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