EDDYVILLE DUNES AND WETLAND NEWS
by Glenda Buenger and Pat McAdams
Some 60 prairie enthusiasts visited the Dunes July 11th, traveling from
as
far away as Ames, Waterloo, Davenport and King City, MO. The field trip was
co-sponsored by IPN, Iowa Native Plant Society and Sierra Club, Central Iowa
Group. We viewed Pale-green orchids (which were out of bloom), prickly pear
cactus (a few of which were still in bloom), and the rare, newly-discovered
liverwort. We encountered a Regal fritillary and several snakes, glimpsed
six-lined racerunners, and marveled at the aerodynamics of dragonflies. All
in
all, a very fine day.
Bypass project update: The IDOT received a flood of comments protesting
the Near East Alternative (the route through the Dunes) and the shortcomings
of
the DEIS. Sincere thanks to all! The COE and EPA were not satisfied that
options less environmentally-damaging than the Near East had been adequately
considered. The EPA has designated the 182nd St. swale an ARNI - an Aquatic
Resource of National Importance. This area is now "hands-off" to direct
construction impacts.
The IDOT next proposed shifting the south end of the Near East mainline
1400'-1600' west, avoiding direct impacts to the 182nd St. swale and orchid
habitat. The design originally called for a 60' cut through the southwest
bluff
of the Dunes. In light of the fact that this would probably drain the
wetlands,
the IDOT then determined that the realignment would be accomplished by fill,
not
cut, thus avoiding hydrological impacts. The "west shift" proposal was
presented
to the Iowa Transportation Commission on June 30th.
A group of activists representing IPN, the Iowa Chapter of the Sierra
Club,
INPS, and the Iowa
Division of the Izaak Walton League attended the Commission meeting. Comment
time was limited to 10 minutes. The Commission approved the west shift prior
to
completion of the EIS and without, to our knowledge, a design or budget.
We are temporarily taking a "wait and see" position. A great deal
depends
on the design of the west shift and input from the agencies. Will the south
interchange location keep the sand prairie/wet swale at risk from future
development? NEPA requires consideration of such "reasonably foreseeable"
secondary and cumulative impacts. The west shift will not improve travel time
over the current route
through town, and will displace 2-3 more families. The north interchange,
which
impacts the second-largest remaining (and quite restorable) portion of the
Dunes, is still part of the plan. It will funnel significant traffic through
town past the elementary school. How will the IDOT justify the west shift in
the F(Final)EIS? Perhaps alternatives that were unfairly eliminated in the
DEIS
require a second, more careful look.
For a good overview of the project, contact Gary Hood (515) 239-1626 at
the
IDOT for a copy (free) of the transcript of the March 25th Location Public
Hearing. You will receive 487 pages of interesting reading. The transcript
includes letters from the public, DEIS comments from the IDNR, U. S. Fish and
Wildlife Service, COE and EPA, information about odonata and bryophyte
discoveries at the Dunes, and other good stuff such as the Dunes' land use
history, floral communities species lists, etc.
Our "human vocal cords" are slowly but steadily improving the outcome of
the Bypass project, ensuring survival for the Dunes. We will have to keep
working to get the right thing done at Eddyville, as soon as it becomes more
apparent what that might be! There will be more letters to write. We are
continually grateful for all the support received for the Dunes. It is our
insistent voices, steadfastly raised together, that will preserve this
remarkable place as part of our state's natural
heritage.
***
FUNDING STILL AVAILABLE FOR PRAIRIE AND WETLAND PROJECTS
by Cindy Hildebrand
Iowa chapters of Pheasants Forever are still looking for land that might
be
appropriate for acquisition through the Iowa Prairie and Wetland Partners
Fund,
discussed in the Spring Edition of the Iowa Prairie Network News. Through the
Fund, Pheasants Forever and the
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation have worked with several other partners
to
acquire unplowed pastureland next to Caylor Prairie, and several other
projects
are underway.
The Fund is specifically directed toward the acquisition of native
prairie
remnants and buffer areas, and Pheasants Forever and the Foundation deserve
help
in finding suitable projects. For more information, please contact Regional
Pheasants Forever Wildlife Biologist Jim Wooley at 515-774-2238 or Matt
O'Connor
at 319-926-2357.
***
SOME THOUGHTS ON PRAIRIE SALVAGE
by Cindy Hildebrand
Salvage. To the dictionary, it means "the act of saving
anything from danger." To the prairie enthusiast, it often means an extremely
unwelcome "opportunity" to rescue plants from a prairie remnant before it is
destroyed.
Salvage is a depressing prospect. But it can be even more depressing to
see a remnant destroyed if no salvage has been attempted. In the spirit of
trying to "salvage" bleak situations, I offer thoughts based on my (and
others') experiences.
1. When to salvage is a topic in itself. I've salvaged only from house or
road
construction sites when construction was imminent and inevitable, or from
mostly-excavated sites when further destruction was highly likely. Many
construction projects destroy a larger area than predicted by the builders.
I've heard the argument that salvage is also justified if a site is
deteriorating fast, species are disappearing, and there is no prospect of
improvement. Others argue strongly that salvage should be done only if
bulldozers are on the way. This issue deserves more discussion.
2. I strongly recommend getting permission. It's legal, ethical, makes
access
easier, and can be helpful in other ways. After I got permission from one
landowner and offered to pay a small sum to compensate for any inconvenience,
she called to warn me that someone
else's remnant was also being destroyed. Her phone call resulted in several
people saving many more plants.
3. Tree spades may be ideal, but my salvage has been done by hand, so I try
to
dig the largest plugs of plants and soil that my back can stand. Larger plugs
shelter more roots, seeds, and invertebrates, and can wait longer before being
planted.
I use a long narrow spade for digging, and lay plugs on top of large
sturdy
unopened plastic trash bags for transport. They are light, flexible, allow
more
plugs to fit in a vehicle, and can be grabbed and carried by two people. They
also help conserve moisture, and can be opened and used as trash bags after
the
salvage is over.
4. While plants survive better in cool, wet weather, I and others have
successfully moved plants in August heat when necessary. Large plugs and
follow-up watering helped.
5. "Success" (meaning the plant survives and reproduces for at least a few
years) depends a lot on matching the site where the plant came from and the
site
where it's going. For example, dry-sand plants may survive a season in wet
loam, but fail to reappear the following year.
Species vary greatly in their tolerance, but good soil and moisture
matches
mean better success. I'd opt for a good match over easier access when
choosing
a planting site.
6. Besides salvaging plants, I try to collect all possible ripe or
almost-ripe
seed from the doomed site. It's easier than digging, and saves more of the
genetic resource.
7. When choosing which species to rescue, I give priority to uncommon
species,
those which are difficult to grow from seed, and those with seed that is
seldom
collected. Often this means spring-blooming species, sedges, etc.
8. Weeds can flourish in the disturbed soil of a transplant site. Planting
the
plugs close together helps, but weeding is important, especially the removal
of
anything noxious that rode in with the refugees. I've had the most success
planting plugs in already-growing prairie reconstruction sites, either on the
edge or in bare
areas within the site. Putting plugs together in a prepared, tilled-soil area
also worked. Scattering them in Eurasian brome and hoping they would spread
did
not.
9. When planning a salvage, make sure there will be time and energy to
replant
everything that's dug. Replanting takes more time and energy than digging.
More people helping and more sites for replanting give more plants a chance to
survive.
10. Only a small percentage of the plants can be rescued from a salvage site,
and some mortality is inevitable. Salvage does not compensate for remnant
destruction, and anyone who thinks it does should be gently reeducated.
Saving
individual plants can be
rewarding, but more vital (though often more frustrating) is working to save
remnants through better land use.
11. Some native plant and gardening clubs in other states have developed
systematic salvage programs, including developer contacts, liability release
forms, group digs, and even plant sales. Is this needed or appropriate in
Iowa?
Feedback and further thoughts on
prairie salvage are welcome!
In the midst of waving grass
And ever-changing burst of color
We witness the glory of God’s creation,
Our tallgrass prairie home.
It welcomes our footsteps,
Quickens our hears,
And fosters a growing and steadfast
Love for the land.
12/6/96
Mark Sandvik
Volunteers Needed
The Driftless Area National Wildlife Refuge, owned by U. S. Fish and
Wildlife Service is looking for volunteers to identify prairie plant on their
refuge unit near Farmersburg, Iowa. The Driftless Area N.W.R. is making plans
to restore many acres of old hilly farm fields to prairie. Some of the land
is
degraded prairie, and help is needed to identify the plants. Seed collectors
are also needed to collect local seeds for restoration. For more information
contact: Kathy Henry,
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Driftless Area N.W.R.,
P.O. Box 460,
McGregor, Iowa 52157
or call (319) 873-3423.
IOWA PRAIRIE NETWORK ANNUAL MEETING
The annual meeting will be held at the Wapsi River Environmental Education
Center near Dixon, Iowa September 11 - 13, 1998. Camping is available on the
grounds. You may bring a sleeping bag and spread it on the floor at either
the
Eagle View Eco-Center or Red Tail Lodge. There is no extra charge for these
options. There is one cabin available which sleeps up to 6 persons at a cost
of
$35 a night. Let Carol know if you are interested.
Motels are also available at the Walcott exit from I-80, about 11 miles from
the Center. A Super 8 is on the grounds of the Iowa 80 truck stop. A new
Days
Inn is being built at the interchange and should be open by September. The
next
closest motel is the Comfort Inn at the Northwest Blvd. Exit in Davenport
about
25 miles from the Center. Many other motels are in the Davenport Area.
To get to the Center:
From Interstate 80, take the Walcott exit heading north on Y40 to Dixon. Turn
Left onto Y4E. Take this about a mile to 52nd Street. Turn right and
continue
into the Wapsi Center.
From Highway 30, turn south on Y4E. Take this to 52nd Street. Turn left and
continue to the Wapsi Center.
Agenda
Friday, September 11
Dinner on your own.
Arrive at the Wapsi Center, set up tents, explore.
8 pm at the campfire circle, there will be folk music by Don Jorgensen, a
singer songwriter, who has written some prairie folk songs.
Weather permitting, the observatory will be open later for those interested
in
star-gazing.
Saturday, September 12
7-9 am. Breakfast and Registration at the Eco-Center.
9-9:45 am. Dr. Tom Rosberg will give a presentation. Announcements and
opening
remarks will precede.
10 am. Leave for Duke Prairie. This is a Clinton County prairie of about 20
acres. It is a black soil prairie which has only been plowed once, about
100
years ago.
11:30 am. Lunch at the shelter in Westbrook Park in DeWitt. Those leaving
for
big Sand Mound will take their lunches with them on the road.
1 pm. Option One: Big Sand Mound. A high-quality and prairie south of
Muscatine owned by Mid- America Energy Corporation, and managed as a
preserve.
It is home to the endangered Illinois Mud Turtle. Access to the area is
usually very limited, but a field day is being held open to the public.
There is a $5 fee.
1 pm. Option Two: two prairies in Clinton County. The first is Manikowski
Prairie, a high-quality limestone prairie, with some species only found in
the western part of the state. It is a DNR preserve managed by the county
conservation board. The second prairie is a privately owned sand prairie
with some associated wetlands and interesting woodlands.
5:30 pm. Board Meeting.
6:30 pm. Dinner at the Wapsi Eco-Center.
8:00 pm. Dr. Hohdan Dziadyk, professor of Botany at Augustana College, Rock
Island, will speak on Ethnobotany and prairies.
There will be time for socializing afterwards and the observatory will be
open
if the night is clear.
Sunday, September 13
7:30-8 am. Breakfast at the Wapsi Center.
8:30-9 am. Announcements and farewells.
9:00 am. Leave for Rochester Cemetery. This is one of Iowa's best known
prairie sites. It is also one of the best examples of Savanna in the
midwest. It is always spectacular.
Please take time to explore the grounds of the Wapsi Center. There are
hiking
trails, a prairie planting, a native-plant butterfly garden and a shooting
range. See if you can find the coral-root orchids in bloom. The Eagle-view
Eco-Center features many displays, including one on prairies, a tank of native
fish, a number of different turtles, a couple of snakes, and a Screech owl and
American Kestrel. This 220 acre site was a former Boy Scout camp, it is now
jointly owned and manage
Erma Selser
Grand View College
1200 Grandview Ave.
Des Moines, IA 50316
515-263-2905