NOTE: Since this magazine article appeared, we have updated the story
This article first appeared in INHF's Winter 2007 magazine.
The Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation has already protected 25 sites in the Upper Iowa River corridor—but the 26th is going to be a whopper!
INHF has signed a purchase agreement for 1,235 acres in Allamakee County. It’s part of the property owned by the late Forrest and Gladys Ryan.
The site’s many assets include
- 3 1/4 miles of the Upper Iowa River, including important new canoe access;
- some of the finest, steep, rocky south-facing prairies ('goat' prairies) in Iowa;
- abundant wildlife, such as bald eagles, pileated woodpeckers, deer and wild turkey;
- several vantage points that provide spectacular views of the river valley; and
- shared boundary with Pine Creek, a 625-acre site owned by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. The Iowa DNR hopes to eventually own and manage the Ryan property as well.
In an ideal world, we wouldn’t take on another complex, multi-million dollar project while we’re still working on Anglers Bay at Big Spirit Lake, the Central Iowa Trails network and other major efforts. But the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation was created because the world isn’t ideal—because conservation opportunities don’t wait until it’s convenient.
As a result, this next year won’t be easy, but it will sure be exciting—and you’ll be hearing a lot more about this project. Stay tuned for updates and donation opportunities.
For more information, e-mail Cathy Engstrom, Director of Communications, or call (515) 288-1846.
