Streams and Oxbows Arrive!

Since the Conservation Kick-Off at the end of April, the full size Tonka trucks and excavators have been buzzing around Heart Rock Ranch with amazing skill and speed.  The skills that the construction crew bring to the project is to be highly commended.  Not only are they artists with their excavators, they are equally sensitive to the surrounding land and disturbing as little as possible.  Completed so far are 1.3 miles of stream and interconnect channels to the 10 Oxbows (ponds) that are finished.  17 more Oxbows are in various stages of completion at this time as well.  Reseeding has begun in the middle portion of the ranch and that project will continue throughout the summer.

Oxbow and completed section of stream

Two interns, working through The Nature Conservancy, are assisting with plantings around the Wetland Cells that Ducks Unlimited initiated two years ago, as well as assisting with weed abatement in the upland areas of the ranch.

Heart Rock Ranch is happy to report that the eagle pair produced an eaglet this spring, and the family has been monitored on a weekly basis to ensure that the work going on is not putting stress on the family.  The Heron Rookery is very active with some twenty nests inhabited and the sounds of ducks, geese and sandhill cranes are a daily event.

Heart Rock Ranch Kicks Off Conservation Effort

Landowners Harry and Shirley Hagey, with their conservation partners, today shared their conservation plans for Heart Rock Ranch, consisting of the properties formerly known as Diamond Dragon and Spring Creek Ranch.

The Hageys purchased the two properties that make up Heart Rock Ranch in December 2010, recognizing the outstanding spring creeks, wildlife habitat and agricultural lands. At the time of the purchase, they announced their goal of protecting the incredible wildlife habitat and waters found here.

“We saw a tremendous opportunity for conservation here, with the chance to restore spring creeks, wetlands and upland sagebrush habitat,” says Harry Hagey. “Shirley and I prefer to stay out of the spotlight, but we also recognize that the community is very interested in these properties. We’re excited to share our plans for conservation and restoration.”

Restoration work is underway at the ranch, and the Hageys noted there will be a lot of visible activity throughout the summer.

What will be happening at Heart Rock Ranch this summer?

Stream Restoration
An extensive stream restoration effort has already begun on the ranch. The existing streams will be reconstructed or enhanced and restored to their stable, natural characteristics.  This has been designed by Dave Rosgen, a recognized expert in this field.

The project involves creating new stream channels with fish habitat, creating oxbows to help raise the water table, providing wintering habitat for fish and providing cooler, cleaner water for the streams and springs that flow back into the Big Wood River.

Wildlife Habitat Protection and Enhancement
Heart Rock Ranch is home to a heron rookery, nesting bald eagles, migratory birds, elk, moose, mule deer and many other wildlife species. The previous owners worked with Ducks Unlimited, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Idaho Department of Fish and Game to construct 13 wetland cells that provide shallow water wetland habitat for migratory birds.

Additional work begins this summer at Heart Rock Ranch. This work will take many forms, including planting native plants along the stream to cool the water and provide cover for wildlife, enhancing cottonwood groves, removing invasive species where possible, bringing back the native grasses, restoring the upland sagebrush habitat and creating wildlife-friendly fencing. “Obviously this will not all be done this year, but working closely with The Nature Conservancy we are developing a plan for the next few years,” says Harry.

Partnerships
The Hageys will be working with a variety of partners to achieve their conservation goals. They introduced these partners and their roles at the event. They include Ducks Unlimited, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Idaho Department of Fish and Game and The Nature Conservancy.

This valley has a tremendous history of private landowners making a difference for conservation,” says Harry. “We really appreciate our many neighbors and look forward to being a part of this community.”

“Obviously this will not all be done this year, but working closely with The Nature Conservancy we are developing a plan for the next few years,” says Harry. “We really appreciate our many neighbors and look forward to being a part of this community.”

Heart Rock Ranch updates

Welcome to Heart Rock Ranch’s blog. This site will provide periodic updates on the conservation and restoration work underway at Heart Rock Ranch (formerly the Diamond Dragon and Spring Creek ranches) located in the southern Wood River Valley.