IOWA PRAIRIE AND WETLAND PARTNERS FUND: A GRANT PROGRAM OF PHEASANTS

FOREVER AND THE NATIONAL FISH AND WILDLIFE FOUNDATION

by Cindy Hildebrand

The information below was taken from a brochure provided by Pheasants

Forever, Inc. Thank you to Pheasants Forever and the National Fish and

Wildlife

Foundation for their interest in protecting Iowa's native prairie remnants.

For more information on this grant program, please contact a Regional

Pheasants Forever Wildlife Biologist. In southern Iowa, contact Jim Wooley at

515-774-2238 (PH/FX). In northern Iowa, contact Matt O'Connor at 319-926-2357

(PH/FX).

"The objective of the Iowa Prairie and Wetland Partners Fund is to

provide

challenge funding to stimulate acquisition of a vanishing heritage for Iowans

native prairie remnants and the buffer areas surrounding them which could

serve

to protect and expand these tracts. It is imperative to place as many of

these

prairies in public ownership as possible to enhance their wildlife potential

and

to forestall future degradation. Iowa's 98 individual Pheasants Forever

chapters and the Iowa Pheasants Forever Trust Fund will work in concert with

public wildlife agencies and partner conservation

organizations to achieve that objective.

To assist in this endeavor, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation has

issued a $100,000 challenge grant to PF to match against like amounts from

chapters and the Iowa PF Trust. Agencies must match these funds at a minimum

level of 67%, and agree to own properties.

Agency matching funds may include REAP Open Spaces and Public/Private

Programs, discretionary acquisition monies of County Conservation Boards, and

the DNR's Wildlife Habitat Stamp Fund. Agencies may seek additional matching

funds from groups, foundations,and corporate and individual donors.

The grant period extends to January 1, 1999. The Fund addresses

acquisition funding only, not personnel or materials needs. Existing native

prairie tracts are

priorities for acquisition. Location of wetlands within

prairie tracts will enhance the potential of these areas to

receive funding. Non-prairie grasslands associated with

native prairie will score somewhat lower, with crop land areas ranking lowest.

Larger tracts (greater than 25 acres) will receive enhanced project

ranking. Restoration potential (by burning, etc.) will be a factor in ranking

the project. Potential for expanding the area will also be a factor in

ranking

the project.

Address: Pheasants Forever, Inc.

Jim Wooley/Matt O'Connor

1205 Ilion Ave.

Chariton, IA 50049

***

IOWA FORESTRY "COMMON GROUND" MEETING

by Cindy Hildebrand

On February 26, a round table discussion was sponsored by the Iowa Society

of American Foresters. The meeting was designed to allow a

diverse group of Iowans representing many different interests and

organizations

concerned with forestry to discuss Iowa forestry issues.

The purpose was to find common goals and concerns, and to explore the

possibility of forming some kind of Iowa forestry coalition.

With the permission of the Iowa Prairie Network Board, I represented the

IPN

at the meeting. Four of the prairie-related issues I raised were the planting

of trees on prairie remnants, the loss of prairie remnants to encroachment by

trees and shrubs, the use of fire in Iowa woodland and savanna management, and

the issue of whether land in areas like the Loess Hills should be managed as

prairie or woodland.

Meeting participants included owners of private woodlands, tree farmers,

representatives of various conservation and farm organizations, and academic

specialists in forestry. By the end of the day, we had listed some areas of

common concern, and a future coalition may now be a possibility.

At some point, the Iowa Prairie Network may be invited to join an Iowa

forestry coalition. For more information, contact Cindy Hildebrand at (515)

232-3807.

***

WHAT'S UP WITH "PRAIRIES IN BLOOM"?

by Jaime Edwards, Iowa Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Diversity

Program

It has been a while since I last spoke to the IPN Board regarding the

Prairies in Bloom pilot project, which is being spearheaded as a potential

statewide program under the Teaming With Wildlife Initiative. Before the

update, let me briefly explain what this project entails.

The goal of Prairies In Bloom is to increase native prairie plant

diversity

and prairie wildlife habitat on state, county, and private land across Iowa.

Along with increasing diversity, the project would like to enhance current

private landowner (cooperative) programs for establishing native prairie

plants,

and also provide stewardship workshops on the importance of native prairie

plants and how to go about establishing them. The final goal of this project

to provide additional seed sources for the public and private sector, with an

emphasis on Iowa ecotype seed.

With this final goal in mind, the Wildlife Diversity Program has met with

members of the Iowa Grower's Association to discuss the possibility of using

prairie plant leases on state lands, in a manner similar to current crop

leases.

We have also talked with prairie organizations such as IPN, as well as members

of other projects, including the Integrated Roadside Vegetation Management

Program and the Iowa Ecotype Project.

We are now at the stage where we want all interested parties in one room

develop a solid, workable project that can function on a statewide basis. By

the time this update reaches you, many of the "affected" groups will have met

develop a proposal that would outline how this project would work and whether

can be successfully integrated with current prairie projects.

At this point, nothing is written in stone, and there needs to be a lot

discussion before any proposal can be developed. I would like to apologize

for

not getting a meeting notice out in time to invite more of you to participate

this process. However, if you would like to find out what happened at the

March

4th meeting, or if

you have some concerns, comments, or specific issues you would like to see

addressed, please get in contact with me. I can be reached at (515) 432-2823

at 1436 255th St., Boone, IA 50036 or through Emil at www.wdiversity@aol.com.

will be sure to keep IPN informed of what transpires through "Prairies In

Bloom"

discussions, and I always welcome your input. Thank you for all your

conservation efforts.

***

Eddyville Dunes and Wetlands Update

by Glenda Buenger

The IDOT’s preferred route for the Eddyville Bypass will severely impact

the

best of the Eddyville Dunes and Wetlands. This unique natural area harbors an

amazing biodiversity, including state protected plants and animals. The Draft

Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the project is available for public

comment. To obtain a copy contact: Mr. Ron Ridnour, IDOT Office of project

planning, Ames 50010; phone (515) 239-1613. Comments are due April 13. A

public hearing is set for March 25, 7:00 PM at the High School in Eddyville.

How many engineers does it take to screw up an Environmental Assessment?

Three: one to find an ink pen, one to hold the paper, and one to sign the

FONSI.

How big a consulting firm does it take to mess up an Environmental Impact

Statement? Beware! The DEIS contains inaccuracies and misinformation

prejudicing selection of the “near east” alternative, the IDOT’s preferred

route

through the Dunes. Alternatives which avoid the Dunes have been designed so

to be eliminated. The endangered orchid habitat and the wet swale at 182nd

St.

are mapped erroneously, to “minimize” damage. According to the DEIS, the sand

prairie at 182nd St. contains prairie coreopsis and pale purple coneflower,

which it does not. Nimblewill grass is stated as prominent in the wet swale,

which it is not. This kind of work got the IDOT into trouble in the first

place!

We are, all of us, the “human vocal cords” for the Dunes. We can

discredit

the DEIS. Please send your comment by April 13 to Mr. Harry Budd, Office of

Project Planing, IDOT, Ames, 50010. Please also send a copy or your letter to

Mr. Neal Johnson, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Clocktower Building, P.O. Box

2004, Rock Island, IL 61204. The Corps is interested in the least

environmentally damaging practical alternative. You letter supports the Corps

’

stance.

In a related matter, Representative Bill Witt, (D. District 23, Black Hawk

Co.) has sponsored a bill in the Iowa legislature requiring the IDOT to use

Dunes right-of-way acquired for the original alignment for green space. H. F.

2358 would effectively eliminate the preferred route through the Dunes,

directing the IDOT toward a compromise. H. F. 2358 may not make it as a bill,

but take on a new life later this session as an amendment.

If you would like to receive the Dunes newsletter, please contact Glenda

Buenger, 2282 Teller Avenue, Rose Hill, IA. 52586 or (515) 632-8308 or e-mail:

mcadamsp@wmpenn.edu. The next Dunes newsletter contains information about the

DEIS.

***

News of the Loess Hills

by Glenn Pollock president IPN

Pressure on the hills continues due to housing development, soil mining

and

alien plant invasion. Harrison and Mills Counties are among the fastest

growing areas in the state. The hills still contain large areas of virgin

natural areas. The hills do have friends. The Des Moines Register has run a

series of editorials in support of a National Park for the hills. Iowa State

Senator Michael Gronstal (Council Bluffs) and Senator Steve Hansen (Sioux

City)

introduced a resolution in the Iowa Senate to ask Federal Protection of the

Loess Hills. Senator Hubert Houser and Rep Donna Barry who have supported a

State sponsored Loess Hills conference currently in the form of HSB 555. Rep

Bill Witt of Marion has introduced a bill named as the Buffland bill. This

bill

would provide a revolving fund to purchase and/or protect both Loess hills and

Mississippi river Buffland. The IPN, Iowa TNC, Loess Hills Preservation

Association, Iowa Natural Heritage, County Conservation Boards and many

private

people are doing their best to protect the hills but more work needs to be

done. We at IPN will keep you informed as to how you can help protect our

natural heritage. It will take considerable work to convince the people of

Western Iowa that protecting the Hills can provide more economic gain than

mining them for fill dirt.

***

SAVE THE PIECES

by Cindy Hildebrand

The Polk County Conservation Board recently approved a program intended to

help save county natural areas. The program, called "Save the Pieces," will

focus on protecting prairies, woodlands, wetlands, riparian areas, and other

open space for conservation uses. Emphasis will be on protecting significant

areas through conservation easements.

The Board has approved $25,000 in first-year money for "Save the Pieces,"

and most of the money will pay a temporary staff person. Work will include

the

inventory and evaluation of natural areas, publicizing the project, and

contacting landowners.

For information, contact Loren Lown at 515-999-2557.

***

IPN Grant Requests

by Martha Skillman

One of the first grant requests funded by IPN in April 1997 was from

Pleasantville FFA in Marion County. Vocational Agriculture instructor Monte

Collins developed a list of burn equipment that would enable a supervised

group

of students to do controlled burns on remnant prairie. In the past, they have

been dependent on Red Rock Army Corps of Engineers equipment in their

management

of a native remnant on Corps land. They were often left empty-handed in good

burn weather when Corps staff were using it. $250.00 did not cover everything

but with funds for back-pack sprayers and our solid support they are now

approaching other organizations for more money. Local Region 6 IPN people

have

shown Collins and students other remnants in need of fire. They have gone on

approach one land owner to tell him he has a rare treasure. The owner

explained

"the weeds" were there because his bulldozer broke down 20 years ago and he

has

not gotten back to it! Collins hopes they can help the owner decide to burn

and preserve it. The FFA and adviser Collins have also committed to burn a

remnant for another landowner. The Marion County News reported the grant

award,

tying it into an excellent article on prairie. The students sent us a proper

thank-you note. They are getting an education.

Natural History Week at Iowa Lakeside Laboratory

Natural History Week at Lakeside Laboratory will be August 10 - 14, 1998.

Seven courses will be offered this year for those interestered in learning

about Iowa’s natural history and resources. The courses are as follows:

Amphibians and Reptiles (Michael Lannoo)

Nature Photography (Thomas Rosburg)

Mushroom and Other Fungi (Lois Riffany)

Fish Biology (Niel Bernstein)

Prairies and Prairie Restoration (Paul Christiansen)

Life in Lakes (Ken Lang)

SCUBA Diving (Jerome Symons)

These courses meet Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM. so only one

course can be taken. Enrollment is limited to 10 students. One credit can

obtained by registering either through one of the regents universities of Iowa

Lakes Community College. These courses can also be taken on a non-credit

bases.

Room and board will be available at Lakeside at the normal student rates.

Two other short courses will be offered this summer--Field Archaeology

will

be taught as a one-week course during four different weeks, May 26 - 29, June

-5, June 8 -12, and June 15-19 by Joseph Tiffany from Iowa State University.

Birds and Birding will be taught June 22-26 by Neil Bernstein from Mount Mercy

College.

Other courses being offered during the summer of 1998 are --First Term

(May

25 or May 31-June 19): Archeology, Ecology, Environmental Geology of Northwest

Iowa, Fish Ecology, Wetland Ecology; Second Term (June 21-July 17): Aquatic

Biology, Ecology and Systematics of Diatoms, Evolution, Plant Taxonomy,

Prairie

Ecology; Third Term (July 19-August 7 or 14): Freshwater Invertebrates, Field

Mycology, Landscape Approaches to Environmental Planning, Plant-animal

Interactions, Soil Genesis and Landscape Relationships.

The laboratory is located on 140 acres on the shores of West Okaboji

Lake.

All courses offer hands-on learning. Most of the campus is a nature preserve

used as a living classroom in Lakeside courses. A large part of the campus

has

been restored to prairie. The Iowa Great Lakes region has some of the best

natural areas remaining in the state. This makes it an ideal location for

studying prairies, lakes, rivers, wetlands, fens and forests and their flora

and

fauna.

For more information about Lakeside, contact the Lakeside Administration

Office (131 Bessey Hall, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011-1020; phone

(515)

294-2488; email lakeside@iastate.edu) or log onto our Web site

(http://www.public.iastate.edu/~Lakeside). The complete 1998 Iowa Lakeside

Laboratory Bulletin and registration form is on the Web.

***

OF OTHER NOTE

"America's Prairie: Where the Sky Began" will be broadcast on the

Discovery Channel's series: "Wild Discovery". The film explores the natural

and

social history of the Tallgrass prairie. Filmed in Iowa, Kansas, Illinois and

Missouri, the film includes on-camera interviews with Steve Packard, Pauline

Drobney, Jim Ronda, and Wes Jackson. Discovery has not given a definite air

date but if you want to find out more call them at (301) 986-0444.

***

Pioneer Cemetery Opportunities

by Pam White

The State Association of Pioneer Cemeteries was formed in 1996 to stop

deteriation and neglect of rural cemeteries. Many counties, such as Mahaska,

have established commissions to locate and record burials in pioneer

cemeteries

and make necessary repairs. Iowa code provides these commissions with the

authority to plant prairie grasses and flowers. Members of this Cemetery

Association are working as members of these commissions and as individuals to

restore pioneer cemeteries.

It seems this is a terrific opportunity for IPN members to fulfill our

purpose of teaching, learning, enjoying and protecting the prairie. There

could

also be mutually beneficial exchanges of information about locations. IPN

members could also provide knowledge and assistance in identifying and

propagating native plants.

There is the prospect of an article about the IPN in the Cemetery

Associations’s newsletter, so if any one contacts you, please try to help them

or put them in touch with someone who can. However, if you are excited about

this idea, don’t wait to be contacted. Find out if your county has a cemetery

commission or contact the Cemetery Association President, Pat Shaw at (319)

489-3361 to volunteer your expertise and enthusiasm.

***

Update on Engeldinger Marsh Road Project in Polk County

Engeldinger Marsh is a high quality prairie pothole located about 15 miles

north of Des Moines. It has incredible diversity and its species include more

than 300 plants, 19 mammals, 82 birds and 15 reptiles and amphibians.

Plans for upgrading Highway 65/330, that passes through Engeldinger Marsh,

include construction of two or more lanes to improve traffic safety and

efficiency. The Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT) proposes widening

the

road through the marsh, thus damaging and endangering some of the wetland.

Others have suggested that because of the rare sedge meadow and wet prairie

ecosystem, the additional two lanes should go around the marsh.

Several years ago a group of concerned citizens formed Friends of Native

Iowa, to look at alternatives for widening of the highway through the marsh.

Presently we are waiting for the IDOT to release the Environmental Assessment

(EA). After reviewing the EA, Friends will respond to the IDOT document. We

need help from scientists, educators and interested individuals to pro

Erma Selser

Grand View College

1200 Grandview Ave.

Des Moines, IA 50316

515-263-2905