Update: Iowa’s Important Bird Areas (IBA) Program is Flying Ahead

Iowa’s IBA Technical Committee, chaired by our state’s foremost ornithologist, Dr. Jim Dinsmore, met for the sixth time on October 30, 2004. Previously this committee deliberated and found that 37 species of birds are most in need of conservation action in our state. One of the other functions of this committee is to evaluate bird observation data that has been submitted to the user-friendly IBA website (www.iowaaudubon.org/IBA), and vote on whether a particular habitat meets Iowa’s established IBA criteria, and can attain official IBA status.

In a nutshell, when Iowa’s 37 high priority bird species are documented as being supported by a specific habitat – particularly during the nesting season – that habitat may gain Important Bird Area status. Therefore, obtaining field observation data from Audubon members and other birders is essential for any habitat to gain official IBA recognition, and to qualify for more focused and aggressive monitoring and conservation activities in the future.

Strong Grassroots Progress is Being Made

The science-based, data-driven, and citizen-led Iowa IBA Program is only 36 months old. But 150 of Iowa’s recreational birders have participated. They used the IBA criteria found at (www.iowaaudubon.org/IBA/criteria_def.asp) to nominate 200+ habitats. This citizen input is easy and fun to provide. It is also badly needed, and deeply appreciated.

After the technical committee reviewed data submitted online and voted at their Oct. 30th meeting, Iowa’s total number of officially recognized IBAs reached 70, and these were well distributed in 55 of our 99 counties. This total puts Iowa ahead of most of the 45 other states that now have IBA Programs. When all IBAs and all habitats that have been nominated or proposed for IBA status are put together, data has been submitted for 200+ habitats in 86 counties. These facts surprise and amaze those who hold a stereotypical view of Iowa as being only rows of corn and soybeans, and hog farms; and those who don’t yet recognize the great potential this state has for becoming a leader in all-bird conservation. Iowa’s Audubon members have reason to be proud of IBA accomplishments made in a relatively short period of time.

Two components of Iowa’s Important Bird Areas (IBA) Program are vital to true progress in bird and habitat conservation. First, recreational birders, other citizens, and whole communities are encouraged to become actively engaged with this program. Second, each IBA becomes part of a state, national, western hemisphere, and global network of habitats for the most seriously declining birds – and vital data about each IBA is held in a single World Bird Database.

The resulting database is accessible to all conservation leaders. And most importantly, this brilliantly conceived system makes possible the prioritization of bird and habitat monitoring efforts, and the planning and implementation of habitat restoration, enhancement and long-term management projects most appropriate for the highest priority species. IBAs can be thought of as a string of precious pearls – the most essential habitats identified, monitored and managed to benefit the most seriously declining species – all linked together from grassroots to global levels. The IBA Program is Iowa Audubon’s Mission in action across 86 Iowa counties.

Two Major Needs of Iowa’s IBA Program

All Iowans live within easy driving distance of one or more of the 70 IBAs in 55 counties that need further monitoring, especially during the nesting season. You also live near one or more of the 130+ nominated habitats that only need more observation data to be voted to official IBA status. The IBA Program achieves the overall Iowa Audubon Mission like no other program ever has, and this grassroots effort is now solely controlled by Audubon leaders living within Iowa. The first major need is for more Audubon members to become more actively involved in identifying, monitoring, and conserving the IBAs that benefit the 37 bird species most in need of help in our state.

The second major need is different but also vital. A statewide bird and habitat conservation program cannot function properly without solid financial underpinning. Iowa Audubon needs a broad base of continuous funding support. Readers are requested to make large and regular financial contributions to expand and strengthen this comprehensive bird and habitat conservation program. All donations are tax deductible. Please mail checks to: Iowa Audubon Treasurer, % Francis Moore, P.O. Box 682, Waterloo, Iowa 50704.

For additional information and updates on the IBA Program, contact the Iowa IBA Coordinator, Ric Zarwell, at Ric.Zarwell@mchsi.com , or at (563) 538-4991.