This well known and strategically located section of North Bear Creek was open to the public for many years through a “handshake agreement” between the owner, Helen Larson, and the Iowa DNR. Helen passed away in August of 2014, and the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation (INHF ) was able to purchase the property, which included this prominent section of North Bear Creek and over 100 acres for public hunting. This purchase was made possible through a diverse alliance of funding sources, which included the INHF, the US Fish & Wildlife Service, and nine other partners, including Iowa’s Coldwater Conservancy. The property transferred to the Iowa DNR on January 15, 2020, and is now open for public fishing and hunting.
