Pine Springs Creek Water Quality and Angler Easement is dedicated

Pictured left to right: Ross Evelsizer, (NE Iowa RC&D), Mike Steuck (Iowa DNR), Chuck Gipp (Director, Iowa DNR), John Torgrimson (Executive Director of Seed Savers), Kate Lodge (Hawkeye Fly Fishers) and Tom Murray (Driftless Chapter, TU)

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) hosted a dedication ceremony of the new Water Quality and Angler Easement on Pine Springs Creek, North Canoe Creek and West Canoe Creek at Seed Savers Exchange Friday morning.

John Torgrimson, executive director of Seed Savers, opened the dedication by saying, "When we were approached about a fishing easement by the Iowa DNR it wasn't out of the blue. It seemed like a natural progression in our relationship. We trust each other."

Iowa DNR fisheries biologists have formed partnerships with private landowners the last several decades to manage trout populations and provide water quality and habitat protection.

The Water Quality and Angler Easement program benefits Iowa trout anglers and landowners alike. The new conservation easements formalize many existing agreements for public fishing access and provide water quality improvement by protecting the stream corridor from degradation.

The DNR Fisheries bureau continues to work with landowners along streams to connect the state's popular and highest quality trout streams with opportunities for anglers to enjoy these unique trout fisheries. These perpetual agreements will enhance and protect these coldwater resources for the enjoyment of future generations.

Coldwater streams are a valuable natural resource unique to the "Driftless Region" that covers portions of northeast Iowa. The karst geology of the Driftless Region produces cold-water springs, seeps and flow that support coldwater fisheries in eight counties.

There are about 530 miles of coldwater stream resources in Iowa, but public fishing access is available at fewer than 150 of these miles. Anglers spend more than 400,000 days trout fishing in Iowa each year and spend nearly $20,000,000 while in pursuit of trout.

Director of Iowa DNR, Chuck Gipp concluded the dedication by mentioning how being outdoors is therapeutic, and giving easement of private property can be a conservation legacy.