INHF projects receive REAP funding

By Katie on November 17, 2015 in Blog

Every year, REAP funding benefits Iowa’s great outdoors. This fall, a handful of REAP grants were awarded to INHF projects. Many of these projects are adjacent to rivers and waterways, and their protection will help to improve water quality in these areas. The INHF projects that received REAP grants are:

An Oak tree on the Doyle addition in Guthrie County.

Springbrook Wildlife Management Area, Doyle addition
Guthrie County
$112,725

An added 48 acres of land adjacent to Springbrook State Park and Springbrook Wildlife Management Area, the Doyle addition brings the entire complex up to 1,413 acres of protected land. The area is known for its wildlife habitat and contiguous oak/hickory wood.

The Kettlehole Prairie
Palo Alto County
$175,400

This 40-acre tract is a prioritized site because it contains a kettlehole: a geological feature formed when a block of glacial ice is separated and buried. When the ice melts, a hole is left behind and becomes a wetland. The property lies adjacent to other county and state wildlife areas, which border the Des Moines River. The goal is to restore the area to its natural habitat and form a more extensive corridor for wildlife and improve water quality.

Sedan Bottoms in Appanoose County.

Sedan Bottoms Wildlife Management Area, Ara May addition
Appanoose County
$232,500

The Ara May acquisition adds 136 acres to the northwestern part of Sedan Bottoms. The Wildlife Management Area protects prairies, savannas, forests and floodplains along the Chariton River. Eventually, the land is slated for transfer from INHF to the DNR.

Pechman Creek Delta and Iowa River Project
Johnson County
$673,297

This project protects wetland areas around the Iowa River. A 369.14 acre acquisition, the project supports the river system as a breeding site for fish, reptiles, amphibians and mussels.

Ingawanis Woodland in Bremer County.

Ingawanis Woodland
Bremer County
$302,899

This 140-acre addition along the Cedar River was formally part of the adjacent scout camp, and is perfect for county programming and public use. The area will be home to environmental outreach activities and conservation efforts. It is also home to an excellent system of mountain bike trails which double as hiking paths.

Glacial Ridge
Palo Alto County
$133,414

Another prioritized site, Glacial Ridge contains both its namesake and wildlife listed as Species of Greatest Conservation Need. The 46-acre area is rocky and hilly with remnant native grasses and forbs.

An Eastern Tiger Swallowtail on a wild Bergamot plant at Bohr WMA.

Bohr Wildlife Management Area addition
Winneshiek County
$95,250

This property along the Iowa River boasts woodlands, bluffs and former cropland. The area is home to deer, turkey, squirrel and grouse. REAP funding allowed for a 29.62 acre addition to the management area, bringing the total complex up to 990 acres.