BLACK HAWK COUNTY (IA) CHAPTER #58--HABITAT/CONSERVATION

$25,000 PROVIDED TOWARDS 177-ACRE LAND PURCHASE

TO EXPAND BRETT KLIMA WILDLIFE AREA

The Black Hawk County Chapter of Pheasants Forever has assisted the Black Hawk County Conservation Board to acquire 177 acres of land for conservation, hunting, and recreation purposes by providing $25,000.00.

This property is located just north of the La Porte City northern boundary and just east of the Cedar Valley Nature Trail. The 752-acre Brett Klima Wildlife Area adjoins this 177-acre parcel on the north, east, and west.

These 177 acres, along with the Brett Klima Wildlife Area, will be managed for wildlife habitat and hunting purposes. The area will be open for hunting, trapping, and fishing. An access road and parking area will be constructed on the west side of the 929-acre wildlife area. Vehicular access will be restricted. Food plots and winter cover will be planted. Further wetland developments and habitat areas will be investigated.

The Black Hawk County Chapter of PF donated $15,000.00 to assist in purchasing this land, in addition to requesting and receiving a matching grant from the Iowa Pheasants Forever Trust Fund. The total cost of this land acquisition was $407,100.00. The Black Hawk County Conservation Board budgeted up to $200,000.00 for this purchase, and the Cedar Valley Wetlands Foundation donated $18,000.00. Some other organizations and agencies contacted for contributions were Ducks Unlimited and The Turkey Federation. In addition, a REAP Grant and a Habitat Stamp Grant were written.

Also, Black Hawk County Chapter Ed Griffith sent out letters to several Eastern Iowa Pheasants Forever chapters in July, requesting chapter donations to assist with this project. Our chapter strongly feels this habitat and hunting area will benefit sportsmen and sportswomen in all of Eastern Iowa.