Will You Be Camping on Memorial Day Weekend?

Memorial Day Camping Checklist
The first major camping holiday is right around the corner and many campgrounds have already been booked months in advance. Memorial Day weekend always seems to kick off the summer and camping season. The weather is warming up, and the spring rains have produced every shade of emerald across the landscape.

1. Selecting Your Campground:
Memorial Day Camping is very popular across the state which usually leads crowded campgrounds. Depending on the type of experience that you are looking for, now would be a great time to learn more about the various campgrounds in your area or the area where you will be traveling to. Campground amenities vary quite a bit from site to site, and generally the campgrounds with more amenities tend to be more popular. Beach Campgrounds, including sites on lakes and rivers are always popular Memorial Day Camping spots.

If you are looking to avoid some of the Memorial Day crowds, take a look at some of the less popular campground with the same area. From my experience Forestry sites are not as popular as State Park Campgrounds, County Park Campgrounds or Private Campgrounds, while offering similar amenities and the same area attractions.

2. Make a ReservationSometime selecting the campground isn’t the tough part. Often it’s getting and reserving your favorite campsite. You know the one thats close to the bathrooms, but far enough that you don’t smell them. These campsites tend to get reserved quickly and well in advance. If you haven’t reserved a site by now there is a good chance its already spoken for, but double check the campground reservations to be 100% sure. As Memorial Day weekend approaches many campers release their reservations so new sites are frequently becoming available.

First come first serve sites are great for weekends like Memorial Day weekends. Because there’s no reservation in place, you can often claim popular sites by arriving at empty site early in the morning, or perhaps the night before. Both great first come first serve techniques. If you do find a spot, be sure to throw down some gear, or leave a person behind while another visits the campground host or park entrance to pay for the site.

3. Check Your Gear
There’s a good chance that this is the first time you’ll be camping this year. Before you get out to the campsite to discover half of the tent stakes are missing, lighter is empty or batteries dead, check it all out. We usually pull out the tent and give it a good cleaning and shake off any dust that may of settled. We also like to clean the sleeping bags, cloths, and towels. Pull out your master camping list and ensure everything that you take is in working order.

Near Capacity Campgrounds Expected for Memorial Day Weekend 

Iowa State Parks will be filled to near capacity for the Memorial Day weekend as many of the reservable campsites were snapped up in late February. Campers who are still looking for a site should call the park early to see if any walk-up sites are available.

Kevin Szcodronski, chief of the State Parks Bureau with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, said his staff is been busy preparing parks for the first major holiday of the season.

"It seems like there is never enough time in the day to get all the work done to prepare for the first holiday, but we have a dedicated staff who put in the time, love what they do, and know many of their campers by name," Szcodronski said.

Campers will begin arriving a few days ahead of the holiday until the parks fill to capacity on Friday evening.

"We are going to be full," Szcodronski said. "We like to remind our campers to be respectful of each other, be patient, pick-up after yourself and to help us maintain the park by leaving the site in as good of shape or better then you found it."

He also suggested using the full campground as an opportunity to reach out to the new neighbors and make new friends.

"Try something new and different this year. Visit with campers on a neighboring site, enjoy the natural beauty, go on a nature hike and see the wildlife or the scenic vista along the trail. Challenge yourself to find something new," he said.

Memorial Day weekend weather can be unpredictable so campers should make plans in case of rain.

For information on Iowa State Parks, go to http://parks.iowadnr.gov 

Parks Dos and Don'ts 
Don't
… bring fireworks
… burn trash
Do
… bring fishing poles
… observe quiet hours
… pick up after yourself
… bring a first aid kit and sunscreen 

New Firewood Rules
Beginning Jan. 1, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship has required all firewood sold or acquired in Iowa to have the county and state of harvest location on the label of packages and the delivery ticket for bulk firewood. The rules were added to prevent the spread of invasive species.

The rules only apply to firewood sold and acquired in Iowa.
The rule also requires the Iowa DNR to collect firewood from campers that does not have a label.

Campgrounds Closed for Construction:
Lake Darling
Union Grove

Parks Closed due to Flooding:
Wilson Island

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CAMPING CUTS: It's the third year in a row of cuts for Iowa State Parks

From WHO Channel 13 - Des Moines

Camping Kickoff Weekend Begins Today

It’s time to open up the camper or air out the tent and get ready for a season of relaxation and fun in Iowa’s state parks. Today begins the season's Camping Kickoff Weekend - Friday, Saturday and Sunday. 

A little pre-season work goes a long way to making a camping trip more enjoyable.  Check out some of the camping video's on the IPF Facebook page for some basic 'getting started' tips for new campers. 

Putting up the tent to check for leaks and minor repairs, making sure sleeping bags are free of holes, inventorying kitchen utensils and restocking dry goods are all important. Preparation for an RV or camper owner may be a little more involved — making sure gas lines are in working order; the water system is sanitized and leak-free; batteries are fresh or charged; blocks, jacks and hitches are operational.

And doing a little research on new outdoor recipes can be fun whether you tent camp or us an RV.  A number of helpful camping tips, recipes and checklists can be found atwww.exploreiowaparks.com.

Upgrades were made earlier this year to the state parks’ reservation system, including a new website. Campsite — as well as cabin, shelter and lodge reservations — can now be made on-line or by calling (877) 427-2757 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday or from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Some State Park Facilities Not Available

A water leak in the campground at Emerson Bay State Park on the shores of West Okoboji Lake will likely cause the water to be shut off for the two shower buildings and to the restroom serving the popular boat ramp. Water will still be available from the water hydrants throughout the campground, the modern restroom and to the dump station.

Frank Rickerl, northwest district state parks supervisor for the Iowa DNR, said they are in the process of notifying the campers with reservations and providing them with some alternatives. "They can stay here and use the shower facilities at Gull Point, we can transfer their reservation to another park or refund their money," Rickerl said. 

In addition to being camper kickoff weekend across the state, Saturday is the opening of walleye season at the Iowa Great Lakes which draws additional campers to the region.

Other parks across the state will have features that will not be available.

At Ledges State Park, the Canyon Road and Lower Ledges Road will remain closed to vehicle traffic this spring due to ongoing flood clean-up and repair. Park visitors are welcome to hike into these areas, but vehicles are not permitted at this time.

Wilson Island State Recreation Area is closed due to flooding from the rising Missouri River. If conditions improve and the campground can be reopened, campsites will only be available on a first come basis for the rest of the year.

Campgrounds and cabins at Lake Darling and the campground at Union Grove state parks will be closed all year for a campground renovation.

The caves at Maquoketa Caves State Park are closed to prevent the spread of white nosed bat disease. Other features of the park and the campground remain open.

The beach at George Wyth State Park has been closed since damaged from the flooding in 2008. The DNR is working with Federal Emergency Management Agency [FEMA] officials to raise the dike, change the access to the concession, upgrade the transformer and lift station, and other landscaping.

  

Iowa Camping Kick-off and Reservations

Camping Kickoff Weekend May 6, 7 and 8

The calendar says early March, but spring is just around the corner. Camping kickoff weekend is a little over two months away.

Camping kickoff weekend is May 6, 7 and 8, in Iowa state parks, and has often been the first weekend trip for many campers.

"Camping kickoff weekend is our way of saying let's dust off the tent and camper and get back outside after a long winter and enjoy some camaraderie in a state park," said Kevin Szcodronski, chief of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources State Parks Bureau.
Campers can reserve a site for camping kickoff weekend using the new reservation system online. Campers will need to register with the system before reserving a site. Campers who have registered with Reserve America before can sign in under their existing account.

Camping kickoff weekend happens to also be a prime time for fishing, as many fish are active, close to shore and preparing to spawn.

"Early May is really a good time to spend in the parks because the bugs are typically not out yet, fishing is good and the surrounding park is going through its spring awakening," Szcodronski said.

"Iowans care deeply about their parks and we want campers to know that we are working hard to offer them the best experience and facilities that we can, with the resources we have available," he said.

"All season long, we will be encouraging our campers and other park users to help us to keep our expenses down by turning off lights and air conditioners when they are not needed and to pick up after themselves and only burn firewood in the fire rings," he said.

Camping Kickoff Weekend was started in 2003, as a way to encourage Iowa residents to spend time in their state parks.

Check out this introductory video on family camping, then visit the Iowa Parks Foundation facebook page to see all the videos in the series.

New State Park Reservation System Begins February 17

The new system for Iowa state park campsite, cabin and lodge reservations debuted today at 7 a.m. central time at . The system will require users to create a new account, unless the user had an account on the national website, Reserve America.

The previous system was shut down on Feb. 3 in order to make the switch. All reservations made for 2011 under the old system have been transferred to the new system.

"Our customers will notice a few differences. We worked pretty aggressively to get this new system ready to take Memorial Day weekend reservations so there will be some added features coming later," said Sherry Arntzen, with the DNR's state parks bureau. "If a customer needs to change a reservation this year, or if they need to cancel a reservation on the day they were scheduled to arrive, they will need to go through the call center. For this year, making changes through the call center will be assessed the lower $5 online change fee rather than the higher phone center fee."


The call center has the same number, 1-877-427-2757, and will operate from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. central time, from Monday through Friday, and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The call center will be closed on New Year's Day, Easter, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Once the online system is running, it will be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to make reservations.


The three month window for the Memorial Day weekend for a Friday arrival is February 27.

"I would recommend that users who want to make a reservation for Memorial Day weekend get familiar with the new system and set up their account before the time comes to book a campsite," Arntzen said. "One change with the new system is that if one person makes reservations for multiple people, they will need to have addresses for the individuals on the site."


Customers who have bookmarked the previous reservation system website will be redirected to the new site.

IOWA DNR ACCEPTING PUBLIC COMMENT ON STATE PARK RESERVATION SYSTEM CHANGES

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

$ 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

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.
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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.
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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.
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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.

Green Valley, Honey Creek Campgrounds Open for Memorial Day Weekend

Iowa campgrounds will be bursting at the seams this Memorial Day weekend and with good reason. With a favorable weather forecast, good fishing, and three days in the campground will likely make this holiday one to remember.

Campers have snapped up nearly all electrical sites on the DNR reservation system. For campers without reservations, Green Valley State Park, near Creston, had about 50 electrical sites available as of last Tuesday morning. Green Valley has undergone a major renovation that was completed this spring. It is open for camping, but will not be on the reservation system for 2010.

There are 17 non electric sites at Green Valley that will likely not be available because of wet conditions and the new grass has not yet come in. Campers interested in the site should visit with the park ranger before setting up.

Honey Creek State Park will also allow campers in this weekend after a major road resurfacing project closed the entire park last August. Honey Creek has 28 full hook-up sites, 75 electrical sites and 45 non electric sites and will allow camping on a first come basis.

Other sites available with electricity through the reservation system as of Tuesday morning include one at Clear Lake, two at Lake Keomah, two at Fairport, one at Lacey Keosauqua and one at Prairie Rose. Sites that are ADA compliant are available at Lake Darling, Pine Lake and Stone state parks. Reservations must be made by Wednesday or the sites will become first come, first served for the weekend.

"Campsite reservations for this weekend filled quickly three months ago and with a good weather forecast, my guess is that the first come sites will fill early this week," said Kevin Szcodronski, chief of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources State Parks Bureau. "My advice to anyone looking for a campsite this weekend is to call first and look at parks further away from the larger cities.

"We've been through a long winter and we want everyone to come out and have a good time," Szcodronski said. "Listen to the birds, enjoy the wildlife and relax with friends and family."

Campgrounds near capacity, boat ramps busy and picnickers filling the shelters will be the norm this weekend. Szcodronski said the increased use is a welcomed sign of summer, and he encouraged campers and visitors to be good neighbors. Campers are also asked to get their firewood locally and to leave all fireworks at home. Don't forget the sunscreen and bug spray.

"Everyone is excited for the first holiday of the camping season and we want to encourage them be courteous to their fellow campers, to pick up after themselves and leave the site in as good or better condition than they found it. It only takes one noisy neighbor to ruin a camping trip for a lot of people," Szcodronski said. "We are also encouraging campers to help us save electricity by turning off their air conditioners when they are not in the camper, and to unplug their lights when they go in for the night."

The campground and boat ramp will not be the only places busy with activity. The prairies and forests that are part of the park will be busy with the sounds of wildlife.

"This really is a great time to be outdoors," Szcodronski said. "It's a nice time to slow down from our busy lives, pull the ear buds out of our ears and appreciate the sounds of nature."

From the witchy-witchy-witchy of the common yellow throat to the sound of grinding steel ball bearings made by cricket frogs. Pheasants are crowing, coyotes howling and hummingbirds are out. Listen for hey-sweetie by the chickadees, and drink your tea from the Eastern towhee. This concert is playing now and campers will have a front row seat.

Another activity hitting its peak is fishing and if there is a lake in or near the park, fishing will be good. Check with the park staff to see what is biting and where to fish. Bluegills, crappies and bass will likely be aggressive and close to shore. Anglers should use small tackle and bait for the best success.

Becoming an Outdoors-Woman Event

Honey Creek to Host Spring Becoming an Outdoors-Woman Event

Honey Creek Resort State Park will be the location for the spring Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) workshop, April 23-24.

"It's been a long cold winter and everyone is anxious to get outside and enjoy spring," says Julie Sparks, BOW coordinator for Iowa. "We've been looking forward to holding a spring workshop and thought what better location than Honey Creek Resort. Spring is a perfect time to be anywhere in Iowa, but particularly southern Iowa. Turkeys are gobbling, fish biting, songbirds migrating. It's a great time to be in the woods or on the lake and we have both at the resort."

The Honey Creek BOW workshop will offer classes in basic firearms, shooting, archery, camping, bird watching, kayaking, canoeing, Dutch oven cooking, turkey hunting, basic motor boat, lake fishing, fly fishing and geocaching. Classes run between three and four hours each and are intended to give participants confidence a particular skill. Class size is kept small to allow for plenty of hands-on activity.

Becoming an Outdoors-Woman is an international program offering anyone 18 years or older the opportunity to learn new skills usually associated with hunting and fishing, but useful in many outdoor pursuits. The DNR has been sponsoring BOW workshops in Iowa since 1994.

"We really hope women will grab a friend or relative and come spend the weekend with us and check out the resort," says Sparks. "Our workshops are a very non-intimidating, comfortable way to learn a new skill, not to mention a whole lot of fun."

Honey Creek Resort State Park opened in 2008 and is the first of its kind in Iowa's state parks system. The resort features a 105-room hotel and lodge, 28 cottages, a water park, restaurant and 18-hole championship golf course, all located on the north shore of Rathbun Lake in south-central Iowa. To learn more about the resort and its amenities, visit www.honeycreekresort.com.

To download a Honey Creek BOW registration form go to www.iowadnr.gov and click on "camps and workshops" then "BOW." For more information about the BOW program or workshop, contact Julie Sparks at julie.sparks@dnr.iowa.gov or at (515) 281-6159.

Check out this video from the California BOW Program.

Green Valley State Park - Whole New Look

Introductions will most likely be necessary to reacquaint the frequent campers and anglers with the all new Green Valley State Park after the park and lake emerge from a 20-month-long facelift, later this spring.

The facelift included adding full hook-up sites, removing a number of campsites to increase the size of each site, redesigning all the camping pads, a new electrical system upgrading from 30 amps to 50 amps, and each site will have a new picnic tables and fire grills. The campground will have a new shower building installed this spring. New pit latrines were added at the campground, the cabins and the north picnic area. A third camping cabin was built.

Green Valley will also have a new playground that was donated in part, by the family of Greg Haley, who was the park manager when he passed away in January 2009. It was built by volunteers.

The park was connected to the City of Creston by a paved bike trail in 2009 that allows park visitors easy access to the amenities in town.

While the campground renovation was underway, the DNR took the opportunity to improve the quality of the lake.

The lake was lowered 12 feet in late summer 2008 and the fishery was renovated to remove carp and yellow bass. The spillway was reconstructed; the fishery was rebuilt with bluegills, largemouth bass and channel catfish. A few adult crappies from ponds in the watershed will serve as the source for all future crappies for the lake. While the lake was down, the DNR added fish habitat to bring fish close to shore anglers.

The dry dredge project began in February that will deepen the north ends of the two arms and other areas along shore. Digging out the sediment will also remove the nutrients trapped in the sediment and improve water quality. In fact, the water is already noticeably clearer.

The dredging is scheduled to be completed by July 1 then the spillway will be closed to refill the lake. Once the lake refills, there should not be a delay when anglers should catch keeper sized fish - 2 pound catfish and 7 to 7-1/2 inch bluegills.

"Those fish will have been growing in the lake for nearly two years," said Gary Sobotka, area fisheries biologist for Green Valley. "Everything is setting up to be a nice fishery."

Green Valley will not be part of the DNR campsites reservation system for the foreseeable future because once the renovation is complete, the park will be remapped and all the sites photographed and other information on the park updated for the online system so camping will be allowed on a first come, first served basis.

Green Valley State Park has been one of the ten busiest parks in the state and will likely resume its place among the most popular places to fish, camp and play. It also serves as a launching point for Three Mile Lake and Twelve Mile Lake.

Expect Busy State Park Campgrounds and Boat Ramps This Weekend

Iowa’s State Parks and the Fourth of July are as much of a tradition as hot dogs, apple pie and the annual parade.

“Our campgrounds are already busy in fact we have some parks where the first come sites filled two weekends ago,” said Kevin Szcodronski, chief of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources State Parks Bureau. “We are encouraging all of our campers to be aware of the noise level at their campsites and to have patience at the shower houses and dump stations because of the busy holiday.”

The DNR will be handing out large green reusable litter bags for campers to use to collect trash. The bags contain information on how campers can have a smaller impact on Mother Nature while enjoying Iowa’s scenic beauty. The DNR worked in cooperation with Keep Iowa Beautiful to sponsor the bags.


Boaters who use state park boat ramps will find ramps busy and parking lots filled to capacity. Patience will also be at a premium there.

“Delays at boat ramps can cause frustration among boaters who are in a hurry to get out on the water and enjoy the holiday. Boaters should plan to arrive early at the ramp, use the rigging lane to prepare to launch and to be courteous to the others waiting to put in,” said Susan Stocker, boating education coordinator for the DNR. “Boaters can reduce the chance of frustration by checking the boat for life jackets, a sounding device, checking the lights and fuel supply before heading to the lake.

They should also reduce their speed and watch out for others on the water.” Stocker said each boat should have a designated operator or to have a plan to rotate operators to reduce the amount of sun and wave action on one operator.

“The key to the plan is to have an operator who is not drinking alcohol,” she said.
Iowans heading to the lake this weekend should be sure to include a rod and reel. Fishing in Iowa lakes and streams is expected to be good.

“After a lot of rain and hot and cool temperatures, we are finally in a stable weather pattern and that should provide our anglers with good fishing,” said Mike McGhee, with the DNR’s Fisheries Bureau. “Look for largemouth bass and channel catfish close to shore. Bluegills should be willing to bite all over the lake and close to shore first thing in the morning.”

Sidebar: Dos and Don’ts for the July 4 Holiday
Do bring plenty of sunscreen and bug repellent
Don’t bring fireworks
Do bring balls, bats and gloves for kids to play with
Don’t bring in firewood from out of state
Do plan to spend extra time setting up the campsite
Do plan to arrive early to allow plenty of time to set up
Do call ahead if you do not have a campsite to see if there are any cancellations or first come first serve sites available
Do be courteous of other campers and follow the quiet hours. It takes only one loud campsite to ruin the experience for a lot of campers
Do pick up after yourself - Use those Green Bags that will be distributed at the parks
Don’t leave your lights on all night or the air conditioner running while no one is in the camper Do follow the park rules and plan to have a fun and safe holiday weekend
Do wear a life jacket
Don’t drink and drive while operating a boat
Don’t operate the boat faster than the conditions allow
Do check all boating safety equipment before leaving home

_____________________________________________________________________________

Youth ages 2 to 13 caught on Iowa's waterways wearing a lifejacket will receive a mock citation, a sticker and a coupon for a free small Frosty at a participating Wendy's restaurant.

The citation is part of the "I Got Caught" campaign that rewards youth for practicing good safety habits. Other behavior that will prompt a citation is wearing a helmet while riding a bicycle, scooter, skateboard or in-line skates. The program will run throughout the summer and culminate in the fall with several bike giveaways.

The DNR is a participating law enforcement agency. The primary sponsors for the 'I Got Caught' campaign are Iowa Health System, AAA Minnesota/Iowa and Wendy's Restaurants.

Iowa law requires children under age 13 to wear a life jacket while in a boat that is underway.

Great American Campout - Connecting to the Natural World

Explore Iowa’s Great Natural Resources this Summer

Great American Campout is June 27

June has been proclaimed Great Outdoors Month as a way to encourage Iowans to put down the video game, turn off the television and head outside.

There are enough wonderful natural resources in Iowa for everyone to enjoy, from camping to bird-watching to canoeing. Try something new this year like geo-caching or fishing. Or, if you are a seasoned pro, take along someone who has never had the opportunity and show them the ropes. You could gain a hiking or fishing buddy for life.

There are many physical and psychological benefits to getting out and enjoying the great outdoors. Research shows that youngsters who regularly play outside have lower stress levels, tend to play more creatively and have a greater respect for themselves, for others and for the environment. Did you know that good old-fashioned dirt contains a variety of microbes, bacteria and viruses that are actually good for kids by helping boost their immune systems. So take the children outside and get dirty this month.

The Great American Campout is June 27 so, grab your tent and the marshmallows and head out to a state park or at the least, your own backyard, for a campout. Watch the stars light up the sky as you tell stories and connect, not only with the great outdoors, but also each other.

There are dozens of camoping opportunties in State Parks, Recreation Areas and County Parks near you.

This is the perfect opportunity to start traditions that will last a lifetime.

'Primitive' Campsites Lure Those Looking for Getaway

'Primitive' campsites lure those looking for getaway



By Orlan Love, The Gazette
orlan.love@gazettecommunications.com



Campers who want to commune with nature rather than the occupants of recreational vehicles can find plenty of good places to pitch their tents.



Though the trend has been to accommodate RVs by upgrading campsites with electricity, water and sewer hookups and even wireless Internet access, most state- and county-operated parks still provide ample opportunities for campers to rough it, says Kevin Szcodronski, chief of the Department of Natural Resources Parks Bureau.



Iowa's state park system has 2,706 electrified campsites and 1,977 primitive sites. About half in each category can be reserved, with the other half available on a first-come, first-served basis.



The conservation departments in Iowa's 99 counties operate a combined 11,500 sites, about half of which are primitive, says Tom Hazelton, special programs manager for Linn County Conservation Department.



"People flock to scenic vistas and water, and the trend has been to improve the most popular sites with amenities, but some people just like to camp the old-fashioned way," Hazelton says.



One such person is Harry Graves, director of the Johnson County Conservation Department.



"We are tent people," Graves says of wife Ellie and himself. "When we go camping, we are out to enjoy nature rather than neighbors. We like being able to set up camp on a moment's notice, wherever we happen to be.



"Tent camping is no longer synonymous with primitive camping, though, Graves says.



"A fair number of tent campers pick electric sites for their fans, televisions and cell phone chargers," he says. Around holidays, like the upcoming Memorial Day weekend, primitive campers enjoy another advantage — less competition for sites. While most primitive sites do fill up, they are the last to do so, says Linn County's Hazelton.



The 1,624-acre Matsell Bridge Natural Area in eastern Linn County has about a dozen "pack-in" campsites along the Wapsipinicon River that provide rustic camping at its finest, he says. "You can't drive to them. You have to carry everything you need, including water, so they're generally not crowded," he says.



The 340-acre Wakpicada Natural Area along the Wapsipinicon, south of Central City, is also popular with primitive campers, Hazelton says. "It's dark at night at Wakpicada," he says.



Linn County provides 581 sites at 24 campgrounds, with slightly more than half of them unimproved.



In Johnson County, the Hills Access and the River Junction Access each provide about a dozen primitive sites along the Iowa River, and 48 of the 84 sites at F.W. Kent Park near Tiffin are non-electric, Graves says.



The Jones County Conservation Department offers 43 primitive sites at its Central Park, says director Larry Gullett."Tent camping really appeals to people who like to paddle and fish the river systems," he says.



The Wapsipinicon in Jones and Jackson counties is classified as a meandered stream, which means camping is permitted on its sandbars, Gullet says. The Maquoketa River is a non-meandered stream, which means landowner permission is required to camp on its sandbars, he says."Always ask first. Most of the landowners are cooperative as long as its not a large group intent upon partying," he says.



For campers who really want to get away from it all, Szcodronski recommends the three state forests in Eastern Iowa: Yellow River, 8,503 acres in Allamakee County; Shimek, 9,148 acres in Lee and Van Buren counties; and Stephens, 15,170 acres in Lucas, Clarke, Monroe, Appanoose and Davis counties.



"This is primitive camping at its best. ... You've got latrines, fire rings and picnic tables, and the rest is up to you," he says.

© 2009 Gazette Communications

Make Visiting Iowa Parks Tradition

Did you know that Iowa ranks almost last in the nation for spending on State Parks? If you love camping in Iowa this is a sad thought.

Iowa's young adults are leaving the state every year in search of more areas to recreate outdoors. I went to college in Colorado for a while and I met dozens of people at my college who moved to there for the same reason I did; for the camping, hiking trails, parks, water trails, and the list goes on.

More support and money for parks in Iowa means we won't have to leave the state in order to have fun outside!

Still, Iowa's parks are amazing places with good lakes for fishing and swimming, winding woodland trails for hiking, fields for Frisbee and kites. nearby places of quiet beauty where you can relax, relieve stress and have fun without spending a lot of money.

Fifty three state parks also have overnight camping from primitive tenting sites to those with all the RV hookups you want. Others have camping cabins with even more comforts of home.

See what you are missing by visiting a State Park AT LEAST once during the upcoming camping season. Camping kick-off weekend is May 1, 2 and 3. Campers in an Iowa State Park during May 1, 2 and 3 will receive a gift package that includes a camping coupon good for one night of camping at an electrical site, a free issue of Iowa Outdoors magazine, recipes, camping tips and more in a reusable mesh trash bag. The theme for the May 1 - 3 Camping Kick-off Weekend is to be a green camper.

Reservations can be made by going to www.reserveiaparks.com, or by calling 1-877-IAPARKS (M-F 8:00 am to 4:30 pm CDT). You do not need a reservation to obtain a campsite; about half are available by first-come-first-served.

If you want to do even more to support Iowa State Parks, go to www.iowanaturestore.com. All profits from the Iowa Nature Store go directly to the improvement of our State Parks. You'll find new apparel, hats, bags, and books.

For Iowa bicycle enthusiasts, the Nature Store has a new book for sale titled "Bicycling Guide to the Mississippi River Trail." The book guides you on the Mississippi River Trail, turn by turn. It takes you from Itasca State Park in Minnesota, to the southernmost point in Louisiana, on the Gulf of Mexico (a 2000-mile journey!). Maybe you just want to ride through Iowa or maybe you want to tackle the whole 2000 miles. However far you want to ride, this is a great resource for all who love to bike.

Visit www.iowadnr.gov/parks/index.html for more information about Iowa State Parks.

Lauren Burt, Des Moines

Spring is Here - Check Out These Beautiful Parks

CONNECTING PEOPLE TO PLACES OF BEAUTY

These three State Parks are among the dozens of natural spaces in Iowa that offer great opportunities for camping, fishing, hiking and mushroom picking during the spring season.

Pine Lake State Park - Located in Hardin County in north-central Iowa

Pine Lake State Park provides a pleasing mix of woodland, river and lake in the midst of rolling farmland. The 650-acre park encompasses two lakes: 50-acre Lower Pine Lake and 69-acre Upper Pine Lake. Of special appeal to nature enthusiasts are the ancient white pine, the white-barked birch trees and rare ferns found along the Iowa River.

A renovated 124-site campground includes facilities usually available around mid-April. Four rustic stone and timber cabins, nestled along the Iowa River, are available year-round. Reservations are accepted for both camping and cabins.

Fishing opportunities at the lakes and river provide the angler a chance at bass, crappie, northern pike, and channel catfish. Boat ramps and more than seven miles of well-developed trails are available around the lakes. There is also a 2.5-miles concrete bike path that runs from the welcome center in Eldora along both lakes in the park to near County Highway S56. Wildlife watching and mushroom hunting are two favorite activities in the spring. For further information on the park, call 641-858-5832.

Lake Ahquabi State Park - Located just south of Indianola and the Des Moines metro area

Lake Ahquabi State Park provides a variety of recreational opportunities. The 770-acre park is very popular with anglers, offering opportunities for crappie, bluegill, redear, sunfish and bass. Facilities include numerous jetties for shoreline fishing, two boat ramps, and a covered ADA fishing pier, which provides an excellent opportunity for all visitors to enjoy fishing no matter what time of year. A renovated 142-site campground includes facilities usually available around mid-April. Reservations are accepted. The park offers 8 miles of trails for hiking. Wildlife watching and mushroom hunting are favorite spring activities. For more information, contact the park at 515-961-7101.

Lake of Three Fires State Park - Located in Taylor County in southwest Iowa

Lake of Three Fires State Park is popular in the spring for visitors interested in picnicking, fishing, hiking, nature photography, or harvesting mushrooms, berries and nuts. The park includes 8 miles of trails for hiking and horseback riding and includes two campgrounds, both located a shore distance from the lake. The 23-site equestrian campground and the 98-site non-equestrian campground both have facilities that are available usually around mid-April. The park also features six modern family cabins available year-round. Reservations are accepted for both camping and cabins.

The 85-acre Lake of Three Fires is nearly a mile long and a half-mile wide, with scenic inlets ideal for fishing and boating. Surrounding the lake are 691 acres of picturesque woodlands. For more information, contact the park at 712-523-2700.

Other parks in Iowa that you might want to consider for a springtime visit include: Ledges State Park (central Iowa), Red Haw State Park (south-central Iowa), Pikes Peak State Park (northeast Iowa) and Lake Wapello (southeast Iowa).