CLEAR LAKE - The Iowa DNR will release six trumpeter swans in Hamilton County (rain or shine) on May 16.

The first release will take place at the southeast side of Anderson Lake at 10:15 a.m. Driving directions from Jewell: Travel 1 mile east on Hwy #175, Turn left on Saratoga Ave. and travel north ½ mile. The second release will take place at Bjorkboda Marsh at 11:30 a.m. Driving directions from Stanhope: Travel 4 miles south on Hwy #17, Turn right on 390th street and travel west 1 mile, turn left on Impaduka Ave and travel south 1 mile, turn right on 400th street and travel ¼ mile west. The third release will take place on the south side of Gordon's Marsh, with a special memorial dedication to Philip Gordon. Driving directions from Webster City: Travel 4½ miles south on Blacktop #R27, turn right on 280th street and travel west 2 miles, turn right on the farm drive and travel ¼ mile north.

The public is invited to attend. The event includes a 15-minute swan/wetland presentation, a unique opportunity to touch and view the swans up close, and a historic photo opportunity with the kids. As the largest North American waterfowl, these magnificent all-white birds can weigh up to 36 pounds with an 8-foot wingspan.

Trumpeter swans were once common in Iowa, but were gone from the state by the late 1800s. By the early 1930s, only 69 swans remained in the lower 48 states. The trumpeter swans being released are part of the DNR's statewide trumpeter swan restoration effort, with hopes that they will help restore a wild free flying population to Iowa.

Since 1995, more than 500 free flying trumpeter swans have been released into the wild statewide. The goal is to have 25 free flying nesting pairs of trumpeter swans in Iowa by 2006. Public support is key to achieving this objective.

A special thanks to Hamilton County Conservation Board and to the Sampson family for their generous support of the Iowa Trumpeter Swan Restoration Program, in memory of David A. and Robert Luglan Sampson. If you have any questions about this release contact Ron Andrews at 641-357-3517. E-mail: Ron.Andrews@dnr.state.ia.us.

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