INHF protects key bend on Upper Iowa River

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Fulfilling a vision begun nearly 15 years ago, the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation (INHF) is transferring more than 1.5 miles of frontage along the Upper Iowa River in Winneshiek County to public ownership.

Back in 1990, the late Dick Young became alarmed that a local landowner was plowing right up to the banks of the Upper Iowa River-even turning his machinery in the river itself. Young-a Waterloo businessman, community leader and INHF member-purchased long, thin ribbons along two key river bends from that farmer and created a buffer to protect water quality. He then transferred the strips to INHF, hoping we'd someday acquire adjoining land to create a useable public site.

In the meantime, INHF expanded on Dick's vision by protecting other key sites nearby. For example, one of the Young parcels is located directly across from the dramatic Chimney Rock Bluffs, a river bend dubbed "calendar corner" because it's so popular with photographers. In 2001, landowners David and Bill Heine placed a conservation easement on Chimney Rocks Ranch with INHF. The other Young parcel is located just downstream. David and Kirsten Heine own land on the opposite bank, which INHF helped them enroll in the Wetland Reserve Program, a conservation easement administered by the Natural Resource Conservation Service. However, the land inside the Chimney Rocks bend remained unprotected-until now.

INHF finally achieved Young's dream in January 2004. We purchased the 100 acres adjoining the Young parcels from a private landowner. The additions are located across from the two conservation easements and by or near state and county parks, wildlife areas and Cold Water Creek trout stream.

"It happened just the way Dick predicted," said Mark Ackelson, INHF president. "The buffer strip stopped some of the worst erosion and, 14 years later, we finally got our chance to acquire the missing puzzle piece."

Major funding for the acquisition and initial management costs on the combined sites (140 acres) comes from the state Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP program), INHF's DK Prediger Upper Iowa Fund and land value donated by INHF. They will be owned and managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR).

Meanwhile, IDNR staff from the departments of fisheries, wildlife and forestry developed a joint site restoration plan. They plan to reconstruct 35 acres to a diverse prairie mix this fall. They'll restore woodland, including some hardwood plantings, on the remaining 105 acres over the next couple years.

Once protected and restored, the additions will offer many benefits. Permanent plantings will reduce the run-off now entering the river from these sites, especially during floods. Improved water quality will protect fishing habitat in this area, known for its trout and smallmouth bass. The restoration efforts will also provide wildlife habitat for nature walks or hunting turkey and deer.

The Upper Iowa River is a high-priority protection area for both INHF and IDNR. The Foundation has helped protect more than 21 sites (totaling more than 1,500 acres) on or near the river, including 15 sites protected since 2000.

"Dick Young saw it years ago, but now it seems like everyone is 'waking up' to this river's beauty and potential," noted Ackelson. "We're getting great public support for our Upper Iowa projects from local residents and landowners-and from people across the state. It's very satisfying to have saved one of the river's crown jewels through this project-but our work here is far from over."

The Upper Iowa River is Iowa's most popular canoe destination, particularly along this stretch by the Chimney Rock bluffs. This bend, home to some of the river's most dramatic scenery, is sometimes called "calendar corner" because it's so popular with photographers. INHF has protected nearly 1,000 acres along this key river segment-and more than 1,500 acres along the river as a whole. In addition to promoting tourism and quality of life, these projects protect water quality, wildlife and fishing.

INHF is transferring 140 acres, including the inside bend of the Upper Iowa River's Chimney Rock palisades (upstream from Bluffton), to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Private conser-vation easements, two new public additions and existing public sites have now protected nearly 1,000 acres along this popular river segment.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: The Upper Iowa River is a featured destination on the Explore Iowa section of INHF's website. Check it out for great photos, descriptions of the scenery and natural features, links to local amenities and more.

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