Big Spirit Lake – Anglers Bay

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Steve Anderson

We did it! INHF, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and many partners and friends have successfully protected 3,500 feet of shoreline along Big Spirit Lake!

The biggest remaining bulrush bed in Iowa’s Great Lakes system lies just offshore. The new, 93-acre Anglers Bay Wildlife Management Area is being restored to wetlands and prairie. It will be owned and managed by the Iowa DNR.

This is INHF’s most expensive land protection project ever! But the benefits are big as well.
This project will…

• preserve the natural lakeshore, its associated bulrush bed and the critical environmental benefits they provide    
• restore wetlands and establish a diverse prairie on former cropground,
• protect ecological and recreational values of the adjoining Hales Slough (a state-owned public wildlife area),
• provide trail access through the property for the Dickinson County Trail system, and
• secure public ownership and low-impact public enjoyment of an Iowa treasure.

Thanks to all who contributed to Anglers Bay! The $6.67 million funding goal has been met for acquisition, restoration and project management.

The funds raised for Anglers Bay will help partners leverage federal dollars to continue important conservation work in Dickinson and other northwest Iowa counties. All told, the $6.67 million Anglers Bay funding package will be the catalyst for eight North American Wetlands Conservation Act grants. These grants will result in the permanent protection of over 15,000 acres of critical landscape that will improve water quality and enhance fish and wildlife habitat.

Restoration of wetlands and prairie at the 93-acre site has begun. As part of the restoration, several native bur oak trees will be planted and invasive, non-native trees will be removed. A section of recreational trail will also be built to connect with the existing Dickinson County trail system.

Funds have been raised for acquisition and restoration. Gifts are still welcome to:

Learn more from the links below or by contacting Anita O’Gara or Cheri Grauer on our staff.

Links:

Project announcement, 11/05 news release
Detailed project description, Winter 2006 magazine
“Enhancing our Natural Heritage” (Reprinted with permission from Okoboji Magazine, Spring 2006). This full-length feature article discusses background information about the original landowners, local controversy around the project and INHF’s role in the project.
Legislature appropriates $1.5 million to project, 5/06 news release
Private fundraising now past halfway point, 6/06 news release
Anglers Bay update, Summer 2006 magazine
Anglers Bay Project meets milestones, 10/06 news release
Anglers Bay receives statewide support, 1/07 news release
Okoboji Foundation Grant marks 90 percent milestone, 6/07 news release
The Messengers of Healing Winds Foundation announces $70,000 challenge grant, 8/07 release
Anglers Bay project is now fully funded, 9/07 release

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