Brett Klima Wildlife Area
The Brett Klima Wildlife area encompasses over 1,000 acres open to the public for outdoor recreation. The habitat found in the park consist of lowland prairie and flood plain forest. Tree species found there include silver maple, river birch, walnut and bur oak to name a few. Recently the conservation board completed a 100 acre prairie restoration project with the local chapter of Pheasants Forever. This project included tree removal, reseeding of native prairie, and adding a 3 acre food plot to increase upland bird habitat. The entire area provides excellent habitat for upland game birds as well as white tailed deer, turkey, rabbits and squirrel. The area will be managed for wildlife diversity along with habitat diversity.
The wildlife area also includes small intermittent streams, shallow wetlands, and contains a portion of Wolf Creek. Once finished, the Wolf Creek Wetland Complex will provide over 100 acres of additional wetland and grasslands habitat for local waterfowl and wildlife. Klima is known as an excellent area for bird watchers to encounter many non-game species. Species such as Black-Billed Cuckoo, Bluebirds and Henslows Sparrow have recently been photographed within the its boundaries.
The following organizations and individuals helped make this area possible for the public to enjoy:
Black Hawk County Conservation, Cedar Valley Wetlands Foundation, Pheasants Forever, Whitetails Unlimited, Scheels and Waterloo Brown Bottle acquired this portion of land with the help of other organizations and agencies. Ducks Unlimited, The National Wild Turkey Federation (Iowa Chapter), Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, a REAP Grant and a Iowa Habitat Stamp Grant were involved in the acquisition of this portion of land as well. Donations from the private sector came from Chuck and Pam Klima, Travis Keloma, The Young Family Foundation of Waterloo, as well as friends of Brett and the Keloma family.
Park boundaries may not be clearly marked in all locations within the park so please be aware of park boundaries and respect private property.
Location
This property is located one mile north of the LaPorte City limits and just east of the Cedar Valley Nature Trail off of Highway 218. You will find the Cedar Valley Nature Trail on the eastern boundary of the area. (Look for the brown arrowhead park sign off of Highway 218 south)
Parking is also located along Brandon Rd.
Features
Hunting
Horseback riding
Access to the Cedar Valley Nature Trail
Bird watching
Unmaintained trails
Cross country skiing
Wildlife viewing
Fishing
Parking
States hunting and fishing regulations
Operating Hours & Seasons
Contact Us:
Black Hawk County Conservation
1346 West Airline Hwy
Waterloo, IA 50703
Phone: (319) 433-PARK (7275) Fax: (319) 433-7276
conservation@blackhawkcounty.iowa.gov
