OUTDOORS: Land donors to be honored during reception March 12

DES MOINES -- Over 5,700 acres of Iowa land in 35 counties with an estimated value of nearly $6.2 million was permanently protected through donations for conservation.

The donors associated with over 40 donations of land or land value will be recognized during a ceremony from 11:15 a.m. to noon March 12 in the first-floor rotunda at the State Capitol in Des Moines.

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds and Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg are scheduled to attend.

Landowners who are in attendance will be honored individually for their donation.

Among those being honored are:

' Aaron and Alysia Countryman, who donated a conservation easement on 126 acres of woodland, wetland and grassland near Fairfield to Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation to permanently protect this important habitat. The property, previously owned by Clarence and Ruth Tracht, was donated to Pathfinders Resource, Conservation and Development in 1991. Pathfinders RC&D constructed ponds, wetlands and planted thousands of trees.

' Daniel Jr. and Martha Schipfer, who donated 40 acres of floodplain forest and floodplain/seasonal wetland vegetation to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. The South Skunk River runs through most of the property (about 1,900 feet) in southern Keokuk County. This donation will provide public access to hunting and other outdoor recreation opportunities and enhance habitat to numerous wildlife species that use this river corridor.

For more information about individual donations, visit the DNR website at www.iowadnr.gov/landdonors.