Iowa should connect habitats

Drive across Iowa’s landscape, and you’ll likely see a lot of corn and soybean fields. In between are lakes, rivers, forested areas, wetlands, grassy road ditches and other features which provide habitat for Iowa’s wildlife.

What you may also notice is that these habitats are mostly isolated. They’re not connected to other habitats, making it difficult for wildlife to find the necessary food, cover and healthy reproduction.

But several states, primarily in the western United States, are creating “connectivity corridors” that maintain a healthy ecosystem and allow wildlife to more easily migrate, adapt to their environment and sustain genetic diversity.

Dave Hoferer, an associate professor of biology at Briar Cliff University in Sioux City, told The Gazette’s Olivia Cohen that fragmented, isolated habitats can result in inbreeding, also known as “extinction debt.” Adults in a species may not leave behind enough offspring to replace them.

“Thus, the population slowly declines over time,” Hoferer said. “We might measure a population today and say it's healthy, but decades from now, we can say, ‘Wow, this population is really in decline.’”

A report published by the Sierra Club’s Iowa Chapter argues Iowa should work to connect isolated habitats through these ecological corridors. The chapter wants to approach the Department of Transportation and the Department of Natural Resources, hoping they can include connectivity corridors in their budget plans.

We think this is an idea with considerable merit and join the call for state officials to get on board with the effort. This isn’t just about helping wildlife. A report created for Iowa lawmakers said hunters spend $299 million in Iowa annually. Together with fishing, the spending by hunters and anglers adds up to $661 million.

Of course, the obstacles to corridors include a lack of funding and insufficient public land needed to create them. Only about 1 percent of Iowa land is publicly owned.

It’s an idea that should be pursued. The environmental benefits of connectivity corridors extend beyond wildlife; they can also help filter runoff, reduce erosion and improve Iowa’s water quality.

It’s a good idea that could save what’s remaining of the state’s habitats while adding new public lands. Farmers can be part of the solution. Iowa leaders should pursue this strategy for the good of all Iowans.

(319) 398-8262; editorial@thegazette.com