(Gillette Grove)– Work to reclaim and restore prairie on 425 acres of land in southern Clay county continues. The Iowa DNR acquired what’s known as the Callahan Tract from the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation in 2023. The land is located near Gillette Grove and is now part of the Little Sioux Wildlife Area.
Nearly 20 public and private organizations are involved in the reclamation process being led by The Nature Conservancy. Dustin Paulus, wildlife biologist with the Iowa DNR’s Prairie Lakes Unit Ruthven office says undesirable trees and brush have been removed from the prairie and that they plan to use fire to manage the area. He says one prescribed burn was conducted in 2024 with another planned in 2027.
Another project over the next few years will improve access to the Little Sioux River in that area, with a new concrete boat ramp and parking area. Plans call for the boat ramp to be located on the east side of the river, just north off Clay County Road B53, or 435th Street north of Gillette Grove. Officials say it will serve as an important component of the planned Inkpaduta Canoe Trail covering more than 200 miles, making it the longest inland water trail in Iowa.
