NWTF Iowa Helps Secure Critical Land Acquisition
EDGEFIELD, S.C. — With support from the Iowa NWTF State Chapter, the Benton County Conservation Board is moving forward with the acquisition of over 190 acres along the Cedar River. This pivotal project will more than double the size of the Wildcat Bluff Recreation Area, expanding it from 134 acres to over 300 acres, conserving and enhancing wildlife habitat and providing new opportunities for hunting, education and other outdoor recreation.
The acquisition addresses critical conservation and development challenges. As Benton County experiences population growth due to its proximity to Cedar Rapids, the second-largest city in Iowa, undeveloped land faces increasing pressure for residential development. Conserving this property ensures its long-term use for recreation, hunting and wildlife conservation in a rapidly urbanizing area.
Benton County contains 459,520 acres, of which 420,639 are already in agriculture. With only around 4,130 acres of public land available to residents, the expansion of the Wildcat Bluff Recreation Area is key to increasing recreational opportunities and quality of life in the area.
“The state of Iowa [NWTF] board of directors prides itself in supporting the National Wild Turkey Federation and its efforts to share the habitat,” said Mike Hagen, Iowa NWTF State Chapter president. “Without efforts to assure our youth have a place to go to appreciate the great outdoors, we risk losing them to today’s electronic age. When we have chapters like the Blue Creek Springtime Monarchs, who also share the vision and work to help support these conservation efforts at a local level, we take special interest in the local request. When the conservation efforts to share the habitat works from top to bottom, we are assuring our youth and others have opportunities into the future.”
Management will follow the state forestry plan, prioritizing invasive species control and canopy improvement. BCCB staff, certified in pesticide application and experienced in managing public lands, will oversee maintenance using equipment already in their arsenal. Additionally, untouched areas will be converted to native prairie, enhancing wildlife habitat and hunting opportunities.
The property is adjacent to Wildcat Bluff, an already a popular destination for hunting and fishing, and this addition will expand opportunities for hunters. The area’s mix of old oak growth, new timber, open spaces, floodplains and riverfront makes it an ideal year-round habitat for wild turkeys. With strategic timber management, BCCB staff will further improve conditions for turkey populations. The acquisition will establish the site as BCCB’s second-largest timbered hunting area, expanding community access to high-quality hunting and recreation.
The property also includes 122 acres of untouched native sod, a rare remnant of Iowa’s original prairie ecosystem. Grazed but never tilled or cropped, this land is a significant ecological treasure, as less than 0.1% of Iowa’s original prairie remains. It supports diverse species, including blue-spotted salamanders, bald eagles and over 240 insect species documented during surveys. The area is a haven for hunters, anglers, botanists and wildlife enthusiasts, providing opportunities for recreation and study across various disciplines.
This acquisition is the result of a collaborative effort by community members, organizations and conservation groups. To date, over $259,000 has been committed, with additional grants pending.
Upon completion, the BCCB will host a grand opening ceremony to celebrate the acquisition and recognize the NWTF and other funders for their vital contributions. Signage acknowledging NWTF’s role will also be installed on-site.
This acquisition represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to conserve critical habitat, enhance outdoor access, and foster a deeper connection to nature. By protecting this land, Benton County ensures that future generations will benefit from its recreational, educational and ecological value.