Des Moines, Iowa – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (Iowa DNR) is making significant strides in habitat restoration at the 12 Mile Lake Wildlife Area in Union County, where crews have been actively removing invasive trees to revive high-quality grassland habitat. This ongoing effort not only aims to enhance water quality in the lake but also to bolster populations of grassland wildlife, providing better opportunities for bird hunters and other outdoor enthusiasts.
The project targets invasive species such as bush honeysuckle, autumn olive, and eastern red cedar, which have overtaken native grasslands. These invasives outcompete desirable vegetation, leaving bare ground beneath them that accelerates runoff into the lake, degrading water quality. “The grassland has been threatened by invasive bush honeysuckle, autumn olive and eastern red cedar, which outcompetes the grassland, creating nothing but bare ground underneath, resulting in increased runoff to the lake,” explained Josh Rusk with the Iowa DNR.
The most recent clearing work is prominently visible from the boat ramp on the east side of the lake. This multi-year initiative has progressed gradually, with plans for continued management. Following the tree removal, the DNR intends to conduct a prescribed burn this spring to further clear the area. “It’s been a gradual, multi-year project that has a way to go,” Rusk noted. “We plan to burn the tree piles, restack, and burn again. Once we get the tree and brush skeletons cleaned up we will convert cool season grasses to native grasses and wildflowers.”
A parallel restoration effort is underway on the west side of the lake, employing similar strategies. Importantly, the project spares most bur oaks and black oaks, preserving larger tracts of oak-hickory woodland for continued management as such. “In most, but not all cases, we are not cutting bur oaks and black oaks. The larger tracts of oak hickory woodland will continue to be managed as woodland,” Rusk stated.
Early signs of success are evident, with increasing numbers of grassland wildlife already observed. Bird hunters have taken notice, responding positively to the growing populations of pheasants and quail. The restored landscape will also remain suitable for deer, which utilize the high-quality grasslands and brushy ditches. Upon completion, the area is expected to support a variety of grassland and shrubland obligate birds, including Henslow’s sparrow, bobolink, eastern meadowlark, field sparrow, loggerhead shrike, and indigo bunting. These species belong to some of the fastest declining groups in North America, making such restoration efforts critical for biodiversity conservation.
Beyond wildlife benefits, the project promises improvements in lake water quality, which translates to better drinking water sources downstream and enhanced fishing opportunities. “The restored grassland will lead to better water quality which also means better drinking water and better fishing in the lake,” Rusk emphasized. “It’s a win for everyone.”
This habitat work exemplifies the Iowa DNR’s commitment to balancing conservation with recreational access. The visible progress from the boat ramp allows visitors to witness the transformation firsthand, underscoring the tangible impacts of proactive land management. As the prescribed burn approaches this spring, anticipation builds for further enhancements that will solidify 12 Mile Lake Wildlife Area as a prime destination for hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
Grassland restoration like this addresses multiple resource issues, from invasive species control to sustainability of native ecosystems. By prioritizing native grasses and wildflowers, the DNR fosters resilient habitats that support declining bird species while mitigating environmental stressors like runoff. The preservation of oak woodlands ensures diverse cover types, catering to a broad array of wildlife needs, including those of deer and game birds prized by hunters.
For those interested in the area, the 12 Mile Lake Wildlife Area offers public access for various outdoor activities, now poised for even greater ecological and recreational value. The project’s comprehensive approach—tree removal, burning, seeding—demonstrates a holistic strategy tailored to southern Iowa’s landscapes.
For more information, visit Iowa Department of Natural Resources.