The Nature Conservancy. Protecting nature. Preserving life.™

View across the Pennington West tract. Photo by Randy Arndt.

The property is or will be encumbered by a conservation easement as described below.
 

Description

The Pennington West tract consists of approximately 275 acres of rolling mixed cool season grass pastureland and 164 acres currently in cropland. The property has reliable watering ponds and good fences for livestock, and has good access by hardtop road on the east boundary and gravel road on the north boundary. The open grassland areas will be cleared of trees before the property is sold.

Primary Conservation Objectives

The Nature Conservancy is working in the 70,000 acre Grand River Grasslands conservation area to restore a tallgrass prairie landscape. The objectives are to expand the area of native plant life, provide essential grassland bird habitat for several threatened species, and improve soil and water conservation.
  

Biodiversity Highlights

The property has over 40 native prairie plants. It is within the zone of influence of an existing Greater Prairie Chicken lek and will be a key element in the establishment of a native plant habitat for upland birds. 

Easements and Restrictions

The property will be subject to a permanent conservation easement to protect native habitat for grassland birds and wildlife. The easement will prohibit subdivision and feedlots or confined animal feeding operations; it will restrict construction, crop agriculture (permitted within a 164-acre "tillable zone"), commercial activities, growth of woody vegetation, use of non-native or invasive plants, grazing, and other activities on the property. The easement will not restrict hunting activities so long as they comply with applicable state/federal regulations.