Iowa
From Wetland Research
The state of Iowa is 56,271 square miles, and estimated to have 4,000,000 acres of wetlands (11.1% of the states surface area) in the 1780's. By the 1980's, wetland acreage had declined to a total of 421,900 acres, a net loss of 89% of wetland acreage (1.2% of the states surface area). Iowa ranks second behind California in percentage of wetland acreage lost. [1]
The Mississippi River separates Iowa from Illinois and Wisconsin to form the eastern boundary of the state. The Missouri River on the west edge of the state forms the boundary with Nebraska, and the Big Sioux River in the northwest corner of the state forms the North/South boundary with South Dakota. To the north lies Minnesota and to the south lies Missouri. There are several natural lakes in the state, most notably Spirit Lake, West Okoboji Lake, and East Okoboji Lake in northwest Iowa. Iowa is also cosidered a part of the Prairie Pothole Region where retreating glaciers carved out kettleholes, which in many cases formed wetlands or Prairie Pothole s, isolated wetlands that are critical for migrating waterfowl.
Under the Federal Wetland Reserve program, 4,447 acres of wetland were restored in 2007, totaling more than 137,000 acres of wetlands restored in Iowa since 1992.[2]
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[edit] Prairie Pothole Region
Iowa is part of the Prairie Pothole Region, which has many small depressional wetlands created during the last ice age when receding glaciers pockmarked the land with small, shallow depressions which eventually filled with water, some only on a seasonal basis. The prairie potholes are unique in their flora and fauna, and are essential to migratory bird who use them during their migration overflight. Prairie potholes, which are often found in agricultural lands, are loosely regulated by both the state and federal governments due to their isolation and frequent small size. In March 2009, Iowa was granted a $2 million from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) for wetland restoration and enhancement. [3]
[edit] State Law & Policy
[edit] Slough and Wetlands Bill
In Iowa, residents may file a Tax Exemption form annually to exempt wetlands from property taxes. [4]
[edit] Notable Iowa Wetlands
[edit] Little Swan Lake - Christopherson Slough Wildlife Area
This wetlands is an active bird breeding ground, with a heron rookery and serves as a stopover for migrating birds. The slough is surrounded by pasture and uplands, but recent purchases by the State of Iowa has converted some of the surrounding pasture back to grasslands. [5]
[edit] Spring Run Wetland Complex
The Spring Run Wetlands Complex covers 3,160 acres in northwest Iowa is one of the largest grassland units in the state. It has been recognized an important bird area by the National Audubon Society. [6]
[edit] Freda Haffner Kettlehole State Preserve
The 110 acre preserve is the home of one of Iowa's largest unique "kettle" wetlands. The preserve was purchased in 1972 by the Nature Conservancy, and was dedicated in 1976 as a State Preserve. [7]
[edit] Silver Lake Fen
The Silver Lake Fen is an artesian fen, fed by both groundwater and precipitation. As a fen, it has a high nutrient level and is alkaline, rather tghan acidic, which defines a bog. The depth of peat is variable, ranging from 16.5 to almost 20 feet deep. The geographic location of this fen is unique, fens of this nature are often found further north, and the Silver Lake Fen is not typically found in Iowa. This fen contains 108 plant species, some of which are endangered, and 4 species and orchids. [8]
[edit] Hanging Bog
The 15 acre hanging bog, fed by a cold groundwater source, is populated with Skunk Cabbage, relatively rare in the area. The Hanging Bog is comproised of terraces on hillsides formed by the deposition of lime over time by minerals contained in groundwater, seeping out of the hillside. The bog was dedicated as a State Preserve in 1981. [9]
[edit] Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge
Created in 1938, the 3,334 acres provides a refuge and breeding ground for waterfowl and other migratory birds. The Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge is all that remains of a pre-glacial riverbed, and its name is derived from the connection or "union" of two watersheds: the Blue Earth River of Minnesota and the East Fork of the Des Moines River. The terrain terrain is nearly flat, allowing the flow of the water to be determined by the direction of the wind at times. [10]
[edit] Iowa Wetland Organizations
In Iowa Ducks Unlimited has made a significant impact, with over 100 projects underway. DU has also signed an agreement with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for each party to donate $500,000 over the next 5 years for purchasing and restoration work. [11]
[edit] See Also
[edit] References
- ↑ Dahl, Thomas E. 1990. Wetlands losses in the United States 1780's to 1980's. U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service, Washington, D.C. Jamestown, ND: Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center Online. Wetland Losses (Version 16JUL97).
- ↑ Iowa Wetland Reserve Program
- ↑ Secretary Salazar Announces $2 Million for Wetlands Grants in Iowa Retrieved April 2009.
- ↑ Slough and Wetlands Bill Tax Exemption: In BriefRetrieved April 2009.
- ↑ Christopherson Slough/Little Swan Lake- Iowa AudubonRetrieved April 2009.
- ↑ Bird Response to Enhanced Vegetation Diversity in the Spring Run Complex of Northwestern Iowa. Retrieved April 2009.
- ↑ [1]Freda Haffner Preserve. The Nature Conservancy. Retrieved April 2009.
- ↑ Visit Silver Lake Fen, one of the Watchable Wildlife Sites in Northwest Iowa Retrieved April 2009.
- ↑ [2]Hanging Bog. Retrieved April 2009.
- ↑ Union Slough National Wildlife RefugRetrieved April 2009.
- ↑ DU and Iowa DNR sign $1 million agreementRetrieved April 2009.
[edit] External Links
Iowa Wetlands and Riparian Areas Conservation Plan
Iowa Wetlands and Geologic Connection
Floristic Composition and Conservation Status of Fens in Iowa
North Central Chapter of the Society of Wetland Scientists
[edit] Iowa Wetland in the News
Yahoo! News Search Results for iowa wetlands
- Twisted History: The Wily Mississippi Cuts New Paths
The Mississippi River has been consistently changing its path across the American landscape. But the shape-shifting river made it not only fascinating and beautiful, but also deadly. - Bucks for the ducks
For Webster County Ducks Unlimited, games, dancing and good food is more than just a good time, it's wetlands conservation. - SL Mayor urges vote of support for water, land quality amendment
On the back of this year's Nov. 2 Election Ballot voters will have a chance to vote 'yes' or 'no' for a Constitutional amendment that would create a trust fund for the purpose of "protecting and... - IESI Acquires Recycling Facility in North Austin
Acquisition of Central Texas Security Shredding Demonstrates Company's Commitment to Environmental Initiatives - Kossuth County supervisors OK tile work for Union Slough project
ALGONA — Kossuth County supervisors approved re-routing a tilein Drainage District 33, Buffalo Township, around an expansion inthe Union Slough National Wildlife Area to reconnect to theoriginal drainage district. - RENEW IOWA: Green Run at landfill helps people get back to nature
You might not think about the landfill being an ideal place for a cross country run, but after seeing the land, you might change your mind. Metro Waste Authority will host its fourth annual Green Run later this month at the Metro Park East Landfill. But, you won't see trash. Instead, you'll get a close-up look at nature. - Dan Conradt: Listening for the first time to our national anthem
The song began without fanfare, and the first couple of words were nearly drowned out by the bustle of activity at the Iowa State Fair. But as our national anthem continued over the P.A. system, other sounds began to fade. - River washing away Lake Delhi sediment
Environmental problems are growing at Lake Delhi, where a flood-related dam failure drained the lake in northeast Iowa in July. Department of Natural Resources Director Richard Leopold says the Maquoketa River is washing away 80 years of silt on the bottom of the lake. Leopold told The Des Moines Register on Monday that [...] - Iowa lawmakers search for answers following flood
Iowa lawmakers are on the road to assess flood damage. More than a month ago, the Maquoketa River crested about 35 feet. That caused significant crop damage across parts of Jackson County. - Data suggests Iowa really is getting wetter
Muddy rivers, moldy classrooms, swarming mosquitoes, blighted tomatoes and effulgent quack grass will be mere annoyances in Iowa’s new era of serial cloudbursts. Unless Iowans adjust dramatically to more extreme precipitation and flooding, they can expect more swamped crops, failed dams, submerged cities and monolithic public institutions [...]
