With its lakeview and equestrian campgrounds; fishing, boating, kayaking and hunting opportunities; and 20 miles of biking, walking and equestrian multi-use trails, visiting the 5,700-acre Volga River Recreation Area (VRRA), has proven to provide some of the most scenic and recreational opportunities in Northeast Iowa.
To explain the efforts being taken to keep the VRRA woodland healthy, Maison Hubrig, Iowa Department of Natural Resources District 2 forester, presented the park’s five-year Forest Wildlife Stewardship Plan to approximately 20 local residents on the Upper Iowa University Fayette campus Thursday.
Hubrig noted there are several positive objectives for forest stewardship of the recreational area, located between West Union and Fayette.
“Removing older mature trees allows for growth of smaller trees and seedlings which need sunlight in order to flourish and create a diverse forest ecosystem,” he reported. “Also, since forest management will occur over years, forest stewardship will be a classroom for students and the public to view during various stages, and help others manage their woodlands.
“Safety is always a consideration and removing dying and hazardous trees found along the trail system makes the trails safer,” he added.
Another benefit is the $180,000 expected income from the timber sales, which can go back into replenishing trees for future growth. In some instances, Hubrig explained white and red oak smaller trees exist and /or seedlings have been planted in the understory and simply need sunlight to flourish and maintain the forest in perpetuity.
In addition, funds from the timber harvest will be reinvested by planting more diverse species of different sizes, thinning young stands, removing invasive species, and converting to more desirable species thereby creating early successional forest and wildlife habitat.
The plan further states that in the absence of even age management techniques, the oak forests in Iowa will eventually be lost.
As for protecting wildlife, the plan is quite specific and further reinforces while forest management is needed. As an example, it will provide nesting habitat and protection from predators.
“Many species of birds such as ruffed grouse, American woodcock, gold winged warbler, blue winged warbler, black billed cuckoo, yellow billed cuckoo, and eastern towhee are dependent on the early stages of forest growth,” he stated.
Hubrig explained the first stages of the forest management plan will be implemented during an 18-month period beginning in fall 2025. He said the timber harvest is expected to yield 200,000 to 250,000 board feet. Further, stands have been selected, trees marked, and bids have been sent to 12 log buyers. The greatest number of acres harvested in any planned year is 26 acres. This season’s harvest covers 15-20 acres.
For additional information about the Volga Lake forestry management plan, contact Maison Hubrig, Iowa DNR district forester, at 563-608-0086 or email at Maison.Hubrig@dnr.iowa.gov.
For more detailed information about the plan go to the Iowa DNR website. For an in-person presentation about the Volga Lake timber harvest, the public is invited to an educational field day dedicated to forestry, wildlife management and conservation. The event, hosted by Hubrig and VRRA park manager Austin Lette, is scheduled for Wednesday, May 21. Those planning to attend are asked to gather for registration at 9 a.m. at the VRRA Campground. For more information, call the VRRA office at 563-425-4161.
Similarly, an educational forestry conservation field day will be held Tuesday, May 6, at the Louis Christen farm, located at 18292 D Ave. Elgin, with the Iowa Woodland Owners Association (IWOA) on hand. Christen plans for wagon rides, timber walks, and more. For more information, call 563-426-5230.
