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GUTHRIE COUNTY—IOWA |
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Middle Raccoon River south of Panora. |
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The Des Moines lobe of the Wisconsinian Glacier stops along the Middle Raccoon River. The land north of the river was once covered by prairie and wetlands. Today, there are remnant pieces of prairie and wetlands left. The land south of the Middle Raccoon River starts the rolling hills of southern Iowa. The Middle Raccoon River is one of the most scenic and beautiful rivers in the state of Iowa and offers excellent smallmouth bass fishing and canoeing. In 1981, the Middle Raccoon River, starting from Lenon Mill Park to the Redfield Dam, was designated by the Iowa Protected Water Areas (PWA) Program as one of only 5 protected water areas in the state of Iowa. The Iowa PWA Program is based on a statewide assessment of Iowa's best scenic rivers that provide an avenue for wetland protection. The PWA General Plan identifies a voluntary protection zone which is a minimum of 50 feet adjacent to the river and the natural, historical, and/or archaeological areas, and other areas where visual degradation would adversely impact the scenic qualities of the river route. Cattail marshes full of waterfowl and large, ungrazed portions of timber with white-tail deer and turkeys are another example of the diversity of natural resources that Guthrie County has to offer. The Guthrie County Conservation Board manages and develops woodlands, prairies, wetlands and other recreational areas totaling 855 acres and offers services to private landowners in creating and developing wildlife habitat. |
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Natural Resources |
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Guthrie County Conservation |
Integrated Roadside Vegetation Management |
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Our natural history tells us that prairie grasses and forbs evolved over several thousand years to become the dominant vegetation for this area. When secondary roads in Guthrie County are disturbed by regrade, construction, or ditch cleaning, native prairie species are used for the reseeding whenever possible. Native grasses and forbs are adapted to this climate and soil and once covered approximately 85% of Iowa. Because of their extensive root system, as well as dense above-ground growth, they provide the best low-maintenance weed and erosion control. Weed control through competition reduces the amount of herbicides used, too. Native plants also provide beautiful roadsides, as well as excellent wildlife habitat, for many species of birds, mammals, and beneficial insects. For more information, contact: |
