Forest stewardship plan for Selma topic of Sept. 22 meeting

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will hold a public open house on Sept. 22, from 5-7 p.m., at the shelter house at Lake Sugema County Conservation Campground, 19640 Jersey Street, in Keosauqua, to discuss the recently completed forest stewardship plan for Selma and Van Buren wildlife areas.

'The new forest wildlife plans for both of these wildlife areas will guide current and future managers to continue work on oak regeneration while providing suitable habitat for forest game and nongame species that inhabit these areas. The Des Moines River corridor is an important migration stop for many of the neotropical migrant birds that pass-through Iowa in the spring and fall,” said Jeff Glaw, wildlife biologist for the Iowa DNR. 'Gathering public input is an important step in the process of developing the final management plan.”

The DNR will have copies of the plan and associated maps available to be viewed, and staff will be on hand to answer questions and offer further discussions.

Those planning to attend the open house will be asked a few questions on potential exposure to COVID-19 before entry and are encouraged, but not required, to wear a mask. Attendance at the shelter house will be held to 50 percent of capacity. If attendance exceeds 50 percent capacity, the DNR will employ a one out one in policy - when attendees leave, a similar number will be allowed to enter.

For those with a compromised immune system or who do not feel comfortable attending this public meeting, may participate by reviewing the presented materials online at www.iowadnr.gov/huntinghabitatmeetings.

Any person attending the public meeting and has special requirements such as those related to mobility or hearing impairments should contact the DNR or ADA Coordinator at 515-725-8200, Relay Iowa TTY Service 800-735-7942, or Webmaster@dnr.iowa.gov, and advise of specific needs.