The Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation has officially reached its goal of raising $1.9 million to purchase 73 acres in Arnolds Park.
INHF reached the goal on Monday but continues to receive donations for the prairie and wetland restoration project and to protect the property from development.
The organization plans to place a conservation easement on the property to ensure permanent protection from development, after which ownership transfers to the City of Arnolds Park.
The idea of development created a sense of urgency for community members, bringing them together to protect the land. INHF received over 300 donations to support its mission.
In collaboration with Arnolds Park and the Dickinson County Conservation Board, the INHF will do native restoration work and develop amenities, including hiking trails.
Joe Jayjack, External Affairs Director of INHF, told Siouxland Public Media that the 73 acres that INHF plans to purchase is an important piece in the watershed and the greater lake system.
Jayjack also said that as of now the property is open and surrounded by development on all sides. It had recently been rezoned by the county so that it could be developed.
“This project we wanted to make sure that we could protect it, while we could recognize its importance to water quality and wildlife habitat”, said Jayjack
Any funds that are raised in excess will go directly toward the native habitat restoration.
