CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – February 26, 2013 – Hundreds of years ago, ospreys thrived in Iowa. However, in the 1960’s they were placed on the endangered species list. Since then, groups and companies from across the state have made strong efforts to bring the population back. The latest effort is happening in Cedar Rapids.
This week, Interstate Power and Light Company, an Alliant Energy company, is working with the Cedar Rapids Parks and Recreation Department, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and the Indian Creek Nature Center to install two new platforms for nesting sites within the Prairie Park Fishery and the Sac and Fox greenway.
Ospreys migrate to Central and South America for the winter, returning in April or May. Alliant Energy and Parks and Recreation crews will install nesting platforms on large poles in hopes the birds will use them when they return this spring.
“This cooperation through agency partnerships increases our effective use of limited resources toward achieving habitat restoration goals,” said Cedar Rapids Parks Superintendent Daniel Gibbins. “This is one of many efforts by Alliant Energy, the DNR, the city of Cedar Rapids, and Indian Creek Nature Center to help native species habitat in Eastern Iowa.”
“Alliant Energy is pleased with the opportunity to assist with this osprey platform project,” said Linda Mattes, vice president of Energy Delivery – Alliant Energy. “This project, like many others we’ve helped with in the communities we serve, reflects our company’s commitment to service and to the environment.”
Ospreys are birds of prey that feed almost entirely on fish. They have large wingspans of almost six feet and are sometimes confused with bald eagles. North American osprey populations became endangered in the 1950’s due to chemical pollutants such as DDT, which thinned their eggshells and hampered reproduction.
The platforms will be visible from the Sac and Fox walking trail and the Prairie Park Fishery hard-surface trail. The birds are exciting to watch, they spot fish underwater from hundreds of feet in the air, and reach speeds up to 40 miles an hour when they hit the water and submerge to catch a fish.
Media Contact: Justin Foss, (319) 786-4788