 In
a special ceremony held April 11, 2003, the Department of Natural Resources
officially dedicated Iowa’s third Bird Conservation Area (BCA). Much
of the Broken Kettle Grasslands, situated just northwest of Sioux City,
is managed by The Nature Conservancy, a private conservation organization.
In their protection of one of Iowa’s largest contiguous prairie tracts,
The Nature Conservancy also has provided prime habitat for a number of
grassland bird species, several of which have realized alarming population
declines.
DNR’s Wildlife Diversity Program had earlier identified the Broken Kettle
area as a prime target for its planned system of Bird Conservation Areas,
to be designated all across Iowa. Sites to be named BCAs may be comprised
of public and private lands, provided that at least 25% of the defined
area contain permanently protected habitat suitable to native birds.
Two previously designated BCAs, Kellerton Grasslands in Ringgold County,
and Spring Run Grasslands in Dickinson County, are centered upon property
owned or managed by Iowa DNR. BCA recognition for Broken Kettle Grasslands
marks the first Iowa project centered upon lands protected by private landowners—The
Nature Conservancy and several neighboring farmers. Both DNR and
the Plymouth County Conservation Board also protect lands within the BCA,
but the project would not have been possible without the Conservancy’s
presence.
Approximately 24.500 acres are encompassed by the BCA, with more than
6,000 acres in permanent habitat protection. BCA designation opens
possibilities for other landowners to get special habitat planning assistance
from DNR’s Private Lands Program staff. BCA status also can give
landowners extra points when competitively applying for certain USDA Farm
Program practices.
Located at the northern end of Iowa’s unique Loess Hills, Broken Kettle
Grasslands Bird Conservation Area protects more than birds. Also
living here are rare butterflies, plants, and Iowa’s last remnant population
of prairie rattlesnakes, a state-endangered species. Many of these
resources were already being protected by The Nature Conservancy, but adding
BCA designation should focus more public attention on the region’s rare
flora and fauna. By coincidence, the Loess Hills Audubon Society
released its new publication, Siouxland Bird Guide, shortly before official
dedication of the new BCA. This birding “trail” guide, when combined
with public recognition of the BCA, stands to increase birding tourism
to the Sioux City area. The large map and bird guide, featuring some
of the region’s best birding areas, is available from Loess Hills Audubon
Society members at a cost of $4.
The Wildlife Diversity Program staff expresses its great appreciation
to The Nature Conservancy, Plymouth County Conservation Board, and private
landowners for making this Bird Conservation Area a reality.
Back to
Top |
