Wetland conservation work could soon be coming to Chaplain Schmitt Island.
Mike Shannon, regional biologist for conservation group Ducks Unlimited, gave an overview of his group’s recommendations for the island at Tuesday’s monthly full board meeting of DRA, the nonprofit license holder for Dubuque’s two casinos.
Shannon’s team recently completed a survey of the island in partnership with DRA to see what kind of conservation work could be feasible.
Several parts of the island’s peripheral lowlands were surveyed for the project. The final results of the survey are not yet available, but Shannon said the project would improve waterfowl habitats, help manage stormwater runoff on the island and enhance visitors’ experiences.
“There’s all kinds of potential benefits to this kind of work,” he said to the board.
Two large zones in particular — one just west of the Q Casino + Resort parking lot, and the other east of McAleece Park and Recreation Complex — were identified as having good potential for wetland restoration.
“We could enhance those by excavating a little bit, making it so that they collect water a little more often (and that) they hold water in a flood situation to help decrease downstream flooding,” Shannon said.
Shannon also said the work could attract more ducks, herons and eagles to these parts of the island, which he said would be a benefit to nature-lovers using the island’s trails.
Potential work around Heron Pond — located on the northwest part of the island — intended to reduce maintenance costs by limiting debris runoff will need to be approved by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Shannon said.
From a recreation angle, Shannon also recommended building a fishing pier on a pond on the southern part of the island.
The board will discuss Ducks Unlimited’s full recommendations at a future meeting.
The board also reviewed February gaming revenue totals at its Tuesday meeting. Per reports from the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission, monthly revenue slightly increased at Q Casino but decreased at Diamond Jo Casino compared to February 2024.
Q Casino Interim President and CEO Brian Rakestraw attributed this to downturns in gaming revenue experienced statewide as well as winter weather events last month.
“We’re definitely seeing the impacts of the economy and mother nature in February,” Rakestraw said.
However, Rakestraw said positive growth continued for hospitality and other revenues — by 42% compared to February 2024. He credited this to the addition of a new arcade within Q Casino + Resort.
“Key contributors for this growth include the Island Social family entertainment center as well as food and beverage from the Island Social kitchen and bar,” Rakestraw said.