AMPHIBIAN AND REPTILE CONSERVATION AREA

WAPELLO - The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will discuss a
proposed state Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Area (ARCA) at 7 p.m.,
on March 27, at the Louisa County Conservation Board headquarters (12635
County Rd G56), about 3 miles north and 1 3/4 miles east of Wapello. The
meeting is open to the public.

The proposed ARCA is a mixture of privately and publicly owned land
encompassing the lower Cedar and Iowa rivers and Mississippi River
floodplain from Muscatine to Montrose. The creation of amphibian and
reptile conservation areas is a new concept, and the Iowa DNR is fully
behind this first in the nation effort.

“The proposed Southeast Iowa Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Area
is a unique area containing the highest number of amphibian and reptile
species and the most number of rare species in the state,” said Karen
Kinkead, DNR wildlife diversity program biologist. “This area offers a
variety of habitats to a host of declining species. From grassland
species like ornate box turtle and six-lined racerunner, savanna species
such as prairie kingsnake, to wetland species like central newt and
cricket frog, the river corridors of this area and their surrounding
uplands provide a perfect setting for this proposed amphibian and
reptile conservation area.”

The ARCA concept is focused on amphibian and reptile conservation on a
large landscape scale, and the program’s success is dependent on
partnerships between public agencies, private conservation
organizations, and private landowners. Public land, land owned by
private conservation organizations, and land with private conservation
easements provide crucial core areas for amphibian and reptile
populations. Areas around these core lands also need to be managed for
good wildlife habitat, and much of that property is privately held.

“Landowners or farmers who would like to assist with amphibian and
reptile conservation on their land will be offered technical guidance
and financial assistance when it is available,” Kinkead said.
“Participation is voluntary, with no restrictions or requirements
placed on the landowner.”

"The DNR is excited about the partnership potential for this ARCA, as
well as for the opportunity for folks to work together to improve
habitat for more than 70 percent of Iowa’s amphibians and reptiles,”
said Doug Harr, state coordinator for the Wildlife Diversity Program.
“This is a great example of how habitat can be well-managed for
amphibians and reptiles without extensive government ownership of
land."

For more information, contact Kinkead at 515-432-2823 or Harr at
515-281-4815