INHF protection projects receive 2016 REAP grants
By Sarah LeBlanc on November 23, 2016 in Blog
Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation is excited to announce five INHF projects that were awarded REAP (Resource Enhancement and Protection program) grants this year. REAP grants help INHF complete protection projects that aid in protecting water sources, creating wildlife habitat, expanding conservation programs and maintaining land. INHF works in conjunction with county conservation boards to complete protection projects and acquire funding.
Dickinson County was awarded $75,600 for the Milford Creek Wildlife Area. By funding this project, the county will be able to protect 35 acres of prairie near the town of Milford, creating a recreation space for the community and expanding conservation land protection and programming.
Buchanan County was given $185,500 for the Roberts Wildlife Area – Wapsi Corridor connection. With this grant, Buchanan County will be able to acquire 110 acres of forest, wetlands and grassland along the Wapsipinicon River shoreline and connect to existing protected land in Black Hawk and Buchanan counties. This piece of land will form 512 acres of adjoining public land in the Wapsipinicon River Corridor Public Waters Area.
Butler County was awarded $190,700 to acquire almost 97 acres adjacent to the West Fork Forest Access Area. By expanding this property, the location would grow to a 204-acre public use area open to hunting, fishing and hiking.
In addition to these projects, INHF projects received two REAP Public-Private Cost-Share grants totaling over $510,000.
Fremont County was awarded both of these grants. The first of the two recipients, Botna Bottoms, was awarded $135,750 to combine two Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP)/Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) properties into a 179-acre area. This area is especially important because it has a host of wildlife habitat like grassland, sedge meadow and wetland. By funding this project, it will be possible to hunt on the land and improve the wildlife and plant habitat and water quality.
Biscuitroot Bluff was awarded a grant of $378,972 to protect and acquire around 173 acres of property along the Loess Hills Scenic Byway, which encompasses Loess Hills prairie and oak woodlands. This location will be used for wildlife and plant habitat as well as public uses like hunting and simply enjoying the view.