Dear Director Vonk:

Like other Iowa conservationists, we in the Iowa Prairie Network (IPN) are following the reorganization of the Department of Natural Resources with great interest.  We have taken this opportunity to outline what we consider desirable prairie policies, with the hope and intent that they will be incorporated into the final policies of the "new" Iowa DNR.

Wherever prairie work ends up within the new DNR structure, prairies need special consideration.  This includes a focus on restoring and protecting our surviving prairie remnants (defined as prairie that has never been plowed);  proper management of reconstructed prairies; and establishment of policies that will ensure good quality in  future prairie work.  Putting these principles in place will allow Iowans today and in the future the opportunity to visit well-managed prairie remnants and high-quality reconstructed prairies.

The IPN greatly appreciates the efforts by the DNR staff to locate and manage prairie remnants on DNR land, and we are pleased with the efforts of the Forests and Prairies Division to identify prairie remnants on private land and provide management advice to the owners.  It is critical that private owners of prairie remnants continue to receive reliable advice to meet their various management goals.   We also appreciate DNR prairie reconstruction work and efforts to improve the quality of older reconstructions on DNR land.  While these reconstructions don't have the irreplaceable value of remnants, they are still extremely important, and many Iowans, including IPN members, appreciate the beauty, wildlife, recreation, and soil and water conservation they provide.   
 
We particularly support the principles that have guided DNR Forests and Prairies Division prairie work.  These were developed with input from prairie experts both inside and outside the DNR and include: an emphasis on prairie remnants as our most important prairie resource, encouraging diversity of both plant and animal species, long term control of invasive and exotic species, and strong emphasis on the use of local-ecotype seed.   We feel these basic concepts should be applied to all Iowa DNR prairie work.    We also favor the exclusive use of local-ecotype seed on DNR land, with planting schedules planned according to seed availability.  

It seems reasonable to envision both public and private prairies being overseen by a coordinated group of prairie specialists who have the knowledge and resources to ensure that all DNR-affected prairie ground, remnant and reconstructed, private and public, is appropriately managed.   An ideal complement to this group of specialists would be a trained educator assigned with public outreach.   An education program is needed     both to explain the value of prairies to the general public, and to provide reliable information to the growing number of Iowans who want to manage or establish prairies on their land.

We appreciate your consideration of the points we have outlined as the DNR reorganization proceeds, and we would welcome the opportunity to discuss them further. 

Sincerely,

Inger Lamb,

President, Iowa Prairie Network