-opening for the season.

Tony Manatt, president of Wendling Quarries and a partner in Manatt's, Inc., said, "We're pleased to be able to do this. I grew up in Scouting and I love the outdoors, so any time I'm in a position to give back, it's one of the things I enjoy most about my work. I'm hearing from people who enjoy camping at Wildcat and some who grew up fishing there and enjoying the area. They remember arriving at the park many times only to turn their cars and campers around because the entrance was flooded. Now they won't face that disappointment."

"Wendling Quarries has been wonderful to work with," said Gary Fordice, director for BCCB. "Not only did they donate the land for the new entrance but material to build it as well. Protecting the park would not be possible without their help,"

Benton County and Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation (INHF), a nonprofit conservation organization that protects Iowa's land, water and wildlife, asked Wendling Quarries to consider a land donation to address flooding and security problems. INHF shared its experience with land donations to help assist the process.

"This popular park will be even more attractive and secure, thanks to Wendling Quarries and Manatt's, Inc.," said Anita O'Gara, spokesperson for INHF. "Benton County is growing, and there is increasing interest in recreational areas. The companies' generous action will add to the quality of life for many people in this area."

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