posted on 11/27/23
Des Moines County Conservation has acquired 19.4 acres of land along Flint Creek adjacent to the 250-acre Hickory Bend Conservation Area. The new land is located at the south boundary of Hickory Bend, lies within the creek's floodplain and is completely forested. According to results from ongoing research, the land is known to provide habitat for endangered species of bats.
The purchase was made completely with grants and donations from local wildlife organizations including Pheasants Forever, Whitetails Unlimited, and the National Wild Turkey Federation. Those funds leveraged a state Wildlife Habitat Stamp Grant which uses funds from hunting license sales to purchase public hunting land and improve wildlife habitat. The new property, along with the rest of Hickory Bend, is open to public hunting.
"This is a perfect example of hunters and outdoorspeople directly investing in conservation," said Chris Lee, Executive Director at Des Moines County Conservation. "This property was purchased by hunters, for hunters. But the ecological benefits go far beyond that."
In addition to protecting critical habitat for endangered species of bats, the purchase also protects a segment of Flint Creek, a county-designated priority watershed.
A ribbon cutting ceremony will be held on Friday, December 1 at noon at the entrance to Hickory Bend at 16256 155th Ave., Sperry, IA. For more information, go to the Hickory Bend page on Des Moines County Conservation's website at www.DMCconservation.com or call the conservation office at (319) 753-8260.
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Press Release: Public Opinion Needed for Hazard Mitigation Planning
Des Moines County, IA
PUBLIC OPINION NEEDED FOR HAZARD MITIGATION PLANNING
Des Moines County, along with its cities, is collaborating with Des Moines County Emergency Management to revise the Des Moines County Hazard Mitigation Plan.
We are examining past instances of hazards, including drought, extreme heat, flooding, and severe weather events. Additionally, we are considering potential hazards such as disease outbreaks, hazardous material spills, and transportation incidents. Our goal is to develop recommended actions that enhance community safety and reduce the impact of these hazards.
A Public Opinion Survey is accessible at your local City Hall, County Auditors Office, Des Moines County Emergency Management and on the Des Moines County Emergency Management website.
We invite all residents of Des Moines County who are interested in Hazard Mitigation to share their thoughts about challenges your community has faced due to these hazards or suggestions that could improve safety in the County or City. We kindly request that surveys, comments, and opinions be submitted by July 15, 2025.
Thank you to everyone who participates. For any questions or comments, please reach out to Shannon Prado, Emergency Manager at prados@dmcounty.com or Gail Thomas, Planner, at grthomasplans@gmail.com, or call the planner at 641-233-8942.
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posted 4/11/25 · Auditor
posted 12/23/24 · Public Health
The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (Iowa HHS) is reporting the first human case of avian influenza A(H5) in the state. The individual was exposed to infected poultry while working with a commercial flock in northwest Iowa.
