Securing a Future for Fish and Wildlife: a Conservation Legacy for Iowans (Iowa Wildlife Action Plan)
"Securing a Future for Fish and Wildlife: a Conservation Legacy for Iowans" is the first attempt to inventory the state's wildlife and evaluate the status of each species. It also examines stresses on wildlife and their habitats, including climate change, and presents conservation strategies for the next 25 years. Developed by a coalition of scientists, sportsmen, conservationists, members of the public, and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), the Iowa Wildlife Action Plan (IWAP) is "a proactive plan designed to conserve all wildlife in Iowa before they become rare and more costly to protect."
Initially named the Iowa Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Plan, the IWAP identifies 999 species of birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians, mussels (freshwater clams), land snails, butterflies, dragonflies, and damselflies. Nearly one-third of all species found in Iowa are of concern due to their decline across the state. Although plant species are not listed in this wildlife plan, plant communities are addressed as an important part of the habitats for most of Iowa’s wildlife.
The strategy is presented as specific conservation actions that need to be implemented to reach the plan’s goals in a 25-year framework. These actions are not specifically designed to be implemented by IDNR. They provide a broad framework of actions that can be undertaken by conservationists at all levels of government, by private conservation organizations, and by private citizens. According to the report, extensive coordination will be necessary between these stakeholders to make the vision a reality.
The 2015 comprehensive review and revision to the Plan has now been completed and approved, and is available for download from the linked IDNR website.
Publication Date: 2007
Related Organizations:
- Iowa Department of Natural Resources
Sectors:
- Biodiversity and ecosystems
- Fish and fisheries
- Wildlife
Resource Category:
Resource Types:
- Plans (other)
States Affected:
