Tenold Tract acquired–Winnebago River Greenbelt expands

The Winnebago County Conservation Board (WCCB) is pleased to announce another “partnership” that has resulted in the protection and the expansion of the 1,800 acre Winnebago River Greenbelt. Winnebago County has purchased 54 acres of river bottom and upland wildlife habitat from Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation previously owned by the Tenold family.
The Tenold’s approached the WCCB and the INHF in 2014 about permanently protecting the farm and the possibility of a sale. The INHF proceeded the purchase and “held” the property until the WCCB would secure funding. The WCCB subsequently submitted wildlife habitat grant applications and sought out conservation partners to make the acquisition possible.
The following partners provided the acquisition cost including; the Winnebago-Hancock Chapter of Pheasants Forever, Winnebago River Whitetails Unlimited Chapter, John K. and Luise Hanson Foundation, sportsmen and women of Iowa who purchase wildlife habitat stamps, a North American Wetland Conservation Act grant administered by the Iowa DNR, Iowa Pioneer II Cerro Gordo Pheasants Forever Chapter, Northern Prairie Pheasants Forever Chapter, Kossuth Co. Pheasants Forever Chapter and the Mitchell Co. Pheasants Forever Chapter. The total cost of the project was $133,074.
The Winnebago River Greenbelt, managed by the WCCB, is located within the 27 miles of river from the Iowa-Minnesota border to Forest City. The property consists of three-quarters of a mile of the meandering Winnebago River and is made up of typical river bottom vegetation including, sedges, cattails, river bulrush, and a mixture of native and cool season grasses.
Many wildlife species including; Ring-necked Pheasant, Canada Geese, Mallards, Blue-wing Teal, Wood Ducks, White-tailed Deer, Muskrat, River Otter and numerous non-game species, such as, Sandhill Cranes, Trumpeter Swans and Bald Eagles will benefit from this acquisition.
Immediate plans for the area include: the planting of a “pollinator mix” of native wildflowers and grasses, wetland restoration and the construction of a parking lot this fall. The boundaries of the area have already been posted with WCCB “boundary signs.”
The Tenold Tract is open to the public for hunting, trapping, fishing, nature study and other compatible uses. The area is located in Section 21 of Norway Township, 1-1/2 miles east of Scarville and can be best accessed off county road A-16 (490th St.).
Many rivers (including the Winnebago River) and lakes in Iowa are categorized by the IDNR as being “impaired waters” or having water quality and aquatic diversity below acceptable levels. Acquisitions such as this one coupled with other available conservation practices on private land will help to improve the quality of those waters benefiting wildlife and the public.
For more information about this or other wildlife areas managed by the Winnebago County Conservation Board please call 641-565-3390 or email rschwartz@winnebagoccb.com.