State Wildlife Action Plan

Iowa's Wildlife and Habitat Diversity

At the heart of America’s farmbelt, Iowa’s agricultural reputation is reflected in a landscape of row crops and livestock. But bordered by two mighty rivers and hiding pockets of scenic hills, remnant grand prairies, prairie pothole wetlands and hardwood forests, the state holds an unexpected diversity of wildlife.

Prairie-chickens boom in southwestern grasslands; brook trout flash in northeastern coldwater streams; eastern massasaugas sun on southeastern river floodplains; black terns hover above northern pothole wetlands; regal fritillaries forage in the western Loess Hills prairies; and one of the largest wintering bald eagle populations south of Alaska spreads out along Iowa’s rivers every December to March.

A Habitat-based Planning Approach

The Iowa wildlife action plan is habitat-based and focuses on meeting the needs of 296 “species of greatest conservation need,” identified by experts and a thorough screening process. It also aims to “keep common species common." The plan presents six visions for the future of Iowa’s wildlife, with goals and multiple management strategies for each. Funding availability will determine which visions are implemented.

 

News and Information

• Article: Setting a Course for Action, Iowa Conservationist, March/April, 2006 (.pdf, 2.5 MB)
• Document: Iowa Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy Update - Summary Prepared for One Year Out Meeting, July 2004 (.pdf, 378 KB)

• Download the Iowa Wildlife Action Plan

  (via IDNR)
• Summary of Iowa Wildlife Action Plan (.pdf, 417 KB)
• Iowa Wildlife Action Plan Web Site