Wildcat Bluff expansion proposed

VINTON — The Benton County Board of Supervisors heard of an opportunity to expand the Wildcat Bluff area Tuesday, March 7.

The Benton County Conservation Board met with the supervisors regarding land acquisition with the Iowa Heritage Foundation. Shelby Williams, conservation director, said the land is about nine miles south of Urbana. Wendling Quarry is interested in selling the land to the conservation department. The Heritage Foundation helped them with negotiations. This allows conservation to more than double the size of the Wildcat Bluff Recreation Area there, almost putting it at the level of a state park. The total size of the park would be 300 acres when combined with the new land. She wanted to share the “exciting” news with the supervisors.

Conservation board members saw it as a once in a lifetime opportunity, and it is a turnkey portion next to the property that already exists. They believe it can be funded through grants. They hope to get out and find people who want to donate to the project.

It is an 184-acre tract that is being offered. They are seeking $1.2 million. They already have a $125,000 commitment. They will apply for the REAP grant this fall, which is up to $900,000. They have to own the property to apply for the grant.

Plans include developing trails and removing interior fences. Eventually, other recreation will be added. Williams stressed it has a lot of potential.

Supervisor Richard Primmer observed that $1.2 million is a “chunk of change.”

They have two years to purchase the property. The Heritage Foundation already has a recent purchase agreement with Wendling.

Primmer said he didn’t have a problem if it’s grants and donations. He has a problem committing $1.2 million of tax money. Randy Scheel of the conservation board said they confidence they have to pay that in two years is extremely high.

No action was taken. Scheel stressed they wanted to make sure they were keeping the supervisors up to date on what they are doing. He added they will not need additional staffing. Coe College and organizations for turkeys and pheasant are interested in the project. There are also Indian mounds on the property.

Supervisor Gary Bierschenk said it is quite an undertaking.