The Iowa DNR is currently accepting public comment regarding proposed changes to state park reservation system rules.
Proposed changes include: increasing the percentage of reservable campsites in each park from 50 percent to 75 percent; removing the three percent credit card processing fee; adding the ability to make online changes for a fee of $5 and increasing the call center change fee to $7; adding an online cancellation option for a fee of $5 and increasing the call center cancellation fee to $7; and changing the last day to make a rental facility reservation in the off season to seven days prior to the arrival date.
“For the past four years we have had a very well-received reservation system in place,” says Kevin Szcrodronski, DNR State Parks Bureau chief. “We would like to move now to the next generation of a reservation system, with enhanced capabilities for our park visitors.”
A complete copy of the rules and their proposed amendments can be viewed online at www.exploreiowaparks.com
Suggestions or comments on the rule changes can be made in writing or by phone on or before Oct. 26, 2010 to Sherry Arntzen, State Parks Bureau, Department of Natural Resources, 502 E 9th St., Des Moines, IA 50319-0034; Fax 515-281-6794; Phone 515-242-6233; Email Sherry.Arntzen@dnr.iowa.gov
Interested persons may express their views orally or present them in writing at a public hearing to be held Oct. 26 at 2 p.m. in the 5th floor conference room of the Wallace State Office Building, 502 E 9th St. in Des Moines.
For more information contact Kevin Szcodronski at Kevin.Szcodronski@dnr.iowa.gov or 515-281-8674
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.
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
Richard Leopold, director of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, will be holding public forums across Iowa again this year to discuss natural resource issues with Iowans.
The first forum will be held at Honey Creek Resort State Park on Thursday, Aug. 6.
“I really look forward to hearing from Iowa’s citizens. Last year, we got great feedback and ideas from more than 300 attendees,” said Leopold about the seven forums held last year. “Our relationship with Iowans is something we highly value within the DNR and we will work together on the things most affecting our natural resources.”
Each public forum begins at 6 p.m. with Director Leopold outlining the DNR’s top priorities, the environmental report card, providing an update on budget cuts and discussing local issues. Another hour-and-a-half will be devoted to answering questions from the public.
Public forums scheduled for Director Leopold are as follows listed by date:
Moravia
Honey Creek Resort State Park Lodge
Thursday, Aug. 6, 6 p.m.
Lehigh
Dolliver State Park Lodge
Thursday, Aug. 20, 6 p.m.
Solon
Lake Macbride State Park Main Lodge
Thursday, Aug. 27, 6 p.m.
Bellevue
Bellevue State Park Lodge
Thursday, Sept. 3, 6 p.m.
