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Gifford State Forest

Physical Location

Location Address

5179-4825 S 35th St
Council Bluffs, IA 51501

Phone(s)

712-456-2924

Email

loesshills_forest@dnr.iowa.gov

The Gifford State Forest is a 40-acre timber located in Section 21 of Lewis Township in Pottawattamie County. Since the area is within the Council Bluffs city limits, it is closed to hunting. The area is easily accessible by a gravel road along its east side.

Cottonwood is the primary tree species found in the area. American Elm, Green Ash, Silver Maple, Boxelder, Mulberry, European Black Alder and Honey Locust also grow there.

The area is an excellent wildlife refuge because it is the only forested area in the immediate vicinity.

History

The area was donated to the state by Dr. Gifford in 1944 as a blue heron rookery. Later the property was transferred to the Forestry Bureau after biologists determined that, because of changes in surrounding land use, herons no longer used the area.

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Physical Location

Location Address

5179-4825 S 35th St
Council Bluffs, IA 51501

Phone(s)

712-456-2924

Email

loesshills_forest@dnr.iowa.gov

Secondary Navigation Menu

  • State Forests
    • Backbone State Forest
    • Gifford State Forest
    • Loess Hills State Forest
    • Shimek State Forest
    • Stephens State Forest
    • White Pine Hollow State Forest
    • Yellow River State Forest

Department of Natural Resources

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Iowa DNR Customer Service

6200 Park Avenue
Suite 200
Des Moines, IA 50321

Phone

515-725-8200

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