8
BY SCOTT FRIEDEN , PARK RANGER US Army Corps of Engineers
Does anyone know what the authorized purposes of Rathbun Lake are ? If you guessed flood damage reduction , then you are partially correct . Rathbun Lake Project was authorized by the River and Harbor Flood Control Act of 1954 for five authorized purposes . Rathbun Lake also provides the public with water supply , recreation , fish and wildlife and navigation . With over 33,000 acres of land and water in a four-county area , there is a major responsibility for the U . S . Army Corps of Engineers to protect and maintain the boundary line of federal lands .
The boundary is inspected annually by the Park Rangers at Rathbun Lake . At Rathbun Lake , there are 150 miles of shoreline and 22,900 acres of land . That is a huge chunk of property that keeps rangers busy with boundary inspection . Rathbun Lake area provides great scenic qualities and was opened up to the public in 1970 . You can find hardwoods that extend down rolling hills to the lake ’ s edge in many areas such as Honey Creek State Park on the north shoreline . On the south side of the lake , there are grasslands interspersed with landscaped recreation areas . In the upstream reaches of the Rathbun Project , you may find bottomland hardwoods interspersed with small agricultural fields that border a meandering Chariton River . In these areas , you will find the Park Rangers inspecting the boundary as there is lots of territory that needs to be checked to ensure all land is being used properly .
Park Rangers have noticed that there are many trees that have fallen to the ground , or are dead in the timber on Rathbun Public Land when doing the boundary inspections . Oftentimes dead or dying trees still serve as
Rathbun Lake 2024
Rathbun Lake Boundary
Rathbun Rangers inspecting the boundary line .
wildlife habitat to birds , bats and waterfowl . Therefore leaving the trees there for habitat is what is best for the wildlife . In addition , Rathbun Project offers a beautiful display of fall colors for all to enjoy when you are exploring the project .
Another benefit of the Rathbun Project is to provide hunting opportunities . Public lands in Iowa comprise 2 % of the total acreage in the state . Therefore , the Corps of Engineers at Rathbun Lake take boundary inspections seriously to make sure all visitors get an equal chance to experience the woods . While inspecting the boundary , Park Rangers are also looking for treestands . You can put your tree stand up seven days before the first deer season and leave your treestand on Rathbun Project land until seven days after the last deer season . Remember to wear your safety harness before climbing trees . The safety harness could save your life .
When park rangers inspect the boundary , they note different developments taking place . We understand that a landowner might have questions about doing projects near government land . If you are looking to purchase private land at the Lake , it is always a good policy to call our office before any development takes place so we can help you locate the boundary .
Under Section 4 of the
1944 Flood Control Act the U . S . Army Corps of Engineers is authorized to inspect government land boundaries associated with Rathbun Lake and to maintain that land . All government land has survey witness posts that are identified by a yellow sign and fence post . There are survey pins just above the ground ' s surface that have a monument number on them . The rangers at Rathbun Lake work hard to ensure Federal lands are available for all to use and preserve the integrity of the land . Please do not hesitate to call us with boundary questions , or concerns at 641-647-2464 .