JULY 1, 2000- JUNE 30, 2001


TO THE TAMA COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

Gentlemen:

Following is the report for the fiscal year 2001, of the Tama County Conservation Board as mandated by Chapter 350.3 of the Code of Iowa.

BOARD ROSTER
The six board members serving during FY ‘01 were:

MEETINGS HELD
The Conservation Board met in twelve (12) regular sessions this past fiscal year. Minutes from all meetings are available for public review in the Director’s Office, Tama County Nature Center, Otter Creek Lake and Park.

BOARD MEETING HIGHLIGHTS

July 5, 2000. 4th of July Camping Report presented. Motion passed to purchase new out-front mower

August 2, 2000. Discuss need to hard surface N Ave. from E-43 to Otter Creek Lake and Park. Motion to purchase heated cab for John Deere F1145 mower.snow-blower.. Other topics: landscape timbers, playground safety, catfish, steel pole barn at Columbia Wildlife Area.

September 6, 2000. Discuss status of N Ave. with Lyle Brehm, County Engineer. Motion passes to purchase new inkjet printer. Report on Wolf Creek Nature Trail fencing agreement. Policies #2000.0906.01 [Overtime Accumulation] & #2000.0906.02 [Conservation Technician- Janitorial (NC) ] passed

October 5, 2000. Motion passed to purchase new hot water heater for main shop. Motion passed to purchase walleyes for stocking into Otter Creek Lake. Off-season camp fees established. Leona Reining Estate- discussion of property devised to Tama County.

November 1, 2000. Attorney for Leona Reinig Estate addresses the Board. Potential land acquisition discussed.

December 7, 2000. Election of officers. Motion passed to submit a "Supplemental Environmental Project Agreement" to the Iowa DNR. Approval of FY '00 annual report. Discussion of multi-flora rose problem at Columbia Wildlife Area.

January 3, 2001. Staff salaries for FY '02 passed. Proposed FY '02 Budget presented and accepted.

February 14, 2001. Discussion of Capital Improvement projects. Motion passed to purchase new boat motor. Motion passes to purchase 1 ton pickup truck. Motion passed to accept the real property gifted to Tama County by Leona Reinig Estate.

March 7, 2001. Reported that dry hydrant grant has been approved. Motion to sell old 9.9 Johnson boat motor. Motion passed to apply for a grant to purchase and Enviroscape. Bids accepted for Capital Improvement Projects.

April 4, 2001. Preliminary financial report for Fun Nite for the Nature Center fund-raiser presented. Discuss preliminary plans for wetland on north end of Otter Creek Lake Park property. 2001 camp fees established. Motion passed to begin implementing camp fees at T.F. Clark Park.

May 2, 2001. Motion passed to contact DNR relative to concerns of lack of Electronic Licensing Stations in the county. Motion passed to hire a college student to collect camp fees at T.F. Clark Park.

June 6, 2001. Motion passed to purchase new water heater for Nature Center [Note: old water heater covered by warranty and replaced free of charge]. Motion passed to purchase some playground safety materials. Motion passed to purchase six steel doors for restrooms at Otter Creek Park. Motion passed to purchase new fax machine. Motion passed to purchase digital camera. Motion passed to purchase hot water.steam pressure washer for shop.

LAND ACQUISITION
The Conservation Board did not acquire any new tracts during FY ‘01 although acquisition remains one of the priorities of the Board. Acquisition goals were discussed during the year. The Board periodically reviews tracts as they become available; especially those located in sections of the county considered high priority, property adjoining existing county areas, and.or those with unique habitats or features.
The protection of the Otter Creek Lake watershed remains extremely high on the Board’s priority list. Siltation of the northern one-third of the lake has reached a point to negatively impact use of that portion of the lake. Cat-tail beds have encroached on the electric camp section blocking views of the lake. Areas of the north end of the lake which were 3’ deep in 1979 are now less than 6” and boats have a very difficult time reaching the camp section to be docked.

An investment in acquisition of ground surrounding the park will help extend the life of the lake, significantly postponing large expenditures for major lake renovation, provide additional recreational value, and add sorely needed space for park expansion and wildlife habitat.

The Wolf Creek Nature Trail, a citizen driven project, is proposed to start in Gladbrook and travel west until linking with the Comet Trail (Grundy County). Funds secured by the trail committee through the ISTEA program has allowed the group to acquire long term easements on the ROW. Contracted work was nearly completed on the trail (Phase 1) during FY '01. Once the project is complete the real property of the trail will be turned over to Tama County. The Conservation Board will assume management of the trail at that time.

Reinig Wildlife Refuge and Nature Study Area. The Conservation Board received notice on September 18, 2000, that Leona L. Reining, deceased, of Toledo had devised approximately 46 acres of land located in Section 16, Toledo Township, through her Probate of Will to Tama County. The actual transferral of the property is expected sometime during FY '02 as some legal issues remain to be resolved. The Board is to manage the site "for no other purpose other than a wildlife preserve [refuge] and nature study area".

Other possibilities. The Board will continue to seek tracts for their habitat and outdoor recreational values. These tracts will emphasize very little development and low maintenance costs. Hiking, hunting, fishing, berry picking, nature observation and environmental education will be a few of the activities supported by these areas.

PROGRAMS OF INTEREST
IOWA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES FISHERIES SECTION. A cooperative fisheries program with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources has been ongoing since Otter Creek Lake was completed in 1970. This effort has resulted in a top quality fishery at the lake.

Each year approximately 3,600 channel catfish are pen reared in the southwest portion of the lake. Staff feed the fish five days per week during the summer with the “cats” being released during September when water temps begin to fall. The catfish fingerlings are provided “free of charge” by the DNR.

The lake is a popular fishing spot with largemouth bass, tiger musky, crappie, bluegill, red-eared and green sunfish, channel catfish, walleye and bull-head present.

The experimental walleye stocking program started in 1990 was continued with 1,340, 4-1/2" - 5” walleyes stocked during October, 2000. Nice walleye were harvested during FY ‘01. The larger walleyes caught were running at six pounds.

NUMBER STOCKED           
1,500
0
1,500
1,500
500
0
1,330
1,425
1,540
2,200
1,340

[Note: The walleye stocking program is being done independent of the DNR agreement. The DNR will not stock walleye in bodies of water under 500 acres. The Fisheries Biologist is aware of the stocking and has provided technical assistance.]

AREAS OF CONCERN

Yellow bass and gizzard shad continue to be of concern. Both fish have the potential to cause severe species imbalance in the lake and will likely affect the lake through overpopulation due to prolific fecundity rates. The Fisheries Biologist is closely monitoring the situation for any significant changes in population or decline in the quality of the fishery.

If the species dominate the lake the only remedy will be to perform a “total kill” on the lake. This process uses chemicals (usually Rotenone) to kill all the fish in a body of water. The lake is then re-stocked with desirable species. Once a “total kill” is performed it may take 3- 5 years before decent fishing is realized.

TAMA COUNTY NATURE CENTER

The Nature Center continued to be used in FY ’01. Over 3,000 visitors attended 40 events and programs during FY ‘01. This does not include casual visitors or use by county departments of the facility.

Upcoming work anticipated during FY ’02 and FY '03 may include materials for the library and engineering/design work of the formal display room. Still needed at the center is outdoor and indoor furniture, and dishes and pans for the kitchen.

The need to hire a part-time environmental education coordinator remains very important to begin providing quality programs and experiences for Tama Countians. Additional man-hours are sorely needed to realize the full potential of the Nature Center and provide a valuable program for children, adults and families. A full-time ranger/naturalist is the preferred goal but due to budget constraints a part-time person may be more attainable.

The construction of the Nature Center has been made possible through NON-property tax sources including gifts, donations, and fund-raisers. Since the fund drive began in 1989 Tama Intermediate, STC Middle School, Dysart-Geneseo, Montour Elementary, Chelsea Elementary, Gladbrook Elementary, and North Tama Schools have all held fund-raisers to benefit their Nature Center.

A commissioned art print of river otters became available to donors of $65- $1,000 during November, 1990. Of the 97 prints anonymously donated by a Tama County resident several remain “unadopted”, yet over $10,000 was netted by this promotion.

Annual fund-raisers have been held each spring beginning in 1990 (with the exception of 1997) and have raised over $55,000. The event has been tabbed “Fun Night” and netted over $5,700 at this year’s event. All proceeds from 2001 Fun Night will be used to progress towards completion of the structure.

NATURE CENTER FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE

Involved with the Nature Center fund drive are dedicated residents who have taken an active role through their participation as members of the Nature Center Fundraising Committee.

These persons have been crucial in planning strategies and doing the hands-on work of fund-raisers such as the annual “Fun Night” event.

Members serving during FY ‘01 were:

County Conservation staff assist by preparing the site for the event. Bob Etzel served as an instructor leading a nature hike activity.

FISH IOWA! PROGRAM
The Conservation Board, through an agreement with the Iowa DNR, loans rods and reels to local schools and non-profit youth groups for their use in fishing programs. Tama County was one of fourteen counties initially to receive thirty rods and reels under this program.

During FY ‘01 the fishing equipment was utilized by several youth groups.

AREA INVENTORY

The Tama County Conservation Board manages eleven (11) areas totaling 653.67 acres. These are managed for outdoor recreation, education, and wildlife benefits. A brief description of your Tama County Conservation Board areas are as follows:

COLUMBIA WILDLIFE AREA

This 160-acre tract, purchased in April, 1986, is located 3-1/2 miles southeast of Tama and is described as the SE1/4, Sec. 13, Columbia Township. The tract is managed first for wildlife and second for human recreational activities. The tract supports activities such as hunting, trapping, pond fishing, berry, nut and mushroom harvest, hiking, nature observation, to name a few.

The tract is relatively undeveloped and is planned to remain that way. The area was purchased with funding assistance from the Wildlife Habitat Stamp Fund. This fund receives moneys collected from the sale of wildlife habitat stamps and assessment of a wildlife habitat fee. By law, each hunter is required to pay a wildlife habitat fee, in addition to the license fee. 50% of these funds are used for county wildlife habitat projects.

Work needed on the area includes new creek crossings in the northwest and northeast sectors of the tract, compilation of a multi-flora rose inventory and control plan, repair to dam of the main pond, and removal of interior fence-lines.

DUFFUS’ LANDING

This small one acre boat landing is located 1-1/2 miles west of Chelsea in the NW1/4, Sec. 13, Richland Township. The area is held under twenty year lease which expires in 2001. The property was originally leased in 1961.

During FY '01 it was discovered that the property was deeded to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service during acquisitions for the Iowa River Corridor Project. Currently a management agreement is being drafted to allow the area to be managed for river access.

The tract is managed for boating access to the Iowa River and also provides limited shoreline fishing. A concrete boat landing and small parking lot is present.

This boat landing is a popular access point and receives a good amount of use.

MARIA HLADIK ROADSIDE PARK

This roadside park is located 7-1/2 miles north of Toledo on Highway 63. The tract, managed as a roadside rest stop, also receives limited use for small picnics.

The original property was donated to the Conservation Board in 1968 and was located at the intersection of Highway 63 and E-29 (Garwin Blacktop). In 1974 the existing location was given to the county in exchange for the original property as the Iowa DOT needed that location as part of the Hwy 63 renovation project.

The tract includes a restroom and graveled drive and parking lot. During FY ‘96 the shelter was leveled by what appeared to be a semi-truck. There are no plans to replace the shelter at this time. The shelter had been hit at least on two other occasions by trucks and was seldom used.

Vandalism, a common problem with roadside parks, continued during FY ‘01. Constant painting of the restroom walls is necessary to stay ahead of profane graffiti.

Needs on the site includes a renovation of the restroom including a new roof.

IOWA RIVER NATURAL AREA

Lying one mile west of Chelsea this 100 acre bottomland timber encompasses nearly 3/4 mile of the Iowa River. Sixty acres of the tract was purchased in 1981 with the balance acquired in 1982. The tract lies in the NE1/4, Sec. 13, Richland Township.

The area is managed as a natural area with very little development planned. It provides opportunities for fishing, hunting, hiking and nature observation.

LONG POINT LANDING

This river access is located in Section 4, Richland Township. The 1.079 acre tract was acquired from Arnold Chantland of Toledo and is under fifty year lease expiring in January 1, 2046.

Construction was completed during FY ’99 with inclusion of a concrete ramp, graveled parking and approaches. Rip-rap was placed on the upstream side of the ramp to protect it from erosion.

The project received funding through the State’s Water Recreation Access Cost-share Program. The total project cost came to $23,317 (State share: $17,488; County share: $5,829). Contractor on the project was: Morris Enterprises of Clutier.

IZAAK WALTON TRACT

In January, 1983, the Conservation Board acquired 17 acres in Sec. 17, Toledo Township. This property was leased to the Conservation Board after the local chapter of the Izaak Walton League disbanded. This lease expires on January 26, 2008.

The tract is managed as a public shooting facility providing an area for sighting in firearms, target practice, and shooting clay pigeons. The area also has a small pond for fishing. The associated grassland and timber provides wildlife habitat.

LOHBERGER MEMORIAL PARK

A five-acre wildlife area located in the NE1/4, Sec. 6, Toledo Township was gifted to the county in 1971. The tract is located 4 miles northwest of Toledo and provides good wildlife habitat and opportunities for mushroom and berry picking, nature observation, etc.

The area is managed as a wildlife refuge and no hunting or trapping is permitted on site.

McCOY LANDING

The tract came under the control of the Conservation Board in 1978. However, the property was formally gifted to the county in 1982 by Darwin “Bud” McCoy of Garwin. The 2.79 acre tract is located north of Highway 30 on the Wendling Quarry Road in the SW1/4, Sec. 9, Indian Village Township.

The tract is managed as a river access point with limited shoreline fishing to the Iowa River. A concrete boat ramp, graveled parking and drive are provided.

MANATT’S LANDING

The original Manatt’s Landing consisted of a two acre parcel leased from Manatt’s Sand & Gravel and 3.34 acres leased from the State Highway Commission (currently the Iowa DOT). The leases were signed in 1963.

In 1979 an additional 2.25 acres were leased from the Iowa DOT when the new Iowa River bridge on Hwy 63 was built. The old road-bed provided vehicular access to the river on the east side of Hwy 63. Total acreage of the area stood at 7.59 acres including the Addition.

A proposal in March, 1987, by the Iowa DOT to construct a drainage structure through the Addition to alleviate a long standing problem lying east of the highway and south of the Addition resulted in lengthy discussion.

The proposed structure would eliminate the usefulness of the Addition as an access by crossing the road. Also the county had no desire to assume maintenance liability on the structure.

Title was transferred back to the DOT during October, 1988. Acreage of the new area now stands as the original 5.34 acres. All property lies west of Hwy. 63. [Of the 5.34 acre tract the DOT ground was quit claim deeded to Tama County in March, 1987. The lease on the Manatt’s property will expire on September 1, 2013.]

T.F. CLARK PARK

The park and addition are located in the SE1/4, Sec. 25, Buckingham Township, 3-1/2 miles northeast of Traer. The original park (24 acres) was acquired from the State of Iowa in 1960. Prior to that time the park was managed as a very small state park. In 1978 the 55 acre addition was purchased. The Addition was purchased with assistance of the Land and Water Conservation Fund.

The park is managed as a multi-use facility hosting picnics, camping, play activities, hiking and nature observation.

The Addition, an undeveloped bottomland timber, is managed as a wildlife refuge supporting mushrooming, fishing, hiking and nature observation. No hunting or trapping is allowed on the addition.

T.F. Clark Park because of its remoteness is a tough area to maintain and regulate. The park has a varying history of vandalism with FY ’01 seeing no major acts of vandalism but receiving a few smaller “nuisance” acts. The main electrical panel has been vandalized on several different occasions. Picnic tables and fire rings are a common target.

Project work anticipated during FY ’02 will include renovation of the restroom including a new roof, expansion of cook grills and picnic tables available to users.

Facilities on site include:
1. Open air shelter, capacity approx. 100, built by C.C.C. during Depression.
2. One vault latrine
3. One small ball diamond/ play field
4. Play area including swings, merry-go-round, and spring animals
5. Electric camp section with hookups for ten units plus tent camping
6. Picnic tables for day use

OTTER CREEK LAKE & PARK

This 277 acre park, located 6 miles northeast of Toledo in Secs. 30 & 31, Carroll Township, is the largest and most heavily used facility managed by the Conservation Board.

The property, purchased during the late 1960’s, currently houses a multi-use recreation facility accommodating camping, fishing, picnicking, hiking, playground activities, swimming, boating, and nature observation.

The park also serves as the headquarters for the office and maintenance operations of the Conservation Board and the home of the Tama County Nature Center.

The facility serves as host site for many activities such as the N.R.C.S. Conservation Field Day, scouting day camps, school field trips, and youth fishing seminars. It will be the host site for ongoing environmental education activities as construction is completed on the Nature Center and on-site environmental education curriculum is developed.

Existing facilities include:
-Seventy (70) acre lake hosting quality fishing, boating, and swimming.
-Two open air shelters with approx. capacity of 72 persons each.
-Electric camp section with 80 unit capacity.
-Tent section with 18 sites, 45 tent capacity
-Swimming beach offered at no charge
-Picnicking. Tables to entertain up to 400 persons
-Concrete boat ramp providing safe and convenient access to lake
-Fish cleaning station located next to boat ramp (completed during FY ‘91)
-Sanitary dump station for trailer units using campground
-Modern showerhouse (for campers)
-Six vault latrines scattered throughout park
-Two acre native prairie (never tilled by man)
-Headquarters for maintenance operations including four shop buildings
-Two residences, a 58’ x 24’ main residence (Director) and a 14’ x 70’ trailer residence   (Maintenance Supervisor/Ranger during summer duty shifts)
-Two play areas with assorted play equipment including swings, jungle gyms, spring toys, slides,   etc.
-Mile loop scenic hiking trail around lake
-Spillway footbridge completed during FY ‘91 located near boat ramp
-Handicap access ramp constructed during FY ‘91 provides safe and easy access to beach play   area.
-Nature Center, still under construction, houses main office, nearing completion, 5,600 sq. ft. on   main floor, 2,600 sq. ft. in basement, handicap accessible building. Work remaining includes   conservation library, formal display room, and exterior use areas including small amphitheater,   nature trail, and prairie study area.
-Well house (East well), 16’ x 24’ structure to house iron filter and pressure tanks
-A 16’ x 24’ Visitors Kiosk is under development to disseminate information and provide
  refreshment to visitors. It is located directly south of the concrete boat landing.

EQUIPMENT INVENTORY