This sounds like very good news!
Jane Clark

Iowa Department of Natural Resources
www.iowadnr.com

March 4, 2003

NEW PROGRAM WILL PROTECT VALUABLE HABITAT FOR SPECIES IN PERIL

The Iowa DNR received a first of its kind grant from the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service to further protect and enhance critical habitats to protect
species listed as endangered, threatened or of special concern.

The Landowner Incentive Program is funded by a 3-year grant that will
provide $300,000 each year to provide cost share money to landowners that
agree to protect and enhance habitats that harbor plants, birds, mammals,
fish, butterflies or other species listed as threatened, endangered or of
special concern.  Highest priority will be given to Federally listed
species.  The DNR wildlife bureau had to match 25 percent of the grant in
order to receive the money.

"I think this is going to be a great opportunity," said Ken Herring,
supervisor for the DNR's private lands program.  "The timing is right for
Iowa to be involved in a program like this.  This program is not tied to any
farming practices or crop base, it is for all landowners who are looking to
protect and enhance critical natural resource areas."

Herring said the field staff will be working with landowners to try to
identify where these species are found in Iowa and to then work with the
landowner to improve and protect the habitat.  "We are going to work to
preserve and restore the rare and endangered populations rather than the
more common species," he said.

The program will provide 75 percent of the money to improve existing habitat
on land hosting one or more of the listed species.  Landowners will provide
the remaining 25 percent, which, for example, could include the labor for
restoration or by paying a contractor to do the improvements to the
landscape.

"We have a lot of the technical assistance delivery in place with 25 private
lands staff already in the field.  We will be working with an additional 50
to 60 staff from fisheries, wildlife and forestry experts who will also be
working with landowners on this project," Herring said.  It is also expected
that other conservation groups will be interested in providing technical
assistance to landowners.

This is a program designed for all uncommon species - the rare and often
unnoticed plants, insects, reptiles, as well as species like the bald eagle.

There have been other programs focusing on threatened and endangered
species, but the focus of those programs was generally acquiring land.  The
Landowner Incentive Program's focus is working with landowners to improve
the existing habitat that hosts these species.

Herring is targeting this fall to begin meeting with landowners about the
program.

For more information, contact Herring at 515-281-5529.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
To view the Sierra Club List Terms & Conditions, see:
 http://www.sierraclub.org/lists/terms.asp