March 28, 2024

Savage family honored for land donation

DES MOINES – More than 2,800 acres of Iowa land with an estimated value of more than $6 million was permanently protected through many donations for conservation. The donors associated with the 20 donations of land or land value will be recognized during ceremony at the State Capitol.

Rahn and Dorian Savage of Lynnville helped to protect 93 acres of floodplain and riparian woodlands in Mahaska County through a bargain sale to the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation.

The North Skunk River flows through the middle of the property. There are plans for a reconstructed wetland to offer habitat for migrating waterfowl. The property will eventually be transferred to the Mahaska County Conservation Board.

The ceremony is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 11 in Legislative Dining Room 15 at the State Capitol in Des Moines. Gov. Terry Branstad is scheduled to attend.

Landowners who are in attendance will be honored individually for their donation.

The Gift to Iowa’s Future recognition celebrates and honors individuals and corporations who have donated land or a conservation easement to benefit Iowa’s parks, trails, fish and wildlife habitat, natural areas, open spaces and public recreation areas for other public uses and benefits.