Newly Acquired Mann Wetlands Wildlife Management Area Celebrated in Iowa
EDGEFIELD, S.C. — On July 20, the National Wild Turkey Federation, alongside various organizations and community members, gathered at the Grimes Farm Conservation Center to celebrate the dedication of the Mann Wetlands Wildlife Management Area. This event marked a significant milestone for conservation in Marshall County, Iowa, as the newly acquired public land, located just south of Albion near the Iowa River, will provide improved habitat for wildlife and access to hunting and other recreation.
In Iowa, where 93% of the land has been converted from forests and prairie grasslands into vast agricultural operations and urban areas, public land for outdoor recreation is limited. Before the acquisition of the Mann Wetlands, only 0.9% of Marshall County's land was available for public use. This acquisition is a significant step towards increasing public land availability and conserving critical habitats.
Recognizing the urgent need for wildlife habitat and public hunting access in Iowa, the Iowa NWTF State Chapter actively collaborates with various partners each year. These efforts aim to increase suitable habitatsfor wild turkeys and other game and non-game species, while also providing hunters with ample opportunities to pursue their passion.
The acquisition of this 216-acre tract of land was made possible through a collaborative effort involving multiple funding sources. Key contributors included funds from the Iowa NWTF State Chapter Hunting Heritage Super Fund, grants from the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation and the Resource Enhancement and Protection, private donors and the Mann family, who previously owned 144 acres of the total land. The remaining 72 acres were acquired from the Mount family. The INHF also assisted by holding the land while the Marshall County Conservation Board fundraised for the purchase.
The Iowa NWTF State Chapter contributed $5,000 to the acquisition from the Hunting Heritage Super Fund. NWTF’s Hunting Heritage Super Fund is a funding model where volunteers raise money at banquets and other fundraisers and then allocate a significant portion of those funds back into meaningful conservation and outreach projects.
“The Iowa State Board of the NWTF puts land acquisition as a top priority, and we allocate our funds to as many projects as we can,” said Fred Long, Iowa State board member.
Partnerships, including the NWTF, will be acknowledged through signage in parking lot areas and on area identification signs. The area’s management plan includes adding prairie diversity, restoring wetlands and protecting a remnant wetland in the northeast corner of the property.
These conservation efforts will greatly benefit wildlife in the area. Mammals, birds, and aquatic amphibians and reptiles will find a supportive habitat here. Pheasants and wild turkeys already use the area, and their populations are expected to thrive over time. Other prevalent game species include multiple species of waterfowl, white-tailed deer and squirrels.
Given the scarcity of wetlands in Marshall County, the Mann Wetlands offer a unique opportunity for long-term habitat management, enhancement and protection. The property's location on the Iowa River floodplain is one of the few remaining wildlife corridors and areas of natural land in the county.
With each new land acquisition, conservation project and research initiative, the future of Iowa’s wildlife and public recreational lands will continue to improve for future generations. This progress is thanks to the dedicated volunteers of the Iowa NWTF State Chapter and the collaborative efforts of all involved organizations.
About the National Wild Turkey Federation
Since 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation has invested over half a billion dollars into wildlife conservation and has positively impacted over 23 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. The NWTF has also invested over $9 million into wild turkey research to guide the management of the wild turkey population and to ensure sustainable populations into perpetuity. The organization continues to deliver its mission by working across boundaries on a landscape scale through its Four Shared Values: clean and abundant water, healthy forests and wildlife habitat, resilient communities, and robust recreational opportunities. With the help of its dedicated members, partners and staff, the NWTF continues its work to provide Healthy Habitats. and Healthy Harvests. for future generations.