(Spirit Lake)– A restoration of Angler’s Bay on the northeast side of Big Spirit Lake is kicking into high gear.
The Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation is overseeing the 6.67 million dollar project involving two-thirds of a mile of shoreline.
The project is intended to protect some bulrushes and the aquatic ecosystem in that area.
Anita O’Gara of the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation says the DNR recently conducted a prescribed burn on the 93-acre site to clear invasive brush and stimulate native prairie plants.
O’Gara says heavy equipment will soon be on the site to restore three wetlands. She says about 15 ares around the largest wetland will be planted with a diverse prairie seed mix. A former hayfield and part of the original crop field will be farmed this year to prepare the ground for prairie restoration this fall.
O’Gara says a fence and shrubs will establish the north boundary of the public property.
She adds volunteers will be invited to help clean up the shoreline later in the year, and that clearing of the former building site has begun.
O’Gara says some large Bur Oak trees will be planted on the site, while some box elder, cottonwood and ash trees will be removed as they could interfere with the prairie/wetland restoration.
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources will own and manage the site once the preservation is completed.
O’Gara says they’re planning a dedication ceremony for the morning of Saturday, August 2nd, 2008. Activities will include guided pontoon rides along the bulrushes; bird watching; lessons on aquatic life with naturalists; and many others.
O’Gara says the event will also recognize the more than 1,000 people who donated money for the project, along with former landowners Don and Nancy Yarns and state lawmakers who approved major public funding.
