blake
Life Member
NEWS:
From the Iowa DNR:
Meeting to Discuss Proposed Bird Conservation Area
LEHIGH - The public is invited to discuss the proposed designation of the region that includes the Boone Forks Wildlife Area as a state Bird Conservation Area (BCA) at a May 12 meeting in the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Prairie Resource Center, 2820 Brushy Creek Road, about 4 miles east and 1 mile north of Lehigh. The meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m.
The Iowa DNR is working with many partners to establish Bird Conservation Areas and encourage accommodation of the all-bird conservation concept. The idea for the BCA came from the national Partners in Flight program and was first developed to assist grassland bird recovery in Wisconsin. In Iowa, that idea was expanded to also include the habitats of wetland and woodland birds.
"Research conducted so far suggests that sustainable bird populations require conservation efforts at a broader landscape level than has occurred in the past," said Doug Harr, coordinator of the DNR's Wildlife Diversity Program. "The partnership formed among public agencies, private conservation organizations, and private landowners is a crucial step to create large expanses of bird habitat and reverse the trend of decreasing bird populations."
Each Iowa BCA encompasses at least 10,000 acres, with one or more large core areas of permanently protected bird habitat surrounded by areas of privately owned land that also provide important habitat for birds. Core public lands are managed for all wild birds, but especially for those species experiencing regional or continental population declines. Since participation is voluntary, there are no restrictions or requirements placed on the landowner. Landowners who would like to assist with bird conservation management on their land will be offered technical guidance.
The Boone Forks region, where the Boone River joins the Des Moines River, is special. With its wooded bluffs, scenic sandstone cliffs, and abundance of wildlife - it is appreciated by a large number of outdoor enthusiasts each year. It also is one of the richest areas in the state for woodland nesting birds, with at least 115 species tallied so far. Plus, this area also supports crucial habitat for birds during migration, providing both feeding and roosting areas and helping sustain migrants as they move between winter and summer habitats.
"Designating Boone Forks as a Bird Conservation Area not only helps focus attention on the needs of its birds that are in trouble, but it also allows concerned citizens and the local community an opportunity to take action to help these birds," said DNR Wildlife Diversity Program Biologist, Bruce Ehresman.
Declining woodland game bird species like American Woodcock, as well as non-hunted species such as Cerulean Warbler, Wood Thrush, and Whip-poor-will all should benefit from the designation of the Boone Forks region as a Bird Conservation Area.
From the Iowa DNR:
Meeting to Discuss Proposed Bird Conservation Area
LEHIGH - The public is invited to discuss the proposed designation of the region that includes the Boone Forks Wildlife Area as a state Bird Conservation Area (BCA) at a May 12 meeting in the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Prairie Resource Center, 2820 Brushy Creek Road, about 4 miles east and 1 mile north of Lehigh. The meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m.
The Iowa DNR is working with many partners to establish Bird Conservation Areas and encourage accommodation of the all-bird conservation concept. The idea for the BCA came from the national Partners in Flight program and was first developed to assist grassland bird recovery in Wisconsin. In Iowa, that idea was expanded to also include the habitats of wetland and woodland birds.
"Research conducted so far suggests that sustainable bird populations require conservation efforts at a broader landscape level than has occurred in the past," said Doug Harr, coordinator of the DNR's Wildlife Diversity Program. "The partnership formed among public agencies, private conservation organizations, and private landowners is a crucial step to create large expanses of bird habitat and reverse the trend of decreasing bird populations."
Each Iowa BCA encompasses at least 10,000 acres, with one or more large core areas of permanently protected bird habitat surrounded by areas of privately owned land that also provide important habitat for birds. Core public lands are managed for all wild birds, but especially for those species experiencing regional or continental population declines. Since participation is voluntary, there are no restrictions or requirements placed on the landowner. Landowners who would like to assist with bird conservation management on their land will be offered technical guidance.
The Boone Forks region, where the Boone River joins the Des Moines River, is special. With its wooded bluffs, scenic sandstone cliffs, and abundance of wildlife - it is appreciated by a large number of outdoor enthusiasts each year. It also is one of the richest areas in the state for woodland nesting birds, with at least 115 species tallied so far. Plus, this area also supports crucial habitat for birds during migration, providing both feeding and roosting areas and helping sustain migrants as they move between winter and summer habitats.
"Designating Boone Forks as a Bird Conservation Area not only helps focus attention on the needs of its birds that are in trouble, but it also allows concerned citizens and the local community an opportunity to take action to help these birds," said DNR Wildlife Diversity Program Biologist, Bruce Ehresman.
Declining woodland game bird species like American Woodcock, as well as non-hunted species such as Cerulean Warbler, Wood Thrush, and Whip-poor-will all should benefit from the designation of the Boone Forks region as a Bird Conservation Area.