From left to right: Derek Ballard, a biologist with Ducks Unlimited, Rodney Ellingson, a wildlife biologist with the Iowa DNR, U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), state Rep. Dean Fisher (R-Montour) and Holly Shutt, a working area biologist with Ducks Unlimited, all pose with the swamp in the background on Saturday, Aug. 3. PHOTO BY JONATHAN MEYER

CHELSEA — On a muggy Saturday afternoon, Republican U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (Iowa) visited Tama County as part of her River-to-River tour. Biologists, DNR staff and Ducks Unlimited stakeholders toured the Otter Creek Marsh. The 3,800-acre marsh outside Chelsea is accessible via E66 and is a valuable conservation area, part of the watershed and a hunting ground for many.

The DNR website describes it as “a mix of wetlands, restored prairie and floodplain timber in eastern Tama County that was specifically selected for development because of its biodiversity and location on an important migration corridor.”

Senator Ernst spoke about the need to protect these valuable areas and what she can do from her position to make that happen. At two different stops on the tour, various conservation experts presented information and educated participants on various challenges and ongoing work facing the marsh. Due to the Senator’s time constraints, the tour ended earlier than expected.

In a brief interview with the News Chronicle, Ernst gave some political insights into DC

“My biggest priority for Iowans is the Farm Bill. I believe we need to do much more to protect our farmers and enable them to thrive,” she said.

PHOTO BY JONATHAN MEYER

In the interview, Ernst also praised Governor Kim Reynolds and 53rd District Representative Dean Fisher (R-Montour).

“Great things are happening in Iowa. Governor Reynolds has made so much progress on Iowa’s great freedoms. I also have to commend Dean. When I was in the State Senate, I met Dean and always admired his work and commitment to his district and the state itself.” she said.

Shortly after the interview, Ernst left.

PHOTO BY JONATHAN MEYER