County conservation board celebrates 50 years
By Mary Loden, Of the News-Tribune
It's a big celebration year for the Hancock County Conservation Board (HCCB) which turned 50-years-old on Jan. 12.
“We're not planning one big project. We'll have a series of programs and events planned through the summer months,” said Tom Haan, HCCB director.
The HCCB was established in January 1959 with the appointment of the first board members by the Hancock County Board of Supervisors.
Since that time HCCB has acquired four parks, 15 wildlife areas and two wildlife refuges. These areas comprise a total of 1,211 acres of valuable wildlife habitat, which provide the opportunity for a wide variety of outdoor recreational pursuits.
“At the same time, these special places are also improving our quality of life by protecting unique natural resources within Hancock County,” said Jason Lackore, HCCB natural resource manager.
Besides creating park and wildlife habitat and recreation areas, other important work included stocking fish in several county pits, tree planting within communities and throughout the county, promoting and implementing wildlife habitat on farmsteads and agricultural land through reforestation and native prairie grass and flower plantings.
This reforestation encouraged school and youth groups to become part of the effort. HCCB has also purchased equipment to loan out to the public for habitat development.
Within the last two years the major projects have been building the log cabins at Crystal Lake Park and the elevated observation deck at Eagle Lake Park and Woodland Area. According to Haan this large viewing platform is handicapped accessible and offers an excellent view of the lake and its varied waterfowl.
To help celebrate HCCB's 50th anniversary Lackore has been busy planning a series of activities geared toward getting people out and introducing them to the many recreational pursuits the county offers.
The annual Arbor Day tree giveaway will kickoff the spring through fall celebration. Besides Crystal Lake, Lackore plans to hand out trees in Garner this year as well.
A wild flower walk and canoe float are in the works for May around Mother's Day. The summer season will begin the first weekend in June with the annual kids fishing derby held in conjunction with the free fishing weekend.
“Last year was the Year of the Frog. This year is Year of Astronomy so I hope to present a few Star Lab programs,” he said.
Lackore also said to look for a Night Hike to view the nocturnal animals at Eldred-Sherwood Recreation Area.
“We will once again have at least two, maybe three, bus trips, co-sponsored with the Winnebago County Conservation,” Lackore said. “We're planning a trip to the Minnesota Arboretum and Como Zoo in June. In August we'll possibly take a trip to Sioux City to visit the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Museum and the Sgt. Floyd Center.”
In the fall there will possibly be a Dubuque trip to tour the Mississippi River Museum and take a fall color cruise on a paddle wheeler.
In addition to an information booth at the Hancock County Fair, Lackore said he would like to have something set up during town celebrations such as Hobo Days in Britt and Duesey Days in Garner, “ to let more people know who we are and what we do,” he said.
“For over 50 years now, the HCCB has been conserving the county's natural resources and managing areas for wildlife habitat and outdoor recreational opportunities for the public,” Lackore said.
He said since its establishment the HCCB's success can be attributed to strong public support and involvement, insightful and progressive board members and dedicated staff.
“We are proud of the work we are doing today and over the past 50 years in Hancock County to conserve our natural resources and to provide quality areas for outdoor recreation for the public,” said Lackore.
Make this the year to check out what the HCCB has to offer. More information on Hancock County and the HCCB can be found at www.hancockcountyia.org.
Story created Mar 03, 2009 - 10:35:51 CST.
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