FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Restoration of two South Skunk River oxbows at Wicks Wildlife Area near Story City is now complete, marking the first finished project funded through the Story County Water & Land Legacy (SCWLL) Bond.
“Story County and the Story County Conservation Board are deeply committed to improving the water quality of our rivers, lakes and streams. These oxbow restorations mark the first water quality and habitat improvements funded through the Story County Water and Land Legacy.” said Mike Cox, Story County Conservation (SCC) Director.
Construction took approximately eight weeks, during which crews excavated and relocated sediment that had gradually accumulated and filled the oxbows over time.
Oxbows are wetlands that form when a meandering river changes course, cutting off sections of its former channel. These wetlands provide important floodwater storage by temporarily holding excess water and slowly releasing it back into the river system. Over time, erosion from surrounding landscapes can cause oxbows to fill with sediment, reducing their effectiveness and creating need for restoration.
Restoring the oxbows at Wicks Wildlife Area is expected to increase floodwater storage capacity two- to threefold, helping reduce downstream flooding and improve landscape resilience as weather becomes more unpredictable.
In addition to flood mitigation, oxbow restoration improves water quality by capturing runoff and filtering excess nutrients before water reenters the river. According to Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, oxbow restorations can reduce nitrate loads by up to 54 percent. Improved water quality supports healthier aquatic ecosystems and greater habitat diversity.
Photo: Oxbow at Wicks Wildlife Area pre-restoration.
The restored oxbows will provide critical habitat for a wide range of wildlife, including fish, frogs, salamanders, migratory birds and waterfowl that rely on oxbow wetlands for feeding, nesting and shelter.
Funding for the project included SCWLL Bond funds along with partner contributions from the Iowa Soybean Association, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and Story County Conservation Partners. The project demonstrates SCC’s commitment to leveraging bond funding with grants and partnerships to maximize community investment.
More information about the SCWLL Bond can be found at here.
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Wicks Wildlife Area was purchased in 2020 through public and private partnerships, including the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation and a grant from Iowa’s Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) program. The area features mature oak, basswood, and hackberry trees and offers opportunities for birdwatching, hiking, bow hunting, and exploration of floodplain forests and historic river oxbows. No maintained trails are present, preserving the site as an undeveloped wildlife area.
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