Loess Hills Restoration Newsletter Issue 5

Text Box: Cost share funds are available for landowners in the Loess Hills region of western Iowa. According to land surveyor notes from 1851, the Loess Hills had very few trees, with the exception of scattered bur oak on slopes and in draws. Frequent wildfires prevented the establishment of trees and brush and invigorated native prairie vegetation. The removal of today’s invading trees and brush and the re-introduction of wildfire are imperative to restore the health and integrity of our native prairies and woodlands. The Loess Hills Stewardship Initiative provides cost-share to help with the expense of restoration. Oak Savanna Restoration Landowners may apply at their local Soil and Water Conservation District offices beginning immediately. Applications will be taken through June 1, 2007 for the installment of practices before July

Text Box: 31, 2007. Stewardship Initiative cost-share funds are provided by the Iowa DNR Landowner Incentive Program and the US Fish & Wildlife Service. The purpose of the Loess Hills Stewardship Initiative is for protection of native species, improvement of wildlife habitat, the minimization of wildfire hazards, and to increase grazing capacity on private lands. Prescribed Fire A variety of management practices can be employed to improve natural areas at a 60-75% cost share rate. To be eligible, the landowner needs to sign a 10-year maintenance agreement and the property must be located in the Loess Hills landform. Efforts to restore the natural areas must include Best Management Practices for removal of undesired

Sweet Clover Control	2
Feature Plant and Animal	3
Stewardship Initiative Continued...	3

Volume 2, Issue 5

April 2007

Text Box: Loess Hills Conservation