From left to right: Derek Ballard, biologist with Ducks Unlimited, Rodney Ellingson Wildlife Biologist with Iowa DNR, U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Iowa House District 53 Rep. Dean Fisher (R-Montour), and Holly Shutt, a working lands biologist with Ducks Unlimited, all pose with the marsh in the background. PHOTO BY JONATHAN MEYER

CHELSEA — On a muggy Saturday afternoon, U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) made an appearance in Tama County as part of her River to River tour. Biologists, DNR employees, and Ducks Unlimited stakeholders toured the Otter Creek Marsh. Occupying 3,800 acres outside of Chelsea and accessible via E66, the marsh is a valued wildlife preserve, a part of the watershed, and serves as hunting ground for many.

The DNR website describes it as “a mix of wetlands, reconstructed prairie and floodplain timber in eastern Tama County that was specifically selected for development because of its species richness and location on a major migration corridor.”

Senator Ernst spoke of the need to protect these valued lands and what she can do from her position to help make that happen. At two different stops on the tour, various wildlife leaders presented information and educated those in attendance on different challenges and ongoing works facing the marsh. Due to the Senator’s time constraints, the tour ended earlier than expected.

In a brief interview with the News Chronicle, Ernst shared some political insights from D.C.

“My biggest priority for Iowans is the Farm Bill. I believe we have so much more to do in protection of our farmers and allowing them to thrive,” she said.

Derek Ballard with Ducks Unlimited presents to the crowd about potential funding available to continue the preservation of Otter Creek Marsh through programs such as a NAWCA Grant. NAWCA stands for North American Wetland Conservation Act. PHOTO BY JONATHAN MEYER

Ernst also praised Gov. Kim Reynolds and District 53 Rep. Dean Fisher (R-Montour) in the interview.

“We have great things going on in Iowa. Gov. Reynolds has provided so many advancements in Iowa’s great freedoms. I have to praise Dean as well. When I was in the state Senate, I met Dean and always admired his work and dedication to his district and the state itself,” she said.

Shortly after the interview, Ernst departed.

Both Ellingson and Ballard present information to Ernst and Fisher about the needs of Otter Creek Marsh. PHOTO BY JONATHAN MEYER

Everyone in attendance gathered after the first stop on the tour to commemorate the event. PHOTO BY JONATHAN MEYER