(Des Moines)– There’s good news for efforts to protect some land on the northeast side of Big Spirit Lake from development.
The Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation says Anglers Bay has been awarded a 1.5 million dollar appropriation by the just completed session of the Iowa Legislature.
Anglers Bay consists of 3,500 feet of natural shoreline lined by bulrushes…a special vegetation that serves as a habitat for fish, birds and other wildlife. It’s one of the last remaining stands of bulrushes in the Iowa Great Lakes.
The Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation is purchasing the site for eventual transfer to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Once transferred, the 93-acre site will become a public area for wildlife habitat, low-impact recreation and bike trail access. The project has a total cost of 6.67 million dollars.
The 1.5 million appropriated by the legislature is part of a five million dollar public fundraising goal. The Department of Natural Resources has pledged two million from its budget over the next three fiscal years. Project supporters will request an additional 1.5 million during the next legislative session.
Meanwhile, the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation has begun raising 1.67 million from private sources…locally and throughout the state.
The land is currently owned by Don and Nancy Yarns who had previously considered building 35 or more houses on the site.
Project contributions, designated “Anglers Bay”, can be sent to the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation; 505 Fifth Avenue, #444; Des Moines, Iowa…50309.
Copyright GCI all rights reserved. Unauthorized publication or broadcast of this material is strictly prohibited.
