Conservation Board Announces New Director, Nate Young
The Buena Vista County Conservation Board would like to introduce Nate Young as the new director. Nate began his duties with the Conservation Board on June 1. He is a graduate of Iowa State University with a degree in Fisheries and Wildlife Biology. His work experience includes an extensive background in the construction industry, seven years as a Technician with the Natural Resources Conservation Service and the last six years as an Environmental Specialist with the Department of Natural Resources in Spencer. Nate's interests are riding and training horses, hunting and fishing and land conservation. He is excited to work with the people of Buena Vista County by providing and enhancing public outdoor experiences. He lives near Larrabee with his wife and son. The Conservation Board is excited to welcome Nate and his family. You may contact him at the Buena Vista County Conservation Park or by calling him at 712-295-7985.

Gary Christiansen Dedication
A large crowd turned out for a special dedication ceremony on August 23, 2009, to honor the life of Gary Christiansen and his dedication to the Buena Vista County Conservation Board. The Board honored Gary by renaming the Bur Oak Wildlife Area south of Peterson to the Gary Christiansen Wildlife Area. Gary was director of the Buena Vista County Conservation Board from 1983 to 2009 until his sudden death in March. He dedicated his life to the outdoors and under his direction, the Conservation Board created numerous wildlife habitat and park areas. Board chair, Mark Kirkholm, spoke on behalf of the Board, "We want to dedicate this property to him today, we want to recognize, celebrate and appreciate everything he did for us and the Conservation Board, the citizens of the County-he worked very hard to make this area a little better for all of us."

Buena Vista County Conservation Board Celebrates 50 Year Anniversary
A coffee will be held December 15, 2008, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., in the lobby of the Buena Vista County Courthouse, Storm Lake, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Buena Vista County Conservation Board.

Since its inception in December 1958 and the first 80 acre purchase in 1960, land managed by the Buena Vista County Conservation Board has grown to 16 areas, totaling 1144.67 acres. The Board strives to provide a broad range of recreation for the public including hunting, trapping, fishing, camping, hiking, picnicking, bird watching, winter activities and the enjoyment of the great outdoors and promotes conservation, water quality protection and improvement of wildlife habitat.

An active environmental education program by the naturalist concentrates its efforts to the education of children throughout schools in the county.

Current Board members include Arnie Hicks, Linn Grove, Tony Boholdt, Newell, Rick Meyer, Alta, Roger Meyer, Storm Lake, and Mark Kirkholm, Storm Lake. Current staff includes Gary Christiansen, director, Darwin Reese, maintenance technician, Lisa Meusburger, naturalist, and Diane Christiansen, office manager.

Update on Gaherty Wildlife Area
Development work has progressed on the latest acquisition to land managed by the Buena Vista County Conservation Board. The 29.9 acre Gaherty Wildlife Area was purchased in 2007. During the 2008 planting season, over 700 trees and shrubs were planted and mulched on 1.8 acres, three different prairie mixes were seeded on 3.5 acres and wetland restoration took place on 2.5 acres. An off-road parking area was installed on the south side of the area.

Development has been a cooperative effort with the Buena Vista County Conservation Board and the Buena Vista County Pheasants Forever chapter. Local Shakelee representatives also helped with planting of some of the trees.

The shrubs and trees had a good growing season. Mulch provided weed control and helped with moisture retention. The prairie seeding grew well during its first season, with some of the native grasses and forbs flowering and producing seedheads.

Wetland work was completed with water now entering the two wetland areas. Work was done in cooperation with the NRCS Wetland Reserve Program providing cost share assistance for the wetland portion of the project.

Plans for 2009 include seeding additional acres of prairie, maintaining the 2008 seedings and plantings, and establishment of a foodplot. Both groups hope this area can serve as an example of how marginal crop ground can be converted to wildlife habitat by private landowners.

Purchase of the area was made possible with funds from Buena Vista County Conservation Board, Buena Vista County Pheasants Forever Chapter, Iowa Pheasants Forever State Council, Iowa DNR Wildlife Habitat Stamp Fund and the REAP program.

Buena Vista County Conservation Board Launches Website
The Buena Vista County Conservation Website is live! On November 19, 2007 the Conservation Board launched the site; which provides news, recreation and wildlife information, environmental education programs and photography of the Buena Vista County Wildlife. Thoughts and considerations for this site were given to provide the residents of Buena Vista County information sharing opportunities. Please feel free to contact the Buena Vista Conservation Board with any questions you may have. Thank you for visiting and enjoy!

Gaherty Wildlife Area Acquired for Public Use
The Buena Vista County Conservation Board and Buena Vista County Pheasants Forever Chapter announce the acquisition of 29.9 acres for public use. The land is located in the East Half of the Southeast Quarter of Section 20, Grant Township, at the intersection of 580th Street and 150th Avenue. This is approximately 7 miles northeast of Storm Lake. The area will be open to the public for hunting, trapping and nature study.

The acquisition of the Gaherty Wildlife Area will not only be beneficial to wildlife, it will also aid in water quality improvement by filtering runoff that comes from cropland which drains to the creek located on the property.

Funding for the project came from the Buena Vista County Conservation Board, Buena Vista County Pheasants Forever Chapter, a grant from the Iowa Pheasants Forever State Council, a grant from the Iowa DNR Wildlife Habitat Stamp Fund and REAP funds.

Currently the area contains a small creek, grassland and crop ground. Development plans include seeding of prairie grass and forbs, prairie remnant development, wetland development and shrub/tree plantings. The planned development will demonstrate to area landowners how an area can be developed for wildlife habitat.