News : Benton County Conservation Complete Wildcat Bluff Expansion

After 18 months of dedicated work and unprecedented community support, Benton County Conservation is thrilled to announce the procurement of funds for the Wildcat Bluff Recreation Area expansion! As of now, this land remains private. With the funding secured, the next step will be completing the transfer of the property over the next several months to make this property available for public use. This transformative project was made possible through generous public contributions, community organizations, business partnerships, and a recently awarded Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) grant. This acquisition has more than doubled the size of the existing park, creating a 325 acre park with exciting opportunities for recreation and conservation.

Through an extraordinary show of support, individual donors from the public contributed over $600,000 of the $1.2 million acquisition. The remaining funding was secured through grant awards and contributions from local organizations and businesses, highlighting the collective commitment to this project. The project wouldn't have been possible without the help of John Tuthill and Wendling Quarries for bringing this opportunity to us. Our partnering organization, the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation (INHF), played an invaluable role in bringing this vision to life.

"We are immensely grateful for the overwhelming support from individuals, businesses, and our partners, INHF and Iowa DNR's REAP program," said Shelby Williams, Director. "This project has been a journey, and it's inspiring to see the community come together to support conservation and expand access to the outdoors."

Thanks to the competitive REAP grant, Benton County Conservation has secured the final funding necessary to complete the expansion, adding significant natural space that will support outdoor activities, protect local wildlife, and preserve the region's natural beauty for generations to come.

Looking Ahead

While we are thrilled to announce the procurement of funds for the Wildcat Bluff expansion, we do not yet have possession of the property. As such, the expanded area remains closed and private until further notice. We anticipate the property will officially open to the public in the spring of 2025, and we are excited to welcome visitors once appropriate preparations are complete.

Please note that once it is open, hunting will be permitted on the entire property, making all of Wildcat Bluff a lead-free birdshot and archery-only area. During certain times, recreation opportunities may be temporarily affected as we manage the site for both public use and conservation needs.

For more information on this project or upcoming events, Williams invites anyone interested in learning more about the Wildcat Bluff expansion to email info@bentoncountyparks.com, call 319-472-4942, or go to www.bentoncountyia.gov/conservation.

To learn more about REAP and everything it does for Iowa, visit https://www.iowadnr.gov/conservation/reap.

About Wildcat Bluff Recreation Area

Wildcat Bluff Recreation Area is a treasured local destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a range of recreational activities, including Iowa's number one Disc Golf Course, scenic landscapes, and opportunities to connect with nature. This new addition, made possible by the community's generosity, stands as a testament to the shared commitment to conservation and outdoor access in Iowa.