A federally endangered Topeka shiner (Notropis topeka) captured in Cedar Creek, September 2006. - FWS photo

Rock Island Field Office (RIFO) biologists have developed various partnerships with state, non-governmental organizations and private landowners to restore and enhance fish and wildlife habitat.  Parts of these restorations have included measures to enhance and restore habitat for the federally endangered Topeka shiner (Notropis topeka) in Iowa. 

Last month, staff biologists Kraig McPeek and Kelly DeGrandchamp surveyed recent restoration project sites and found the Buttrick Creek project (completed in 2002) and the Cedar Creek project (completed in 2004) now support several specimens of the endangered fish.  The presence of Topeka shiners 2 to 4 years after restoration work completion underscores the importance and success of such restoration projects.  Additionally, new occurrences of Topeka shiners were documented in the Rock River and Little Rock River in Lyon County, on County Conservation property. 

Future recovery plans include an assessment of current populations of Topeka shiners in the critical habitat tributary of Cedar Creek in the North Raccoon watershed.

For more information contact Kelly DeGrandchamp at 309-793-5800 ext. 218