The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is acquiring two tracts of land in Louisa County. The Natural Resource Commission approved the purchase of 246 acres near Wapello at their meeting last week. The tracts of land are adjacent to the Millrace Flats and Turtle Bend Wildlife Management Areas.

Travis Baker is the Iowa DNR Land and Waters Bureau Chief. His office handles the DNR’s realty acquisitions. Baker says the land will be open to the public by May. He adds since the late 90s, they’ve bought an average of 4,000 acres a year. Land purchases are part of the department’s mission to preserve natural resources, and provide the public with opportunities for recreation.

Land one half mile north of Wapello adjacent to Millrace Flats Wildlife Management Area

Acreage: 138.07

DNR Purchase Price: $145,000

Appraised Value: $168,500

Funding Sources: Federal NAWCA – IA Mississippi River Valley ($75,000), REAP Open Spaces ($60,000), Wildlife Habitat Stamp ($9,500), Louisa Co. Chapter of the Izaak Walton League ($500)

Land 1.5 miles northeast of Wapello adjacent to Turtle Bend Wildlife Management Area

Acreage: 108

DNR Purchase Price: $113,400

Appraised Value: $130,000

Funding Sources: Federal NAWCA – IA Mississippi River Valley ($55,400), Wildlife Habitat Stamp ($58,000)