$ 9.2 Million Lake Darling Restoration Project - Public Meeting

Lake Darling State Park will be one of the premier parks in the state after a 13 year, $9.2 million renovation that has changed the face of the 60 year old area and should protect it for years to come. Unfortunately, the final leg of the project is taking longer than anticipated.

"Everyone involved would like this project to be moving more quickly," said area fisheries biologist Chad Dolan, who serves as spokesperson for the lake renovation portion of the project, which has encountered a number of delays that has pushed the completion time into fall 2012.

He said delays have come from a number of different areas, including the discovery of an archaeologically significant site in the dam area that requires further exploration before the work could resume. There were also delays in getting necessary permits and engineering designs for some important lake structures.

Dolan will be part of a panel that will be discussing the entire Lake Darling restoration project, on October 6, at the Lake Darling State Park Lodge. The agenda includes a meal from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., followed by the meeting from 6:30 to 8 p.m. The meeting is open to the public.

There are a lot of partners and supporters who have helped this project along the way and some are concerned with the delays. If the project could not go forward, why did the DNR drain the lake when it did?


"Mainly it was necessary to explore potential archaeological sites along the shoreline. We also had to draw the lake down because we could not be sitting on a full lake and have the project ready to go," Dolan said.


"We have a lot of very interested people who love this park and they would like this project to be further along. We would too. When discussing the initial timeline, in hindsight, we were too optimistic. This is a huge project and it takes time," he said.


The lake project includes installing two silt dams - one in the campground arm and one in the upper arm - that will protect water quality and collect silt before it enters the lake. Dolan said it is necessary that these two dams are designed and ready to go in the spring.


The dam will be raised two feet, increasing the size of the lake to 303 acres. An additional 4,400 cubic yards of rock mounds and reefs will be installed for fish habitat. The shoreline will be protected in areas that staff could not reach with the lake filled. But the main part of the lake project and one of the most expensive is the removal of 300,000 cubic yards of sediment from the lake bed.


Other work includes creating deeper water near shore and installing a universally accessible fishing pier.


Dolan said the lake has been battling poor water quality since shortly after it was built. In fact, over the past 30 years, the lake water looked more like chocolate milk. "The lake was good for catfishing, but not much else," Dolan said.


Once the work is completed and the dam closed, the lake will be stocked with largemouth bass, bluegill, red ear sunfish, channel catfish and black crappies.


Campground work to start in 2011


Plans for the Lake Darling campground include installing new water lines and building a shower house, increasing the electrical service to 50 amps, adding a number of sites offering water and sewer connections, leveling the camping pads, adding new fire rigs and installing a new dump station.


"We will lose a few campsites, but the upgrades will offer higher quality campsites over high quantity," said Tom Basten, state parks supervisor for southeast Iowa. "The lodge, beach shelter and new playground have been done for a few years. We will be installing a universally accessible fishing bridge connecting the two campgrounds, a new boat ramp just prior to entering the campground.


"Once we are done, this park will be a top draw for fishing and camping in southeast Iowa," Basten said.
Visit the Friends of Lake Darling Web Page
 


View Larger Map

NEW CAMPGROUND TO OPEN SATURDAY AT VOLGA RIVER

A long awaited recreation facility development is now ready for park visitors. The first new campground in an Iowa state park in seven years will open at the Volga River State Recreation Area Saturday during a ribbon cutting. The ceremony is scheduled from 1:30 to 2:30 at the Meyer shelter on the lake shore/boat ramp parking lot.

The new campground was funded by a $1.5 million special appropriation of the Iowa Legislature, sponsored by Rep. Andrew Wenthe, Sen. Brian Schoenjahn, Rep. Roger Thomas, and Sen. Bill Heckroth. The campground is at the north end of Volga River with a view of the lake off in the distance.

The project began when roads for a future campground were built in 2005. In 2008, the legislature approved $750,000 to develop the campground. In 2009, an additional $750,000 was provided. Work began in July 2009 and the project will be concluded on Saturday.

“This campground was built from scratch on an old crop field,” said Scot Michelson, park ranger at Volga River. “We planted trees in the area years ago that are now 12 to 15 years old and will give this new campground a more mature feel.”

The 42 campsites all have electricity and water, and 34 have sewer connections as well. Each campsite has a fire ring and picnic table. The camp pads are level, and 11 are paved, pull through sites. There is a new shower building and non modern restroom in the new campground. In addition to the campground, a new modern restroom with drinking water is available on the lake shore at the boat ramp.

Volga River is a recreation area, which means hunting is allowed.

“We do get our share of deer hunters for the early muzzleloader and bow seasons, but the shower building will be closed for winterization by mid October. We will have the electricity on until snowfall when we will close the campground for winter due to the concern for snow and ice on the steep campground access road,” Michelson said.

Volga River has a primitive campground at the south end, which does not offer electricity, showers or flush toilets.

CONTACT: John Maehl, district supervisor Iowa state parks in northeast Iowa, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, 563-920-1400 or Scot Michelson, park ranger, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Volga River State Recreation Area, at 563-920-3944.

Grand Opening of the E.B. Lyons Interpretive Center

The public is invited to the Grand Opening of the expanded E. B. Lyons Interpretive Center at the Mines of Spain State Recreation Area on Sunday, September 26 from 2 to 5 p.m. The Center is located at 8991 Bellevue Heights Road in Dubuque. The event is sponsored by the Friends of the Mines of Spain and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

The $1.8 million expansion doubled the size of the center, adding an auditorium for programs and events, a biology lab for school programs, a library for reference and educational materials, and new exhibits interpreting the science and history of the region.

The free family oriented event will also include informational booths, new gift shop, live music, family fun and educational activities. A presentation about the project will be given at 2 p.m. For more information, call 563.566.0620 or go to http://www.minesofspain.org/

The Mines of Spain Recreation Area and E.B.Lyons Interpretive and Nature Center are located on 1380 acres of beautiful wooded and prairie land just south of Dubuque, IA. The area has been designated as a National Historic Landmark and includes Julien Dubuque's Monument at a point just above where Catfish Creek meets the Mississippi.

One of Iowa's "Watchable Wildlife Areas," it features the E.B. Lyons Interpretive Center which serves as the Visitor Center and the Park Office.Come see the Horseshoe Bluff Interpretive Trail, the 15 acre wetland, creeks, forest, prairies, cropland, meadows and the Mississippi River from a bald eagle's view.

Picnic with us, go for a hike or cross country ski on one of our many trails and maybe you will capture a glimpse of a song bird, bobcat, red-shouldered hawk, flying squirrel, white-tailed deer, wild turkey or various butterflies along the Mississippi River Bluffland.

2010 Beeds Lake Restoration Run, 5K, 10K, 1/2 Marathon, August 28th!

Friends of Beeds Lake are hosting a 5K walk/run, 10k run and 1/2 marathon Restoration Run! August 28th at Beeds Lake State Park, Hampton, Iowa.

Age categories:
14 and below. 15 to 19, 20 to 29, 30 to 39, 40 to 49, 50 to 59, 60 to 69, 70 and above.

All run/walk participants will receive a wicked awesome long sleeve shirt, FREE BREAKFAST and goody bag. Entry fees are $20 for the 5K and 10K, $35 for the 1/2 marathon.

Packet pick up will be August 27th from 4-7 PM, race day 6-7 AM at Beeds Lake State Park (lodge area). Registration will be available at these times also.

The 1/2 marathon will start at 7:00 and 5K walk/run and 10K will start at 7:30.
Half marathoners please register by 6:45!

Trophies will be awarded to the top male and female finishers and medals to the top three in each age category for the 5K and 10K. Half Marathon male and female overall winners will receive a trophy. All half finishers will receive a medal. Top male and female race finishers will receive free registration for 2011!

Massages will be provided (free) courtesy of Accelerated Rehabilitation Centers.

Click on "more info" to download a registration form or click the Active.com or runningwall.com links on Friends of Beeds lake home page for online registration. See the route descriptions at USATF running routes links on the Friends of Beeds Lake home page

State Parks Trails Challenge Runners

by Joe Wilkinson, Iowa DNR

Building endurance can be an uphill battle for serious runners. But it doesn't have to be round and round the track... or along lonely county blacktops. Throw in a few park trails and you get real hills... and various surfaces for a different and scenic workout.

Brogan Austin won the Iowa high school Class 3A cross country meet last fall, after logging 100 of his 518 summer training miles on the hills and bluffs of Ledges State Park. The Boone senior continued his hill climbs and won the 3200 and 1600 meter runs at the 2010 state track meet, in May.

He's on to something that is far from a well kept secret. If there is a park trail in the vicinity... somebody is running it. At Lake Macbride State Park, west of Solon, there's a steady stream of traffic. "It gets our athletes off the roads and to a softer surface," notes Emy Williams, cross country coach at Solon High School. Her teams use it regularly; as do athletes from Prairie High School, the University of Iowa, Cornell and Coe Colleges.

A steep hill near the trailhead at the park's north entrance challenges runners and bicyclists. From there, a crushed limestone trail winds five miles east to the Solon Nature and Recreation Area. Most of the route is flat; perfect for racking up miles, or for a family stroll. As you approach Solon, a couple rolling inclines challenge runners. "It's the versatility. The terrain is similar to most cross country courses," compares Williams. As I walked it Monday morning, five of her runners passed me. Earlier in the month, her boys and girls teams had summer camp there.

Throw in the 1.5 mile loop from the beach to the Macbride dam and you have a tree-shaded bonus. In all, there are about 20 miles of trails along the lake or through the parks' steep, wooded terrain. Jog across the dam, and pick your way across the rocky spillway and you have wooded hillsides and hard dirt trails pointing toward the University of Iowa's Macbride Field campus.

You can even do your running for college credit. Through the University of Iowa's Lifetime Leisure Studies program, Paul Sueppel offers an eight-week, one credit hour class on Trail Running. "I'm always telling them to keep their feet underneath their body; short, quick steps," advises Sueppel. "(Other than that), it's good posture, body up, head up. You need to retain your balance, especially going downhill. Watch for objects lying ahead."

With any sport, specialized equipment makes a difference. A good pair of trail running shoes does not resemble 'stock' Nikes, adidas or Sauconys. With trail running growing by leaps and bounds (literally) most full service shoe departments or running stores now stock trail shoes. "The thing to look for is big lugs on the bottom...and good ankle support," urges Sueppel. He says a new generation of trail shoes features just a low cushion; almost barefoot running, but with a little protection.

Lots of flat land runners get an outdoor education in a hurry, in state parks. Sueppel's class meets twice a week for eight weeks. With the Coralville Reservoir, Iowa River and Lake Macbride, there is a variety of terrain; Squire Point, Sugar Bottom recreation area...as well as the Solon to Macbride trail. "It's fantastic; the kids from out of state especially--who think Iowa is flat," notes Sueppel. "It gives them an idea of Iowa's landscape."

Many state park trails come with a plan. Brogan Austin took advantage of the familiar 'box' step design at Ledges. "The steps are designed with the same 'rise' in each one," explains Angela Corio, from the DNR parks bureau. "You know each step is going to rise six inches. You can focus on the view, instead of tree roots and irregular terrain. They are also built for long term erosion control."

The 'tread'; the number of steps you take on each has a purpose, too. Some allow one footfall. Every once in awhile, though; a longer one requires two. "That way, you are not always leading uphill with the same leg. You have to change," explains Corio.

It's no coincidence that many of Iowa's state parks have steep topography. In the first few decades of the 1900s--many were gifts to the state, or relatively cheap purchases because no one could farm them! Many of the resulting trails offer jaw-dropping beautiful vistas, as well as a great workout.

But it's not just the family stroll or heavy-duty hikers who take advantage. Some park users go full throttle. "Surprisingly, we get quite a few runners; Briar Cliff and Morningside Colleges and area high schools come out regularly," says Park Ranger Kevin Pape, about the steep bluffs of Stone State Park, at Sioux City. "The Missouri River Runners Club sponsors its Broken Toe Trail Run here. We do see our regulars out here."

Some are far enough away from the nearest town that it's a workout just to get to them. That trims the number of runners...but some still show. "We see our regulars. The trails are their network. They create their own routes," says Matt Tschirgi, park manager at Pikes Peak State Park, high above the Mississippi River near Marquette and McGregor.

Besides the break from looking at street traffic or the same striped track surface lap after lap, many runners come for the view...as well as the softer, kind-to-the-legs surface of many state parks.

MINI-WAKAN ART PROJECT

Join us at Gull Point State Shelter on Sunday, August 29, 2010, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m for a brunch buffet, champagne tasting, live music, talks from history experts and art auction. The silent and live auction artworks are inspired by our lakes area.

Table sponsorship of $200 for a 4-top or $400 for a 8-top is limited and encourage early reservation. A $25 individual ticket does not guarantee a table, but will offer an opportunity to join in on the food, fun and auction. Tickets are expected to sell out quickly! Please email Deidre Rosenboom to reserve a table sponsorship: deidre.rosenboom@me.com.

Tickets can also be purchased at the Wine Bar, 139 Broadway Street, Arnolds Park, IA. and at Hy-Vee, Highway 9, Spirit Lake, IA.
_______________________________________________________________________________

For a little Background...

Recently, the Spirit Lake Protective Association created an ART Committee to organize an event bringing attention to the beauty, charm and historic significance of Mini-Wakan State Park.

The ART Committee acquired a number of original paintings of both the Mini-Wakan Shelter House, as well as the Gull Point Lodge, created by both local and nationally known artists. The donation of other original works of art, depicting sites throughout the Iowa Great Lakes, are currently being created. Also donations of several prints of existing pieces of art have been given for this project.

Additionally, a small number of LIMITED PRINTS, greeting cards, and post cards have been printed and will soon be available in area stores throughout the Iowa Great Lakes area. A lovely display of all of the donated art work is located in the north window of Evan’s Clothing Store in Olde Town Spirit Lake.

The Committee scheduled “Works of Arts for the State Parks …. An Endeavor for the Endowment”for Sunday, Aug. 29th at Gull Point Lodge. Original works of art will be sold at a live auction and the various other donations of art work will also be sold in a silent auction.

The ART Committee was formed with three potential benefits in mind:
1. Increasing public awareness of the Mini-Wakan Shelter House Project and the Endowment Fund for both it and the Gull Point Lodge.
2. Securing additional funds for the Mini-Wakan Restoration Project (including the Endowment).
3. Providing a forum to showcase the works of many artists, each of whom has a special love for the Iowa Great Lakes
area.

The ART Committee members are actively seeking additional art. If you are an artist and you wish to donate a piece of art work for this fundraising effort, please contact Jane Ford 712-226-4333.

All funds raised through these efforts will be placed in the Mini-Wakan Shelter House Project Fund.

THANK YOU TO OUR CONTRIBUTING ARTISTS!

Anelisa Murphy
Candy Mayer
Dan Ruf
Sharon Sadusky
Mari Stewart
David Thoreson
Megan Fuhrman
Kathy Toole
Gary Gunderson
Danielle Clouse
Deidre Rosenboom
Jessie Bogenrief
Karen Cooper
Lissa Potter
Bill Hamilton'
Kathy Evert

RAGBRAI Next Week - Algona & Clear Lake - Find Refuge and Explore Natural Spaces Along the Way!

Monday and Tuesday - Find Refuge and Explore Natural Spaces!

So - You are heading out on RAGBRAI next week with 20,000 or so of your closest friends. You've downloaded and printed copies of the 2010 "Learn about the Land" RAGBRAI brochures to learn what makes up the landscape during the 2010 Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa and you've taken a look at our earlier post about Stone State Park in Sioux City.
_____________________________________________________________

Now it is Monday afternoon and you're peddling into Algona. Be sure to take some time to visit Ambrose A. Call State Park. A. A. Call State Park is a 138 acre "oasis" of rugged hills heavily wooded with virgin timber in an area of gently rolling farmland. The park is located near the east fork of the Des Moines River.

Ambrose Call and his brother, Asa, were early settlers in the area who carved their claim, the first in Kossuth County, on a walnut tree at the present site of the park. The brothers spent their first night in Kossuth County on July 9, 1854. The next day, while Asa went for his wife and supplies, Ambrose and a traveling companion, William Smith, began work on a cabin in what is now the state park.

The two brothers founded the town of Algona, and in 1861 Ambrose established the ALGONA PIONEER PRESS, the first newspaper in that section of the State. For years these pioneers labored to secure railroads and develop their town and county, working also for the material interests and settlement of northwestern Iowa. Ambrose has acquired large interests in land and business enterprises in Algona and has expended his means freely in the improvements which have made Algona one of the most prosperous towns of northwestern Iowa.

Seventy-one years later, in 1925, Mrs. Gardner Cowles, (in 1904 her husband Gardnes Cowles Sr. purchased a struggling Des Moines newspaper that was $180,000 in debt and had a circulation of about 14,000 - later to become the Des Moines Register) made a gift of land to the state in memory of her father, Ambrose A. Call. The park was dedicated in 1929.

An authentic log cabin sits on the property and is constructed of elm logs, some exceeding 18 inches in diameter, which is typical of cabins built by the original settlers in the area. Four men were needed to put the logs in place. The cabin in the park is located in the approximate location of the first log cabin in Kossuth County. It was moved from the August Zahlten homestead to the park.

The rugged and heavily wooded park offers two miles of trails that wind through the forest, down a ravine, and along a picturesque winding creek. Many species of shrubs, flowers and trees can be found at A.A. Call.

Map It - The park is located in Kossuth County, approximately 1.5 miles southwest of Algona.

Perhaps your support team will want to venture north to Union Slough National Wildlife Preserve near Titonka as a side trip. From Algona, take Highway 169 north to Bancroft; turn right (east) on county road A-42, and proceed six miles.
___________________________________________________________

After an easy ride from Algona, you'll be coasting into Clear Lake on Tuesday afternoon. You'll be close to three areas of natural interest while visiting the Clear Lake area. The 992 acre Ventura Marsh Wildlife Management Area is located on the west end of the lake.

In June of this year we experienced some history in the making. For the first time in more than a century, wild sandhill cranes are successfully nesting in Cerro Gordo County. In June of this year, a single crane chick [more properly called crane colt] emerged from a nest located in a remote and boggy section of the Ventura Marsh. Within hours of hatch, the ever vigilant parent cranes were already shepherding their gangly newborn across the area's thickly vegetated terrain in search of high protein menu items. The state’s last known nesting of sandhill cranes occurred in May 1894 on a marsh located to the north of Hancock County’s Eagle Lake. The nesting attempt failed when collectors pirated the eggs.

Along the north shore of Clear Lake you'll find McIntosh Woods State Park. The park has a point or peninsula of land jutting out into the lake. This area includes an unsupervised beach which is popular for swimmers of all ages.

Map It - McIntosh Woods State Park is located on the northwest shore of beautiful 3,684-acre Clear Lake. The 60-acre park, purchased in 1943, is an oasis of nature in an area of residential, commercial and agricultural land.

Along the south shore of Clear Lake you'll find Clear Lake State Park.

Map It - Clear Lake State Park is located on the southeast shore of beautiful 3,643-acre Clear Lake.

Clear Lake is one of the major outdoor recreation features of northern Iowa. Although the state park is only 55 acres in size, it offers a tremendous diversity of outdoor recreation opportunities due to its location on the lake as well as its natural beauty. The park is characterized by gently rolling ground with open, mature groves of oak trees. Several small draws and thickets provide habitat for owls, squirrels, opossums, raccoons, rabbits, many species of songbirds and an occasional deer. Scenic Woodford Island is a 3-acre island managed primarily for wildlife habitat and is an excellent spot for fishing.

Clear Lake State Park began in 1924 with the acquisition of land now occupied by the picnic area. In the following year, the remaining area of the present beach was purchased. In the 1960s and 1970s, additional property was acquired in order to provide enhanced outdoor recreation opportunity and visitor enjoyment. Woodford Island was donated to the state in 1971 by the Woodford family.
_____________________________________________________________

Clear Lake is a spring-fed lake formed by glacial action some 14,000 years ago. It has a surface area of about 3,600 acres and measures seven miles long and two and one-half miles wide. The elevation of the lake is 1,247 feet above sea level and it is nearly 100 feet above the surrounding countryside, giving it the appearance of an inverted saucer setting above the area around it. Its elevation is actually higher than the top of the tallest building in the neighboring community of Mason City.

CCC Statue Dedication - Lacey Keosauqua State Park

CCC Worker Statue introduces Iowans to CCC heritage across the state.

As enrollees struggled with the hard labor associated with renewing America's natural resources, they were grateful to have "three hots and a cot". With one seedling, or one stone, or one shovel of soil, they were building the infrastructure for the national recreational and conservation systems that we enjoy today. As they worked, we wonder if they would have thought that monuments would be built to honor the daily labor that became so essential to their well being.

You might be interested in reading some of the oral history interviews from several of the Iowa CCC participants. You will find them here.

Monuments tell a story and are a long term exhibit that can be meaningful to many generations. The CCC Worker Statue is a monument to the builders of modern conservation. One facet of the national CCC interpretive campaign is the goal to have one bronze CCC Worker Statue in each state.

The effort in Iowa was led by the Iowa Hawkeye Chapter of the Civilian Conservation Corps. The Iowa Hawkeye Chapter Legacy is the only chapter in Iowa at this time but they are hoping that CCC legacy will have more chapters and would like to see other statues at parks here in Iowa. For more information about the Iowa Hawkeye Chapter contact Sharon Ewing, President Iowa Hawkeye Chapter CCC Legacy at 319-931-7307.

Put it on your calendar!

July 31, 2010, Keosauqua - Join the "Friends of Lacey" and the Iowa Hawkeye Chapter of the Civilian Conservation Corps at Lacey Keosauqua State Park at 10:00 am for the placement of the first statue in Iowa honoring the men of the Civilian Conservation Corp. This will be held at the J-40 entrance of Lacey Keosauqua State Park.

Iowa's State Parks - Events This Weekend

Black Hawk State Park - Summer Water Carnival
Friday, July 16, 2010
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Sunday, July 18, 2010
In the town bay area of Lake View. Local food stands, carnival rides, free entertainment all three days. Also kids parade, kids talent show, waffle feed, street parade, and evening parade of floats on the lake. More specific information can be found at www.lakeview-ia.com.

Lake Anita State Park - Christmas in July
Friday, July 16, 2010
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Decorate your campsite for the Christmas in July celebration. There will be a campsite decorating contest, visit from Santa and Christmas movies. Sponsored by the Friends of Lake Anita.

Backbone State Park - Christmas in July
Saturday, July 17, 2010 - 10:00 am - noon and 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Games for the whole family starting with boat races at 10:00 am at the Boat House, games in the campground from 2 to 4 pm. There will be a visit from Santa, a drawing and horse drawn carriage rides starting at 6:00 pm. The campsite judging will start after dark and prizes will be awarded that night.

Mines of Spain State Park - Nature Day for Kids - Scavenger Hunt
Saturday, July 17, 2010
10:00 - noon, meet at EB Lyons Intepretive Center

Mines of Spain State Park - Canoe Trip
Sunday, July 18 2010
Meet at Catfish Creek at 12:30

DNR to hold hearing Tuesday on July 4th Great Lakes alcohol ban

DNR to hold hearing Tuesday on July 4th Great Lakes alcohol ban

Chapter 68 - Restrictions on Alcohol Use at State Parks, State Recreation Areas, and Public Access Areas on the Iowa Great Lakes During the Fourth of July Holiday.

The proposed new chapter bans alcohol as the term is defined in the chapter at all state parks, recreation areas, and public access beaches on the Great Lakes during the Fourth of July holiday period. The specific time frame for the ban depends upon the weekday on which the holiday falls. Beer and wine, as defined in the chapter, may still be consumed at the campgrounds, picnicking areas located outside the beach area, rental shelters and lodges during the period of the ban.

It is well-documented that excessive alcohol consumption at public access beaches is destroying the resource and presenting legitimate safety risks to the public and Department personnel. Documented incidences at beaches due to excessive alcohol consumption include assaults, unconsciousness, public intoxication, drunk driving, destruction of public property, littering, public urination, indecent exposure, minors in possession, noise, trespassing, and overcrowding.

Over the Fourth of July holiday, conservation officers and park rangers are typically outnumbered several hundred to one and are therefore unable to manage the crowds or protect the resource from harm. These same problems have already been addressed at the local level with an alcohol ban on all city beaches. Unfortunately, the city ban has exacerbated the problem at the state beaches because they are now the sole public waterfront area permitting alcohol.

Public comments shall be accepted through July 13, 2010. A public hearing will be held July 13, 2010 beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the Gull Point Lodge, West Lake Okoboji, 1500 Harpen Street, Milford, Iowa.

Written comments may be sent to Sherry Arntzen, State Parks Bureau, DNR, Wallace State Office Building, 502 East Ninth Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50319-0034. Written comments can also be sent via e-mail to Sherry.Arntzen@dnr.iowa.gov. Please be sure to include "Chapter 68 Comments" in your subject line.

To view the proposed rule, please download the pdf file below.

Chapter 68-Restrictions on Alcohol Use at State Parks, State Recreation Areas, and Public Access Areas on the Iowa Great Lakes During the Fourth of July Holiday (*.pdf file)

Garlic Mustard, turn a forest pest into tasty pesto...

Garlic Mustard, turn a forest pest into tasty pesto...

Garlic mustard is an invasive plant found in many state parks in Iowa. You can help eradicate this invasive plant by serving it for supper tonight!

Garlic mustard leaves can be eaten fresh in salads or used in any recipe calling for mustard greens. Ensure the plants are clean and free of any chemical treatments. Plants may be dried or sautéed to add spice to any favorite recipes. Do not replant this invasive into your herb gardens. There is plenty to go around and many opportunities in Iowa's state parks for collecting.

Bon appétit!

Garlic Mustard Pesto and Pasta
Makes 4 cups
4 cloves garlic
3 tablespoons garlic mustard taproots
3/4 cup parsley
1 cup garlic mustard leaves
1 1/2 cups basil leaves
1 1/2 cups olives
2 cups walnuts or 3/4 cup pine nuts
1 1/4 cups olive oil (or as needed)
2 cups grated Parmesan

In food processor:
1. chop garlic and garlic mustard roots
2. add parsley, garlic, garlic mustard leaves and basil and chop
3. add nuts and chop coarsely
4. add olive oil and process until you've created a coarse paste. Add to cooked pasta and toss well.

Garlic mustard was brought from Europe in the 1800s for culinary and medicinal purposes. In the wild this invasive species can quickly dominate the forest floor choking out wildflowers ferns and trees seedlings. High in vitamins a and C., the plant smells like garlic and resembles mustard plant or Creeping Charlie. While most animals dislike the taste, cooks are rediscovering its culinary roots and are biting back.

For reclaiming the woods, the best control method is to pull and dispose of the plants prior to seed production.

Collecting tips:
April through June, pull the plant and its entire root structure.

Search semi-shaded forests, especially along trails.

Plant parts have a garlic like odor when crushed.

Discard uneaten portions in the garbage to help prevent the plant from spreading.

One plant can produce hundreds of seeds that remain viable up to five years, once seeds start shedding, stay away from the plant to help minimize spreading.

Reprinted from Iowa Outdoors Magazine, May/June 2010

A Few Upcoming Events in the State Parks

80th Anniversary of the Dedication of Pine Lake
Sponsored by the Friends of Pine Lake
June 17, 2006, Pine Lake Lodge

The celebration will begin at 4 p.m. with a pictorial history of Pine Lake. The parks history will be presented with over 70 pictures beginning with the original Pine Creek to the present. There is also park memorabilia including an ice cream freezer used by the CCC and a water toboggan sled, both on loan from the Hardin County Historical Society.

The local Pork Producers will be on hand grilling their pork burgers. They will start serving at 5 p.m. Along with the sandwiches they will also be serving chips and cold drinks. There will be a charge for the meal.

At 6:30 p.m. a musical program will begin. The outdoor concert will be performed by area talent. Be sure to bring a blanket or lawn chair and come join the fun!

A Natural Blast – Party and Fund Raiser for Iowa’s Environment

Please join me on June 17 for A Natural Blast! This fundraiser for Iowa’s Environment will be an evening full of friends, fun, food, and festivities. There will be a silent auction and dinner starting at 5pm, followed by music by Cousin Eddie - a self described Country Blues band, they also play a little bit of everything including originals and crazy covers from The Gourd's, Danny Barnes, Old Crowe Medicine Show, Dylan, Dead and Stones. Will you join me?

The tickets are $25 and you can get yours by e-mailing iowaswaterandlandlegacy@gmail.com or call 515-707-0266. All proceeds benefit Iowa Environmental Council in partnership with Iowa’s Water and Land Legacy, a coalition of environmental groups working together to establish a trust fund for the protection of Iowa’s natural resources. You can learn more about the trust fund at http://www.iowaswaterandlandlegacy.org/home.aspx

The party is being held at the Izaak Walton League at 4343 George Flag Parkway in Des Moines.
Hope you can join me! It should be lots of fun and for a good cause, too.

Iowa Trails Summit
http://www.iowadot.gov/iowabikes/trailsummit.html

Friday, June 18: Some of Iowa’s leading experts on trail development and healthy communities share their ideas on the challenges and opportunities trail organizations face in the coming years. There will be four auditorium sessions with expert panelists moderated by leaders in the trails community. The panelists represent a cross section of professionals, and each will present an innovative and interesting view of issues important to the future of Iowa trails, as well as participate in question and answer sessions.

Participants may select one of the following registration options.
• Friday summit to be held at the University of Northern Iowa’s Lang Hall Auditorium in Cedar Falls from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; fee $25 ($30 after June 3)
• Friday summit and barbeque party at the Gateway Park in Cedar Falls (from 6 to 9 p.m.); fee $35 ($40 after June 3)
• Friday barbeque party only fee $10
Saturday, June 19: There will be a variety of outdoor recreation exhibits open to the public at Waterloo’s Riverview Recreation Area on Hawthorn Avenue from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. This will be an exciting day for the public to explore the wide range of trail recreation opportunities available, as well as a great chance to network with other trail users. Families are welcome. All events on Saturday are free, with food available for purchase.

Brushy Creek State Recreation Area - No Women Left Inside
When: Saturday, June 12, 2010
What: The Iowa DNR and Webster County Conservation are sponsoring the No Women Left Inside event. Great time to meet women with similar interests, learn new skills, enhance old ones and just enjoy the outdoors. Women ages 13 and older are invited to participate. Youth under 18 must have a parent present to participate. Contact Erin Ford at 515-576-4258 for more information.

Lake Anita State Park - Kids Fishing Day
When: Saturday, June 5, 2010, 10:00 am - noon
What: Program to learn about fish and fishing. An opportunity for all kids 0 to 16 to fish. All kids present will win prizes. Free lunch is provided.