News : Wildcat Bluff Expansion still seeking donations to complete the project

Shelby Williams of Benton County Conservations speaks with local Kiwanis

Shelby Williams the Benton County Conservation Director, spoke to the Vinton Kiwanis at their Tuesday meeting. She shared with the group that plans are underway to purchase 180 acres of land next to the Wildcat Bluff Recreation Area located 2 miles south of Urbana running along the Cedar River. This would bring the total size of the park to nearly 300 acres. The cost of the new purchase will be 1.2-million-dollars. (You can see a map of the areas below)

The park, Wildcat Bluff Recreation Area (Wildcat Bluff), two miles south of Urbana, Iowa is home to: The East Unit Shop, 24 campsites, a boat ramp, miles of hiking trails, Iowa's best disc golf course (ranked top 10 in the nation and top 20 in the world), great timber and wildlife habitat, and Cedar River fishing access. Wildcat Bluff offers all of this in just 134 acres.

As much as Wildcat has to offer, this would more than double the size of this property with this project, once funding is secured!

Benton County Conservation is partnering with Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation (INHF) and will be adding roughly 180 acres immediately to the east of Wildcat Bluff. This property includes ideal timber habitat, upland and lowland habitat, and an additional Cedar River bank. It will provide amazing hiking trails and habitats to support the native flora and fauna. This addition will soon bring Wildcat Bluff to a total of 312 acres for all to enjoy.

BCC is still seeking donations to finish the project. "We need donors in all capacities. Whether it be for small donations and fundraisers to large personal and corporate donations. Every bit makes a difference. We have a goal to raise as much as we can for the 1.2-million-dollar acquisition. We are very fortunate to work with INHF through this acquisition, but we must find funding. As of mid-April, we have $208,500 from community commitment."

This will improve the quality of life for our citizens by providing recreational and educational opportunities that foster stewardship of our natural resources.

Please note, until it's paid in full, this remains private property. The sooner the funds are raised, the sooner this will be open to the public for all to enjoy!

Reach out to the department for donations or questions: email info@bentoncountyparks.com, call 319-472-4942, or go to www.bentoncountyia.gov/conservation.