Humboldt Conservation is considering water trails
The construction of the new pedestrian bridge connecting Cottonwood Trail to Eagle Ridge is nearly finished. Independent photo by Kylie Portz. Check out more photos from the project in this week's issue of the Humboldt Independent!
By APRIL KELLEY
The Des Moines River was the main topic of conversation during the Humboldt County Conservation Board meeting on Wednesday, June 18.
Humboldt County Conservation Director Dave Lee told the board that he had been in contact with John Wenck who is the Water Trails Coordinator with the DNR.
Water Trails are recreational corridors and routes on rivers and lakes designed to provide adequate access points and amenities for canoeists and kayakers in the state of Iowa.
Wenck suggested that they map the Des Moines River to continue the water trails.
“At this time it pretty much stops at the border of Humboldt. It would attract people if we were to have a completed map of this stretch of the river,” Lee said.
Lee described the mapping similar to Google Street View for roads. People would be able to input their route and see where access points are, curves or rapids in the river and any other obstacles.
The total cost to map the river is $70,000. The DNR is willing to pay half that amount, leaving $35,000 to be shared by 15 counties and Estherville.
Wenck also suggested that he plans some fundraising opportunities to help cover the cost of the mapping.
A drone will be used to take images of the river. Before that is done, clear river-facing signage would need to be added to our boat ramps and parks.
The application to become a part of the State Water Trail system is a lengthy process that begins with an application. The process had begun some years back but was not completed.
“I think it is probably worth it. Canoes and kayaks have become a big thing and people take them all over just like they do bikes,” Lee said.
He also told the board that having a water trail designation enhances their chances when applying for grants for anything having to do with the river.
There are some costs involved, including hiring a planner and placing signage. The Board voted to have Lee look into what is involved and to report back to the board at the next meeting.
Check out the full story in this week's issue of the Humboldt Independent.
