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MARBLE-HOTTES PROJECT NEARING COMPLETION The much-anticipated Marble-Hottes Lakes Enhancement project in Dickinson County is making progress, as the construction of two new pumping systems nears completion. Construction started in late summer with the manufacture of concrete vaults on both West Hottes and Marble Lakes, followed by installation of a new pump. Currently, water levels in Marble Lake are being lowered so that pipeline can be installed to reach deeper parts of the lake. This will allow Iowa DNR managers to remove non-native fish such as common carp and improve conditions in the lakes. After restoration, we expect to see the shallow water areas of the lake transform from murky, open water to stands of emergent vegetation such as cattail and bulrush. Deeper areas (greater than 3 feet) will be dominated by dense submerged aquatic vegetation that thrives in clear water. Aquatic vegetation such as sago pondweed is a favorite food for ducks such as wigeons and diving ducks. This project is modeled after the Diamond Lake project, Iowa’s first Shallow Lake enhancement project. Since Diamond Lake was restored in 2009, waterfowl use has increased dramatically, with spring waterfowl surveys recording over 12,000 ducks on the 160-acre lake!

The project is a true community effort, with support coming from Iowa DNR, the Dickinson County Water Quality Commission, the Waitt-Carlton Family Foundation, Ducks Unlimited supporters, the Clean Water Alliance and NAWCA. Nearly 20% of the water that enters Big Spirit Lake flows through the Marble-Hottes Lakes system. Completing this project will help improve water quality in Big Spirit Lake, enhance over 450 acres of emergent marsh and provide much better hunting and fishing opportunities on these popular lakes.

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IOWA WRP AGREEMENT COMPLETEDOn December 31, 2014, Ducks Unlimited completed a 4-year, $6.3 million agreement with NRCS to delivery Wetland Reserve Program (WRP) habitat restorations in the north-central and western parts of the state. WRP is a voluntary program which restores privately owned, flood-prone farm ground to native habitat. Through this agreement, DU helped restore or enhance 6,800 acres of wetlands and grasslands on 76 different easements. Most of these projects are within the Living Lakes Initiative area and will provide excellent waterfowl breeding and brood-rearing habitat. Additional projects in Monona and Woodbury Counties provide valuable foraging habitat for ducks as they migrate to the Prairie Pothole Region in the Dakotas and Canada. The WRP program in Iowa remains popular with agricultural producers as a way to deal with frequently flooded and unproductive farmland and Ducks Unlimited looks forward to future partnerships with NRCS.

DUCKS UNLIMITED – IOWA DNR PROJECTSWork continued throughout Iowa under the DU-IDNR Living Lakes Engineering Feasibility Agreement, as

well as new partnerships to enhance wetlands throughout the Big River Initiative area. DU engineers are

continuing to design improved water management systems for a number of DNR-owned wildlife areas.

RED ROCK WILDLIFE AREA, RUNNELS UNIT– The 440-acre Runnels project was completed in March, 2014. This project constructed a new water diversion structure and berm to provide dependable fall habitat for waterfowl on the upper end of Red Rock Reservoir. The project site is within the flood pool for the reservoir and adjacent to the Des Moines River, resulting in regular and dramatic flooding. Iowa DNR drew on DU’s engineering experience to deliver water management infrastructure that can withstand these impressive floods. The system was severely tested last summer when the reservoir over-topped the site on two occasions. We are happy to report that the structures functioned as designed and survived these events with no ill effects. This type of design will mean less operation and maintenance costs for DNR and better waterfowl hunting opportunities in the future.

RICE LAKE, WINNEBAGO COUNTY– DU engineers have completed the design for a new water management system on Rice Lake, in Winnebago County. Iowa DNR drew down the lake in 2012 to enhance the establishment of beneficial wetland vegetation. The lake refilled in 2014 after the continuous and sustained heavy rains and provided some spectacular waterfowl hunting last year. Construction of the new water control structure was originally scheduled for 2014, but lack of funding caused delays. DU and IDNR have been working to address these deficiencies and we anticipate constructing the project in 2015. (Rice Lake photo)

CLEMONS TRACT, SPRING RUN WETLAND COMPLEX– In 2013, DU staff completed the survey of this new wetland project in Dickinson County. Our staff has been working with Iowa DNR management staff to develop the restoration plan since that time. Partial funding has been secured through the Dickinson County Water Quality Commission and DU will be seeking additional funds necessary to build the project. In the meantime, DU engineers will complete the design and IDNR will complete the permitting process in anticipation of project construction.

ELM LAKE, WRIGHT COUNTY– DU staff has completed the design for a new water control structure and pipeline to improve habitat management on Elm Lake in Wright County. This structure will allow DNR area managers to draw down the lake to kill invasive carp and promote wetland vegetation. This is the first step necessary to restoring this lake to the waterfowl mecca it once was. A carp barrier will be installed to prevent carp from re-infesting the lake in the future. Implementation of the restoration plan is dependent on future funding availability.

LITTLE SWAN LAKE– Ducks Unlimited and IDNR are exploring new enhancement opportunities on Little Swan Lake and Christopherson Slough in northeast Dickinson County. This is an expansive wetland complex of lakes, slough, potholes and grasslands that offers excellent waterfowl breeding and migration habitat. DU staff will begin assessing current conditions and collecting topographic information this winter and will develop conceptual designs later this spring. DU will be seeking funding for this new opportunity as we move through 2015.

CONE MARSH ENHANCEMENT– In 2014, Ducks Unlimited assisted IDNR with a funding proposal for a new water control structure on Cone Marsh Wildlife Area, in Louisa County. This 500-acre marsh is a favorite for local waterfowl hunters, but a dilapidated water control structure limits habitat quality. In 2015, DU will redesign this structure so that DNR managers can produce better food plants and attract more ducks. Construction is tentatively set for summer of 2016.

D U C K S U N L I M I T E D • G R E A T L A K E S / A T L A N T I C R E G I O N 3

25 projects completed

1,324.7 acres conserved

4650 acres of technical assistance

$3,447,170 invested

2014ACCOMPLISHMENTS

C O N S E R V A T I O N S U M M A R Y

DUCKS UNLIMITEDP R O J E C T S

Note: Project points may represent more than one project.

Completed Featured

MEET YOUR IOWA CONSERVATION STAFF

Mike ShannonRegional Biologist2003 Benton StreetBoone, IA 50036

515.212.8077 (Office)541.891.5047 (Cell)mshannon@ducks.org

Rick Verchota, P.E.Engineer II1591 Cameo Road Nora Springs, IA 50458

(641) 420-6908rverchota@ducks.org

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PALO ALTO COUNTY WINGS AND WETLANDSOnce again, Ducks Unlimited helped sponsor the “Wings and Wetlands” Day with Palo Alto County Conservation Board. This annual event is primarily targeted to school-age children, but kids of all ages have an opportunity to learn about waterfowl, waterfowl hunting and the values of wetlands. This year, the day started off with a field trip led by DU Regional Biologist Mike Shannon. Attendees got a chance to see past DU wetland restoration projects in Palo Alto and Clay Counties and learn how and why this area is so important for waterfowl. Other attractions includes the release of 2 trumpeter swans into the wild, waterfowl ID classes lead by DU Regional Director Josh Hall, a wood duck box building workshop, dog training demonstrations and a demonstration on cooking waterfowl. The kids had a great time and learned a lot about a cause that is dear to us all.

F R I E N D S O F D U C K S U N L I M I T E D

Ducks Unlimited conserves, restores

and manages wetlands and associated habitats

for North America’s waterfowl. These habitats

also benefit other wildlife and people.1220 Eisenhower Place, Ann Arbor, MI 48108

734.623.2000 • 734.623.2035 (Fax)

CAN YOU MAKE A DUCK CALL?

CAN YOU MAKE A DUCK CALL?In 2010 Iowans overwhelmingly supported the creation of

the Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund to better conserve wildlife habitat, drinking water, and

agricultural soils. We’ve waited long enough, and it’s time to Fund the Trust fund passed years ago. Iowa Ducks Unlimited

is looking for individuals to help us reach out to legislators and other decision makers.

You can help! If you’re interested in being part of Iowa Ducks Unlimited’s effort to Fund the Trust, contact:

Jon Kruse at kruser@iw.net • 712.301.5028, orMike Shannon at mshannon@ducks.org • 541.891.5047