The Iowa Department of Natural Resources and the Wright Conservation Board will release one pair of trumpeter swans (rain or shine) at 10 a.m., June 1, near the intersection of blacktop road C25 and R45. Driving directions from Belmond: Travel 3 miles south on Hwy 69, turn right on Blacktop C25 and travel 4 miles west.

The public is invited and encouraged 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 and have an 8-foot wingspan.

Trumpeter swans were once common in Iowa, but disappeared 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 and Wright County Conservation Board's statewide trumpeter swan restoration effort, with hopes that they will help restore a wild free flying population to Iowa.

Since 1995, more than 570 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.

If you have any questions about this release: Contact: Ron Andrews, Ron.Andrews@dnr.state.ia.us (641) 357-3517, or Charles Bray, Wright Conservation Board at (515) 532-3185.
 

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