(Okoboji)– The public will have a firsthand opportunity later this month to learn about the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation’s plans to preserve Angler’s Bay on the northeast side of Big Spirit Lake.
The foundation got involved in the effort after Don and Nancy Yarns, who own the land in that area, agreed last October to sell the land to the foundation instead of proceeding with a development that would have consisted of 35 or more houses. Environmentalists were concerned the development would destroy the last remaining bed of bulrushes in the Iowa Great Lakes…an aquatic plant known for its ability to improve water quality and provide fish habitat.
Long-term plans call for the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation to turn the 93 acres of land over to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. The site will eventually become a public area for habitat, prairie and wildlife restoration, and low-impact recreation and bike trail access.
Total cost of the project is 6.67 million dollars, which the Natural Heritage Foundation is currently working to raise.
A public reception to further explain the effort will be held Wednesday, June 21st from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. at the Lakes Art Center in Okoboji. A short program will be held at 6:00 p.m. Staff and board members of the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation will be on hand for the event.
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