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55430-1779
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Iowa Conservation Projects

	DEEPER POND DELIGHTS NEIGHBORHOOD Many young anglers now have the opportunity to go fishing for the first time, thanks to Wildlife Forever’s support of a pond-dredging project in the city of Maquoketa, Iowa. More than 16,100 cubic yards of material, including silt and debris, were removed from Horseshoe Pond. The operation took nearly six weeks and increased the depth of the pond an additional 12 feet. The deeper water is helping fish to survive freezing winter conditions. The Horseshoe Pond is home to bass, channel catfish, bluegills, and other sunfish. Other improvements at the site included installation of a disabled angler access pier and a hard surface trail.
	LOCAL COMMUNITY & WILDLIFE FOREVER RESTORE WETLAND A wetland that was drained in 1859 was reclaimed thanks to support from Wildlife Forever. The Bena Brook Wetland near Cedar Rapids, Iowa was drained during railroad construction nearly 150 years ago, but after years of volunteer effort and assistance from groups like Wildlife Forever, numerous species of waterfowl, songbirds, fish, and reptiles are returning to the three-acre wetland. The project required bulldozers and other heavy equipment to remove more than 30,000 cubic yards of sediment from the site. Schoolchildren were recruited to help to plant much of the new vegetation in the refurbished area. Education is a major focus of the new wetland, as walkways and observation decks will allow for wildlife viewing and educational opportunities.
	CRITICAL WOODLAND CONSERVED IN HANCOCK COUNTY The Hancock County Conservation Board acquired 64 acres of upland habitats thanks in part to Wildlife Forever. With the acquisition of the Eldred Sherwood Timber, adjacent to the Iowa DNR Goodell Wildlife Area, a 235 acre outdoor recreation/wildlife complex has been created. The acquired parcel is one of the last remaining stands of native woodland in the county, and will provide birding and pheasant, deer, and turkey hunting opportunities for the public. The acquisition will also ensure the future protection of a small portion of the east branch of the Iowa River and its watershed. Local conservationists plan to convert a large portion of the 10 acre pasture to a mixed grass and forb tallgrass prairie. A small portion of the pasture will be converted to a wildlife food plot, and various native shrubs and trees will also be planted to provide additional food and cover for wildlife.
	MORE WETLANDS IN CARROL COUNTY Wetlands contain more plants and animals per acre than any other type of ecosystem. With that in mind, your support was used to help create an area of habitat in Carroll County, Iowa. The constructed wetlands consists of approximately ½ acre of deep water and 1 ½ acres of cattails which were introduced to enhance nitrate reduction. The nine acres of upland area around the wetlands was created with a native grasses mixture. The area has an adequate water supply, even during moderate dry spells. The project was another example of a successful partnership between local and national groups. In addition to you, project partners included the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Carroll County Soil and Water District and the Carroll County Chapter of Pheasants Forever.