Upland and Waterfowl Hunter’s Paradise

Executive Summary:

Over the past three decades, this property has undergone a transformation that is hard to fully capture in words.  From what was once barren rolling pasture, the Lamberts family has created one of the most diverse bird hunting and fishing tracts available on the market today.  Years of dedicated conservation development and hundreds of thousands of dollars have been spent creating what the owners describe as a property that simply cannot be replicated anywhere in the state.  The impact of the habitat enhancements are evidenced by the thousands of waterfowl, broods of quail, many pheasants, snow geese, deer, and other wildlife that frequent the property.  The habitat improvements are so significant, that they have attracted even Iowa’s former governor Terry Brandstad to choose the location as one of very few sites throughout Iowa to release a pair of Trumpeter Swans as part of the restoration effort ongoing since the 90’s.  While the swans could have been released anywhere in the state, Terry chose this site for its significant contribution to wildlife conservation.  For the sportsman longing for a private upland and waterfowl hunting retreat, or the executive looking for a corporate location to entertain clients and employees, this is certainly a property that must be seen to fully appreciate. 

 

Property Description:

Situated North of Rathbun Lake along the Chariton River valley, this unique property features some of the best waterfowl hunting in Iowa, and one of the rare places where spring snow goose hunting can be enjoyed.  The Lamberts family have devoted the majority of this 267+/- acre farm entirely to wildlife enhancement.  Over three decades, they have worked through the USDA and other conservation organizations to establish native grass, shrub, and tree plantings for the quail and pheasant population.   The higher than county average soils on the farm provide regular farm income through custom farming, and several of the ridge points are left standing as food plots for gamebirds, deer, and other wildlife. 

 

In conjunction with a private design firm and the Army Corp of Engineers, 5 water structures were designed and constructed in the early 90’s.  Each pond has unique features and serves a specific function in the larger overall design.  Together, the lake and smaller ponds serve as the central hub for thousands of migratory and resident waterfowl.  The largest lake, designed to be over 25 acres is the epicenter of the properties uniqueness and beauty.  The lake is thought to take in over 1,000 acres of drainage, all of which is filtered through the diverse grassland  and upper siltation pond.  The dam extends approximately 600 feet, and the lake is approximately 18′ deep on this end.  A gate system provides depth control, which allows the level to be dropped exposing a flat on the West end.  This is often planted to millet for the waterfowl and raised in early fall.  Several nesting islands and houses are also scattered throughout the lake to enhance waterfowl recruitment to the area.  Two other large ponds aid in filtration to the main lake and each is stocked with a unique mix of species.  So depending on what you’re fishing for, there’s a pond tailored to that species.  The last of the water features is a small minnow pond, so you always have fresh bait on site, perfect for bass and crappie fishing.  Over 6 miles of trails are maintained throughout this property, which connect the two entrances, all the food plots, and water features.  And, every ditch crossing along the way has a culvert in place to avoid disruption to the drainages.

 

The Lamberts family’s dedication to creating such a magnificent representation of habitat restoration and conservation is truly inspiring.  Their hope is that the effort they’ve put into creating this property will bring as much joy to the next family as it has to theirs.  Understanding that not every potential owner of the property will put as much priority on the grassland, the Lamberts wanted to ensure maximum flexibility for the new owner.  Nearly half of the cropland acres have historically been enrolled in various pollinator and buffer strip CRP programs.  To ensure no restriction on the new owners, the Lamberts have bought out all the CRP program acres, which creates the opportunity for additional row crop acres, or re-enrollment should the new owners desire.  Currently, approximately 135+/- acres of the 234.67 effective DCP Cropland acres are in row crop.   Using the 90% 2014 farm bill calculation on PLC Yield, the FSA farm records indicate a calculated 110 bu/acre yield in corn and calculated 36.67 bu/ac yield in beans.  Online farmland valuation tools put the average values on the Lamberts property at $7,590. 

 

Broker Remarks:

The Lamberts family and their guests have enjoyed years of phenomenal fishing, waterfowl and upland hunting on this unique Iowa property. Whether enjoying with friends and family, or entertaining corporate clients, this property will provide a lifetime of enjoyment.  

For more details, or to schedule a private tour, contact KILOTERRA Land Broker, Chuck Johnson.  Property shown by appointment only. 

 

History

• Governor Released Trumpeter Swans at part of restoration effort adding to legacy of property
• County officials stated property would be impossible to replicate simply due to permitting requirements alone

 

Habitat & Improvements

• Main lake
  • Designed for 18′ foot depth and over 25 acres
  • Estimated 1,000 acres of drainage
  • Level control structure
  • 18 depth
  • Nesting islands and waterfowl houses
  • Siltation ponds prevent runoff and sediment filling
  • Flat for millet on West end
  • Custom “parking garage” style fishing structures
  • Fishing Dock
• 3 other fishable ponds, each stocked with different species including Bass, Crappie, walleye, bluegill, and catfish
• Native grass and tree plantings to benefit Upland Game Hunting
  • Native Grasses, Cone Flowers, Sashta Daisy’s, Juniper big and little blue stem, Indian grass, honey suckle bushes
• Multiple food plots
• 2 – 5×10′ concrete pit blinds with roller top and sump pumps
• Water / Electric at the Road
• 3 access points
• Culverts in all crossing
• 6 miles of well groomed access trails

 

Farm & Investment

• FSA records indicate 234.67 Effective DCP acres
• 197+/- acres @ 51.5 CSR2
• Improved farmland with terraces and tile
• Custom Farmed – Lease open for 2020 crop year
• CRP enrollment
  • Program bought out for maximum flexibility
  • Eligible for 2020 General Sign Up

 

Comparables

• Adjacent farm to South with 20% lower CSR soils sold for $4,500/acre
• Acre Value Price for farmland is $7,590

 

Location & Amenities:

• Located near Chariton River Valley in Chariton Iowa, in Lucas County
• Above flyway to Rathbun Lake
• About 1 hr from Des Moines
• 2 1/2 hrs from Omaha
• 3 Hours from Quad Cities
• Local Airport within 10 miles
• Very Private Location and not visible from roadway
• Utilities at roadway
• Ideal location for Sportsman’s Lodge