fy11 annual report - storycountyiowa.gov

The mission of Story County

Conservation is to enhance

the quality of life for all

citizens of Story County by

wisely managing our natural

resources, by providing

recreational and leisure

opportunities, and by

educating citizens to be wise

caretakers of our natural

environment.

FY12 Annual Report July 1, 2011-June 30, 2012

SCCB FY12 Annual Report 1

Table of Contents

Story County Conservation Board .......................................................................................................... 2

Story County Board of Supervisors ......................................................................................................... 2

Staff ............................................................................................................................................................. 3

Executive Summary .................................................................................................................................. 4

Outreach ..................................................................................................................................................... 7

Environmental Education ......................................................................................................................... 8

Volunteers ................................................................................................................................................ 10

Integrated Roadside Vegetation Management ..................................................................................... 11

Story County Conservation Map ........................................................................................................... 14

Parks, Natural Areas, and Trails .......................................................................................................... 15

Financial Reports ..................................................................................................................................... 26

Grants Awarded ....................................................................................................................................... 33

Board and Staff Development ............................................................................................................... 33

Board Meeting Attendance .................................................................................................................... 34

Board Meeting Highlights ...................................................................................................................... 35


Story County Conservation Board

2011 – Ted Tedesco (chair); Wayne Clinton (vice-chair);

Jim Pease (secretary); Erin Wilgenbusch; Joyce Hornstein

2012 – Jim Pease (chair); Ted Tedesco (vice-chair); Joyce Hornstein (secretary);

Sandy Opstvedt, Allen Weber; Wayne Clinton (ex-officio)

Story County Board of Supervisors

2011 – Wayne Clinton (chair); Rick Sanders, Paul Toot

2012 – Wayne Clinton (chair); Rick Sanders, Paul Toot

Story County Conservation Board - February 2012 Sandy Opstvedt, Allen Weber, Ted Tedesco, Jim Pease, Wayne Clinton, Joyce Hornstein


Staff

Administration

Director – Michael Cox

Financial Data Coordinator – Jolene Van Waus

Program Support Coordinator – Amber Tiarks (through 8/26/11)

Outreach Coordinator –Tiffany Cornelius

Administrative Assistant – Sarah Erickson (through 3/30/12), Melissa Johannes

Environmental Education

Environmental Education Coordinator – Jerry Keys

Naturalists – Linda Zaletel (retired 5/31/12), Amy Yoakum (through 5/19/12),

Heather Hucka, Emily Herring, Jessica Lancial

Summer Naturalists, 2011 – Curtis Behrens, Rebekah Beall Warburton

Summer Naturalists, 2012 – Sydney Algreen, Erica Eaves

Special Projects

Special Projects Ranger – Carol Williams

Natural Resources

Natural Resource Specialist – Amy Yoakum

Skunk River Unit

Unit Ranger – Rick Carter (through 2/12/12)

Park Ranger – Ryan Wiemold

Conservation Technicians – Joe Hill, Michael Eilderts

Park Aides, 2011 – Mathew Janssen, Nathan Lakner, Jonathan Livermore

Park Aides, 2012 – James Johnston, Nathan Lakner, Jonathan Livermore

Indian Creek Unit

Park Ranger – Dustin Eighmy

Park Ranger – Ryan Wiemold (through 9/29/11)

Conservation Technicians – Russ De Wall, Beau Hoppe

Park Aides, 2011 – Branden Bowden, Benjamin Marcus, Dakota Nolte,

Patrick Watts, Austin Wilson

Park Aides, 2012 – Branden Bowden, Dakota Nolte, Joseph Ogden, Christian Pitt, Patrick Watts

Integrated Roadside Vegetation Management

Roadside Biologist – Joe Kooiker

Vegetation Management Interns, 2011 – Travis Guy, Tyler Kelley, Danny Stark

Vegetation Management Interns, 2012 – Travis Guy, Tyler Kelley, Danny Stark


Executive Summary

By Michael Cox, Director

The accomplishments described in this report would not have been possible without the

partnership of many individuals and organizations--all dedicated to improving the lives of Story

County residents and visitors and conserving our natural resources. Our natural resources are

inextricably linked to the health of our people and to the economic viability of our communities.

Our programs focus on three primary needs of the county: health of our natural resources,

recreational opportunities, and encouraging knowledge of and involvement in nature.

Story County Conservation provided the following ways to meet these needs in FY12.

Began Developing Strategic Plan – The plan provides a blueprint for Story County

Conservation in the coming years. Plan development included a series of staff and board

Strength/Weaknesses/Opportunities/Threats (SWOT) analysis, work sessions, and public

review and comment.

Named Best Environmental Education Program in Iowa (with three or more

naturalists) – Staff received this prestigious award from the Iowa Association of

Naturalists. Naturalist Linda Zaletel also received the Aldo Leopold Environmental

Education Award for lifetime achievement in environmental education excellence and

leadership. These awards and the countless smiles on the faces of children and their

parents are testimony to the success of our environmental education program.

Dedicated Jennett Heritage Area – This wonderful new wildlife area was dedicated.

The 171-acre property was acquired with the help of more than 130 individuals and

organizations!

Began Developing Design Plan for Dakins Lake Expansion – This much-needed

project will provide many economic, recreational, conservation, and social benefits for

the county and greater central Iowa region. The county enabled this project by

establishing a TIF funding mechanism.

Implemented Natural Resources Program – We have the structure and capacity in place

to be better stewards of our natural resources. Staff time is being leveraged with grant

funding and community partnerships. Early fruits are: coordinated burn planning; grant

acquisition; I-35 prairie view area reclamation; increased utilization of Conservation

Corps of Iowa, volunteers and service learning; and implementation of alternative

management practices like prescribed grazing and haying.

Implemented Drainage District Maintenance Program – This program is very important

to Story County. Maintenance has not been done for many years (in some cases, not at

all), and the resulting condition is very costly to the county and its drainage district

landowners. A significant amount of work is necessary to perform all of the deferred

maintenance. Staff has been dedicated to this program, and early goals have been met.

Acquired Hertz Family Woods and Nature Preserve – This acquisition had been set in

motion several years ago. We worked with the Hertz family and Iowa Natural Heritage

Foundation to acquire a turn-key park. Very minimal county expenses were used to offer

this wonderful park to the public.


Began Skunk River Water Trail Designation – The process to officially designate the

South Skunk River from Story City to Highway 210 as a water trail with the Iowa

Department of Natural Resources began in the spring of 2012. Two public meetings

were held in April 2012, and a meeting with law enforcement officials occurred in May.

The process will continue into FY13.

Restructured Story County Conservation Organization – This restructure allowed for

better staff efficiency and allowed refocus of effort on natural resources. Restructure was

also performed modestly in the administrative office by redefining job duties of the new

Outreach Coordinator, with efforts focused on outreach, media, website, social media,

and volunteer coordination.

Expanded Social Media Utilization – Our presence on social media has resulted in

increased visibility, which leads to more public involvement in our programs and greater

utilization of our areas.

Expanded Volunteer Numbers and Opportunities – Volunteerism is at the heart of Story

County Conservation. Volunteer participation increased significantly in FY12.

Increased Service Learning participation – Service learning opportunities provide

groups with knowledge about natural resource management and opportunities to apply

that knowledge in the field.

Story County Conservation is faced with several challenges. The success with which we address

these challenges will directly bear on the health of our natural resources and our communities.

Soil and Water Protection – Statewide, an average of 5 tons of soil per acre of cropland

is lost per year. High grain prices are resulting in a loss of buffer strips, waterways, and

fence rows.

Habitat Loss – The loss of these buffer strips, waterways, and fence rows reduces habitat

for wildlife. High grain prices are also making it profitable to take land out of federal

conservation programs.

Growing Pressure on Natural Resources and Recreational Opportunities – The rural to

urban migration is placing increasing demands on our county’s lands for recreation,

alternative transportation, and conservation. Facilities are being increasingly pressured

with high use and conflicting uses. Economic activity from use of Story County

Conservation facilities is an estimated $18 million per year.

Aging Park Infrastructure – The infrastructure--namely at Hickory Grove Park--is

failing. Significant attention must be given to replace the waste water system, two

buildings, and repair the water system.

Water Quality – Hickory Grove Lake is an impaired water body, as are four other creeks

or rivers in the county. Attention must be given to correct these impairments. Many

lakes (including Dakins Lake) have significantly silted in--some to the point of limited

functional viability and recreational viability.

Land Acquisition – Iowa ranks 49th

in public land ownership. Acquisition for natural

resource conservation and recreational opportunities is exceptionally difficult.

Drainage Ditch Maintenance – Deferred maintenance has resulted in a net loss of funds

in order to bring many ditches back to functional condition.


Lack of Trail Continuity and Hard-surfaced Trails - Public interest in trails/alternative

transportation corridors cannot be overstated. Story County trails are faced with several

significant problems, two of which are continuity and surfacing. The Heart of Iowa

Nature Trail (HOINT) is part of the American Discovery Trail (a national trail system)

and is listed as a trail of state-wide significance. Gaps in the trail and limestone surfacing

decrease public use on the trail. The Praeri Rail Trail, another cross county trail, is soft

surfaced and does not have connectivity to Zearing or Dakins Lake. Many Story County

communities have developed significant trail systems, but a revised recreational trails and

bicycle-pedestrian plan is needed to find ways to connect these trails.


Outreach

Our outreach program achieved new heights in FY12. The quarterly Prairie Horizons newsletter

was distributed in both hard copy and electronic media versions. The number of copies mailed

out was decreased to around 1,900 while the number of electronic mailings increased to over

400. Several special event fliers were created and distributed to schools and local businesses.

Press releases were sent electronically to several media outlets as well as shared via Facebook

and the website. Photos of volunteers working with staff were also submitted on a regular basis

for publication in The Sun. More than 100 press releases were sent in FY12, one of which was

for the release of two

rehabilitated Bald Eagles by

SOAR (Saving Our Avian

Resources). Approximately 300

people turned out for this event

at McFarland Park in March.

Story County Conservation’s

Facebook fan page continues to

grow. Weekly postings include

press releases, conservation-

related news from other

websites, and photographs of

SCC projects and volunteer

experiences. By the end of

FY12, SCC had 615 "fans," an

increase of 366 over FY11.

Story County launched a new website in March 2012. The website, still being updated and

refined, offers the public more information about our programs and recreational activities. Some

of the new features include a calendar, news release section, and blogs for Steve Lekwa’s

column and SCC projects.

General park and special event information was updated on the new website, submitted to Travel

Iowa for inclusion on their online calendar, to the Ames Bulletin Board for their publication, and

to the Des Moines Register for their summer vacation insert.

Advertisements were included in the following publications: 2012 Central Iowa Travel Guide,

City of Ames Parks & Recreation Guide, and Ames Bulletin Board/Ames Convention & Visitors

Bureau Guide.

Director Mike Cox waits for Kay Neumann, SOAR, to

release a rehabilitated Bald Eagle at McFarland Park


Environmental Education

Goal

The goal of the Environmental Education program is to aid citizens of Story County in becoming

environmentally sensitive, knowledgeable, skilled, and dedicated citizens who are willing to

work, individually and collectively, towards the wise use of our natural resources.

Programs and Events Overview

Story County Conservation conducted or sponsored over 1,100 programs resulting in

approximately 32,000 contacts.

Staff was honored by receiving the 2011 Outstanding Environmental Education Program award

by the Iowa Association of Naturalists and Iowa Conservation Education Coalition. Naturalist

Linda Zaletel also received the 2011 Aldo Leopold Environmental Education Award for lifetime

achievement in environmental education excellence and leadership.

School Programs During FY12, the EE unit conducted 975

programs and field trips resulting in

26,359 student, parent, and teacher

contacts.

In addition to naturalist-led activities,

SCC offered nine preschool/lower

elementary nature boxes that provide a

variety of hands-on experiences for

preschool and kindergarten children with

diverse learning abilities and needs.

Nature boxes are in a self-contained,

mobile form that educators throughout

the county can conveniently borrow and

use in their classrooms.

Public Programs Story County Conservation staff and partnering organizations (Ames Area Amateur

Astronomers, Central Iowa Prairie Network, and Story County Conservation Partners)

conducted 138 public programs for 4,475 participants.

Special Programs Youth and civic groups continued to utilize SCC for badge requirements and educational

programs. Many of the public libraries requested presentations for their summer reading

programs. Story County Conservation staff presented 23 special request programs to 1,192

participants.

In addition, hunter education classes, scout groups, church youth groups, and other county

conservation agencies borrow many of our environmental education supplies for their programs.

Naturalist Emily Herring points out moss and

insects on a piece of wood from McFarland Lake


Publications and Media Three issues of the preschool teacher newsletters (Polliwog Press); lobby, bathroom, program,

and photo displays composed the bulk of the environmental education staff’s media time.

Future Objectives

There has been a strong interest within the environmental education unit to increase our outdoor

experience (field trip) offerings. We are developing service learning opportunities which will

focus on the ever-growing problem of invasive species and give students the chance to help

restore native habitat in our parks and natural areas. Some of these opportunities will be “stand

alone,” while others will be incorporated into existing outdoor experiences. We would also like

to expand our public program for adults and offer extended trips for older youth and adults.

June 2012 - Naturalist Heather Hucka and Summer Naturalist Erica Eaves (far right)

lead nature camp “Frogs” on an adventure.


Volunteers

Volunteers are very important to the mission and programs of SCC. Volunteer hours logged in

FY12 included the following tasks: attending meetings (Story County Conservation Board,

Story County Trails Advisory Committee, and Story County Conservation Partners),

conservation center hosts, office and clerical duties, Adopt-A-Park participants, natural resource

and land stewardship, blue bird box monitoring, prairie seed collection, and environmental

education program assistance.

SCC also provided volunteer opportunities at scheduled

events, including TEAM (Trail Enhancement and

Management) workdays, seed harvests, Ames Area

Amateur Astronomers programs, Doolittle Prairie walks,

evening prairie walks, spring and fall fishing tournaments,

Halloween Hike, Partners spring and fall festivals, and

Trek the Trails Snowshoe and Trail Run. Special volunteer

activities included service learning opportunities (clearing

invasive species) with classes from DMACC and Iowa

State University and youth from the State 4-H Conference.

After the volunteer coordinator position was vacant for

three months in the fall 2011, the new outreach coordinator

spent time becoming acquainted with the program and

finding new ways to promote SCC’s volunteer needs.

Opportunities are being advertised via SCC’s website and

Facebook page, Prairie Horizons newsletter, and the

Volunteer Center of Story County website. Emails are also

sent to various groups (ISU NREM Department, Story

County 4-H, Story County Girl and Boy Scout clubs, and

RSVP), as well as to current SCC volunteers.

Over 2,195 hours

were completed by

volunteers in FY12

(decrease of 1,494

hours). Individual

volunteers numbered

261 (increase of 62);

groups totaled 19

(decrease of 2); and

volunteer instances

were 736 (a decrease

of 16).

Board Member Joyce Hornstein

volunteers at a TEAM Day

ISU NREM Volunteers at Peterson Park


Integrated Vegetation Roadside Management

An open winter and drought were the driving forces of IRVM operations in FY12. Seed bags

were heavy with seed, but the percentage of live seed was less than expected. The combines

survived another year without a major breakdown. The dry spring and summer months led to an

increase in road work in Collins and Palestine townships, leaving over 50 acres of cleanouts and

re-grades scattered throughout the bottom end of the county. Secondary Roads assisted IRVM

with seeding while staff were researching and implementing the pilot drainage ditch maintenance

program. The new program had a good start, completing several projects within the county. A

lot of time was spent assessing the 60 miles of open ditches throughout the county. Various

methods were used to work on controlling brush impending water flow. Tyler Kelley was hired

for the vegetation management specialist position in July 2012. More time will be invested in

the maintenance program with the addition of this position. Drainage district maintenance fees

totaling $4,572.16 were billed in FY12.

Four Living Roadway Trust Fund grants totaling $22,300 were awarded for: a wireless router

update on the spray truck unit; burn gear; funds towards a batwing mower; and 20 acres of right-

of-way seed. A week was spent mowing and putting down cover crop and permanent seeding on

R38. The contract spray crew completed work in Howard, Warren, Lincoln, Sherman and some

of Richland townships. IRVM crews completed brush and weed spraying throughout the county.

Staff worked with landowners across the county through the private lands program and weed

commissioner duties.

A drainage district maintenance

program was initiated in 2012. A

lot of time was spent assessing the

60 linear miles of open ditches

throughout the county. Various

methods were used to work on

controlling brush impending water

flow. Tyler Kelley was hired for

the vegetation management

specialist position in July 2012.

More time will be invested in the

maintenance program with the

addition of this position. Drainage

district maintenance fees totaling

$4,572.16 were billed in FY12.

Administration

Routine administrative duties included mapping and recording IRVM’s field activities, attending

scheduled meetings with the Story County Engineer and Conservation staff, giving reports to the

board of supervisors and conservation board, and acting as weed commissioner. Sensitive areas

and no-spray zones for Story County were mapped and provided to contract brush spray crews,

and IRVM staff took part in developing seed plans for Story County’s CRP plantings.

IRVM staff took an active role in several conservation based organizations and boards,

including the Iowa Weed Commissioners Association (Joe Kooiker, President), the Iowa Crop

Joe Kooiker places landscape fabric at Mitchell School

Garden--a cooperative effort with Prairie Rivers RC&D


Improvement Association, Living Roadway Trust Fund Steering Committee, Story County

Pheasants Forever Habitat Chair (Joe Kooiker) and Story County Conservation Safety

Committee Chair.

Field Operations

Planting - Planting sites almost doubled in FY12 due to favorable fall weather and the ability to

work in the right-of-way. The drought provided little moisture to the plantings; fortunately,

natives thrive well under less-than-favorable conditions. The 40-acre planting south of Ames on

R38 was finally finished, and the cover crop worked well to prevent erosion. IRVM planted a

total of 46 sites (48.75 acres) throughout the county. Most of R38 was spot mowed where weeds

popped up. Significant staff hours were spent mowing the majority of plantings completed in

fall 2011 and spring 2012.

Burning - The spring

burn season was a

challenge due to dry

conditions and lack of

IRVM staff hours;

however, several areas

were burned with the

help of Conservation

staff. Seven roadside

sites were burned for a

total of 20.5 acres.

Several key roadsides,

prairie remnants, and

seed nurseries went up in

smoke.

Spraying - Story County’s hard surfaced roads and a few miles of gravel were sprayed during

May and June, with Canada thistle the primary target. Milestone was the herbicide selected for

perennial noxious weed control. An increase of Poison Hemlock was seen, and affected areas

were treated to prevent spreading. Due to the focus on planting, only one IRVM position was

available to spray. Still, 170 centerline miles of right of way were patrolled, and over 20 acres of

invasive species were controlled. Trees and brush less than 12-feet tall were contract sprayed in

several northern townships. Other brush was sprayed by IRVM staff, including 7.5 miles of

hand gun application via the UTV. Miscellaneous spraying jobs included the county yard,

vegetation management base, the Sheriff’s Department gun range fence, and several sections of

right-of-way shoulders.

Mowing - Guardrails and new roadside construction sites which had turned into ragweed tunnels

were mowed throughout the spring and summer. The dry weather allowed staff to reach areas

that are normally wet that time of year. Honeysuckle was mowed around the Huxley area, and

brush was mowed in several roadside plantings not burned last year.

Seed Harvest - IRVM staff hand harvested several pounds of various seed from roadsides and

prairie remnants. In fall 2011, approximately 2031 pounds of bulk seed (roughly 133 pounds of

pure, live seed) was harvested.

Mike Eilderts uses a drip torch to burn McFarland Park prairie.


Facilities - Routine upkeep of the grounds was completed throughout the year. This included

weed eating, mowing, and bare ground treatment of weeds in the parking lot. A spring burn was

completed on the western prairie at the shop; this burn resulted in an increase of summer flower

blooms in the area. Work continued on the IRVM shop, and a winter storage system was

developed for the backpack sprayers. This will eliminate the chance of spilling and herbicide-

soaked backpack straps. Storage was also developed for the increase in harvest seed. Virtually

every inch of available space was dedicated to harvested seed to eliminate worries of mice

getting into the seed bags.

Wildlife Enhancement - The IRVM staff maintains an American Kestrel nest box route of 17

boxes along Story County’s secondary road system. Fourteen of the boxes were considered

useable, but time allowed staff to inspect and repair boxes only once this year. IRVM staff

worked with the Conservation Corps of Iowa (CCI) crew and a 4-H group to remove invasive

species from Wakefield Woods and Robison Wildlife Acres. The CCI crew and staff also

worked together on burns.

Equipment Maintenance - Keeping up with equipment maintenance is always a challenge. The

six-foot drill was rebuilt in the spring, volunteer Steve Lekwa repaired the aging drill, a broken

shaft on the boom mower was replaced, and the hydroseeder was inspected and repaired.

Wiring and lighting on the majority of equipment was upgraded to improve safety. Staff worked

out the bugs on the new sprayer equipment to create a more effective and efficient spray

program.

Private Lands - The number of conservation reserve program enrollments has decreased

statewide. Only 112 acres of CRP were seeded by landowners with IRVM equipment in FY12,

and IRVM staff planted a total of 13 acres.

Weed/Brush Control - IRVM staff handled six noxious weed complaints on county and state

right-of-ways. The weed commissioner contacted several landowners with thistle patches on

their properties and sent weed notices to six landowners. IRVM staff also assisted with

weed/brush control on several Story County properties.


Story County Conservation Map


Parks, Natural Areas, and Trails

265th

Street Access · 56091 265th

Street, Ames IA 50010 · 1 acre

Current Management

This small water trail access on the Skunk River south of Ames also offers stream fishing.

Major Project During the Year

The parking area was cleaned up, reshaped, and resurfaced with rock.

Anderson Access · 56743 150th

Street, Story City IA 50248 · 2 acres

Current Management

This Skunk River water trail access offers stream fishing and woodland habitat.


Several large cottonwood trees fell into the river upstream of the bridge and were removed by

Secondary Roads staff.

Askew Bridge/Cambridge Pond – 57887 290th

Street, Cambridge, 50046 – 26.5 acres

Current Management

This site provides a water trail access on the Skunk River and a four-acre pond (old borrow pit)

surrounded by reconstructed prairie and vegetation.


Story County Conservation teamed with the Story County Secondary Roads Department on a

wetland mitigation project to add 10 acres of public hunting to this area in December 2011. The

new ground lies adjacent to the northwest corner of the property, located two miles north of

Cambridge on County Road R-70. Two wetland cells (1.6 and 2.7 acres) were created, and the

10 acres were planted in the fall of 2011 by a contractor with upland seed (3.29 acres) and

wetland mix (6.71 acres). In addition, a new entrance sign was built and installed, gravel was

added to the roadway, and trees were cleared from the ditch and center circle.

Bear Creek Access · 16415 Pleasant Valley Road, Story City IA – 50248 · 93 acres

Current Management

This area provides access to the Skunk River Greenbelt trail. Hunting is allowed at this 87-acre

woodland area.

C. J. Shreck Access · 59627 Highway 210, Cambridge IA 50046 · 3 acres

Current Management

This water trail access is on the Skunk River off Hwy. 210 south of Ames.


A new entrance sign donated by the Shreck family in honor of C. J. and Ruth Shreck was

installed, rock was added to the parking area, and the boat ramp was reshaped.


Christiansen Forest Preserve · 55973 310th

Street, Huxley, 50124 · 45 acres

Current Management

This wooded tract near Huxley was donated to the conservation board in 1985 by Charles

Christiansen. The area is designated as a wildlife refuge.


A new entrance sign was built and installed. An Iowa State University volunteer group cut

honeysuckle, releasing many large oaks.

Colo Bog Wildlife Management Area · 22687 730th

Avenue, Colo IA 50056 · 168 acres

The Colo Bog Wetland complex contains over 630 acres of native or restored prairie. This

public hunting area is currently managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, but

Story County Conservation owns 168 acres, including the 25-acre original bog site that began the

project.

Cooper’s Prairie Marsh · 58249 200th

Street, Nevada, 50201 · 40 acres

Current Management

The original 10 acres of Cooper’s Prairie Marsh were acquired from Robert Cooper in 1976. The

area supports a large population of upland and wetland wildlife and is a designated public

hunting area. The agricultural land was restored to prairie.


A wetland was constructed on a newly-acquired WRP parcel. Story County Conservation

partnered with Ducks Unlimited and the Natural Resource Conservation Service on the

construction and seeding.

Crooked Bend · 15997 Pleasant Valley Road, Story City IA 50248 · 66 acres

Current Management

This is a wooded tract of land on the Skunk River Greenbelt. It is open to public hunting.

Dakins Lake · 12635 710th

Avenue, Zearing, 50278 · 41 acres

Current Management

Dakins Lake is located just north of Zearing in northeast Story County. It has a five-acre lake

stocked with largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish, and crappie. The park also has offers a

10-site campground, remnant and restored prairie, successional timber, and trails.


Staff rebuilt the wooden bridge on the north end of the lake and built up the trail with additional

soil and gravel to stop water damage to the trail.

Payment to the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation for acquisition of an additional 62 acres was

postponed until 2.18 acres on the west side of the park are sold to the Lincoln Township trustees.

LWCF (Land and Water Conservation Fund) funding for $36,090 was awarded towards this

acquisition.

Plans for the construction of a new lake and campground at Dakins Lake began in FY12.

Consultants were hired to design a new lake, campground, shower facility, boat launch, picnic


shelter, and more. The project is being made possible by Tax Increment Financing funds from

the wind turbines in the Zearing area, by the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, the Land and

Water Conservation Fund, and by the Dakins family.

The new lake will provide a wonderful resource for the community and will mitigate a

significant siltation problem in the existing lake.

Doolittle Prairie · 14249 560th

Ave, Story City, 50248 · 40 acres

Current Management

The prairie is divided into two tracts. The northern Plover Tract is owned by the Iowa

Department of Natural Resources and is managed by Story County Conservation. The 24-acre

Plover Tract has six natural potholes, and native prairie areas. It has been managed by the

conservation board since 1980. The Matheason Tract is owned by Story County Conservation

and was purchased with the help of the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation. This 16-acre tract has

native prairie areas and three potholes, which provide valuable habitat for wetland wildlife.

Doolittle Prairie is open to public hunting.

Major Project during the Year

Parking lot barriers and new signs were installed.

E-18 Greenbelt Access · 56342 130th

Street, Story City IA 50248 · 210 acres

Current Management

Twenty-nine acres of prairie, seven acres of wetland, and hiking, equestrian, cross-country

skiing, and mountain biking trails can be found at this area. Public hunting (forest and upland

species) is allowed.


Invasive plant species (honeysuckle) were cleared to restore savanna.

Ed Powell Wildlife Area · 68328 130th

Street, Zearing, 50278 · 17 acres

Current Management

The Ed Powell Wildlife Area offers public hunting adjoining the Praeri Rail Trail. The entire

area is reconstructed prairie and is bisected by a small stream.

Gladys Leui Preserve · 27371 670th

Avenue, Maxwell, 50161 · 25 acres

Current Management

The Gladys Leui Preserve is a wildlife refuge. The tract is mostly mature hardwood forest

bisected by a small stream. Upland oak-hickory, maple-basswood, and some floodplain forest

species are present. The area also offers a 6-acre reconstructed prairie. A small parking area is

provided, but no trails are maintained.


Heart of Iowa Nature Trail · Slater to Collins · 32 miles

Current Management

The Heart of Iowa Nature Trail (HOINT) is a cooperative effort of the Story and Marshall

County Conservation Boards and an important part of the Central Iowa Trails System. A

segment of the former Milwaukee Railroad from Slater to Melbourne forms this recreational trail

corridor. This multi-purpose trail accommodates many users including bicyclists, pedestrians,

equestrians, and snowmobilers—when conditions allow.

The Heart of Iowa Nature Trail meets the High Trestle Trail in Slater. Future plans include

connecting the east end of the Heart of Iowa Nature Trail to Melbourne, the Iowa 330 Trail,

Marshall County Conservation's Grimes Farm Nature Farm, the Marshalltown Greenbelt Trail,

the city of Marshalltown, and to the Chichaqua Valley Trail.


A new sign for the Kalsem Prairie was built and installed on the trail between Huxley and Slater.

Con-Struct, Inc. completed FEMA repairs on numerous portions of the trail that had been

washed out between Slater and Collins during 2010 flooding. Damaged trail sections were built

up with limestone, shaped, and seeded.

In September, staff built fence (a little over one-half mile) along the Griffith property east of

Cambridge. Jensen Excavating was contracted to remove the old fence line and trees.

Hertz Family Woods and Nature Preserve · 25401 Country Club Road, Nevada · 21.5 acres

Current Management

In May 2012, this park was donated by the Hertz family in memory of Carl and Marjory Hertz

and their son, C. Douglas Hertz. This diverse woodland includes 22 tree species and many

wildflowers. It was preserved by the family with the intention of providing a site for public

enjoyment. The park includes a one-mile trail. The land was donated to the Iowa Natural

Heritage Foundation, who in turn donated the park to Story County.

Family, friends, and staff at the dedication of Hertz Family Woods and Nature Preserve



Staff worked to get this new area ready for the park’s dedication on May 27, 2012. A kiosk was

constructed and placed at the parking lot with a map of the woodland trails and the limestone

trail around the park. Markers identifying trees were installed along the trails. Staff worked with

the Hertz family to finish construction of the limestone trail, reclaim several woodland trails, and

seed slopes.

Hickory Grove Park · 67382 250th

Street, Colo, 50056 · 445 acres

Current Management

Hickory Grove Park is the largest of the conservation board's parks. This multiple-use

recreational area southwest of Colo contains a 98-acre lake stocked with largemouth bass,

bluegill, crappie, channel catfish, and grass carp.

Major Projects During the Year

SCC continued work with ISU, Iowa DNR, NRCS, the Story County Soil and Water

Conservation District, and landowners to complete the Hickory Grove Lake Watershed

Assessment and Management Plan.

Clearing of invasive species (mostly honeysuckle and olive) was accomplished by staff and

volunteer groups at the beach, east of Oriole Ridge, and in the campground.

Several leaking waterline fittings were replaced throughout the park. Additional work is

necessary to locate and repair other fittings.

The fishing jetties were re-

constructed with funds

received from a fish habitat

grant ($15,920) through the

Iowa DNR. Geoweb was

removed, the ends were

lowered, tops were widened,

and rip rap was placed around

the perimeter for better fish

habitat and stability.

Sediment pond control

structure repairs were

completed by Con-Struct in

May 2012. This project was

funded by FEMA and

necessitated by 2010

flooding.

A gravel pad was installed behind the shop to store machinery closer to the shop area. Staff

constructed a road around the shop to connect to the pad. Old concrete in front of the shop was

removed, and a new concrete apron was poured in front of the two garage doors.

Re-constructed fishing jetty at Hickory Grove Park


I-35 Prairie View Area · 15233 Interstate Hwy 35, Story City · 4 acres

Current Management

This area is owned by the Iowa Department of Transportation. SCC manages the site’s natural

resources, including woodland, prairie, and a .25-mile hiking trail.

Jennett Heritage Area · 62321 280th


Current Management

This area was purchased in March 2011. The family of Raymond and Edythe Jennett, Hertz

Farm Management, and the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation were instrumental in its

acquisition. Funding support came from Story County Pheasants Forever, Whitetails Unlimited,

Iowa Ornithologists’ Union, Story County Conservation Partners, the Iowa Native Plant Society,

the Iowa DNR’s Wildlife Habitat Stamp program, and the Iowa Department of Transportation’s

Living Roadway Trust Fund.

The Jennett Heritage Area, now Story County’s largest wildlife area, contains native prairie

remnant, two ponds, two creeks, wetlands, and woodlands. A botanical survey of the site

revealed 277 native species, including 65 native prairie species. Twenty-five acres of remnant

prairie rest on steep slopes, allowing for a greater variety of prairie plants to thrive. The

wetlands are being reconstructed, as are large portions of the prairie. The native prairie remnants

have some woody invasive species that will require further work along with the oak savanna and

riparian woodlands.


Invasive species (honeysuckle and buckthorn) were removed to open the tree canopy and

discourage garlic mustard. A large section of the prairie ridge was burned. A total of 15.5 acres

was planted to prairie in the fall of 2011.

Staff took

measurements in

the north pond to

determine the

depth and amount

of sedimentation.

The area was

dedicated on

September 8,

2011. Engraved

boulders at the

park’s entrance

include the names

of some of the 170

donors who

helped create this

public wildlife

area.

Jennett family at the September 8, 2011 dedication

of the Jennett Heritage Area


Jim Ketelsen Greenwing Marsh · 21163 570th

Avenue, Ames, 50010 · 68 acres

Current Management

Ketelsen Marsh was acquired by the conservation board in 1987. It contains a native prairie

pothole and a restored wetland, restored and native prairie, pasture grasses, and a shelterbelt.

The six-acre sedge meadow located in the southwest corner of the area is an easement with Jerry

Johnson. The marsh is a memorial to honor the late Jim Ketelsen, an avid outdoorsperson and

supporter of the Ducks Unlimited Greenwing program. The acquisition was made possible

through the partnership of several agencies: Ames Chapter of the Izaak Walton League,

Anderson Lake Sportsmen, Inc., Big Bluestem Audubon Society, friends and family of Jim

Ketelsen, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Habitat Stamp Grant program, Dr. Gerald

Johnson, Story County Pheasants Forever, the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, and Wetlands

for Iowa Program.


A large, blocked section of tile was cleared of willow roots, and a significant amount of woody

vegetation was removed.

Larson Marsh · 59537 220th


Current Management

Larson Marsh was acquired from Maurice and Ruth Larson in 1981. Prior to acquisition, the area

was farmed. However, half of the site would regularly flood in the spring due to the presence of a

large pothole. Assistance from the state's wildlife habitat stamp fund grant program allowed the

conservation board to make wildlife habitat improvements on the area. The large pothole was

deepened, and two islands were created within the pothole. Native prairie grasses and forbs were

planted on the islands and other areas around the pothole. The marsh is a public hunting area.

Lekwa Access · 56156 130th Street, Story City IA 50248 · 10 acres

Current Management

This water trail access on the Skunk River south of Story City has a small wetland area and 9

acres of woodland. The Lekwa family granted a lease for public river access in 1995.


In October 2011 the conservation board approved a resolution to re-name the E-18 Canoe Access

the Lekwa Access in recognition of the significant contribution of the Lekwa family to

conservation in Story County. The official re-dedication took place on June 3. A new parking

lot was constructed, and a new park sign was installed prior to the event.


Leopold Woods · 55821 175th

Street, Ames, 50010 · 20 acres

Current Management

Leopold Woods is a wildlife refuge. It was held in a conservation easement until owner Don

Norton’s death. The county acquired it outright in February 2010. The tract includes small

areas of cool season and prairie grassland but is mostly planted trees approximately 20 years old.

A small parking area is provided, but no other improvements are allowed on the area due to deed

restrictions.

McFarland Park · 56461 180th


Current Management

McFarland Park is located northeast of Ames and offers a variety of ecotypes including tallgrass

prairie, woodland, and stream habitats. The offices of the administrative and environmental

education staff are housed at this building, and the multipurpose room is available for rent for

social gatherings and meetings.


Jensen Excavating re-set two bridges that were damaged in 2010 flooding (FEMA repairs).

Several sections of prairie were burned, and an extension to the Touch-A-Life Trail on the south

side of the lake was begun in November.

O’Neil Prairie · .1 mile east of Hwy. 69 on Arrasmith Trail · 5 acres

Current Management

This area contains 4.7 acres of prairie and .3 acres of wetland. It was acquired through flood

buy-outs in 1998.

Family, friends, and Story County Conservation staff gather for the Lekwa Access Dedication


Peterson Park · 203 acres

East: 55756 180th

Street, Ames, 50010; West: 55310 180th

Street, Ames, 50010

Current Management

Peterson Park (approximately 31 acres of water)

is situated along the Skunk River Greenbelt.

Park entrances are located on both the east and west

sides of the Skunk River. Activities and scenic

areas include: swimming beach (West Peterson),

fishing, picnicking, bird watching, boating, trails,

canoe access, and hunting.


The bridge at East Petersen was re-set as a FEMA

repair project. Class D rip rap was added on the

north side of the lake.

SCC staff, Iowa DNR staff, and volunteers from

Midland Power constructed and installed two osprey

platforms at East and West Peterson parks.

The new bridge over the Skunk River between East

and West Peterson parks was opened in the fall of

2011. Park trails were re-aligned on the west side of

the bridge. A new canoe access near the northeast

corner of the bridge is planned.

Praeri Rail Trail · Roland to Zearing · 10.5 miles

Current Management

This section of abandoned railway was acquired by the county in 1978, and development began

in the spring of 1979. The spelling of the word "Praeri" is in recognition of the area's strong

Norwegian heritage. Many native prairie remnants can be seen adjacent to the trail. Sections of

the trail at Roland and McCallsburg have a limestone surface; the remainder of the trail is

mowed grass and may be difficult for all but off-road (mountain) bikes.


Two rusted out culverts were replaced with concrete culverts at 630th

Avenue and 650th

Avenue

by Jensen Excavating. These were FEMA repairs resulting from 2010 flooding.

New signs were made and installed at both ends of the trail.

Midland Power Cooperative crews installed

osprey platforms at Peterson Park


Robison Wildlife Acres · 29490 632nd

Avenue, Nevada, 50201 · 78 acres

Current Management

Robison Wildlife Acres (RWA) is a unique area in south-central Story County. The initial 58

acres were donated to the conservation board by former board member Clay Robison. The

remaining 20 acres were purchased from the Whitaker estate. West Indian Creek forms most of

the eastern boundary of the park, and nature trails wind through grassland and woodland. The

area is a favorite spot for spring wildflower walks. The park has been set aside as a wildlife

refuge.


New parking lot barriers and signs were installed.

Conservation Corps of Iowa worked at RWA for six days restoring savanna and helping with

prescribed burning. A total of 8.6 acres of the savanna area and 10 acres of prairie were burned

in November 2011. Goats were used as a management tool to graze woody vegetation in the

prairie during August and September 2011 and from April through September 2012.

Sheffield Wildlife Area · .25 N of 150th

Street on 570th

Avenue · 3 acres

Current Management

This is a small public hunting area located along I-35 which offers upland hunting.

Goats grazing on woody vegetation at Robison Wildlife Acres – August 2011


Skunk River Flats · 26995 Sand Hill Trail, Ames, 50010 · 117 acres

Current Management

Skunk River Flats, a public hunting area, is owned by the Iowa DNR but managed by Story

County Conservation. It was purchased through the Natural Resource Conservation Services

wetlands program. A small area of floodplain forest is present near the Skunk River, but the

area is mostly reconstructed prairie with a small restored wetland. A parking area is provided,

and a mowed perimeter path is present.

Sleepy Hollow · 646 West Riverside Road, Ames, 50010 · 13 acres

Current Management

This park serves as a water trail access on the Skunk River.


The Iowa Department of Natural Resources’ water trail assistance crew installed a portage

around the old Hannum’s Mill dam in June 2012. SCC staff and volunteers assisted with this

project.

Soper’s Mill · 56364 170th

Street, Ames IA 50010 · 16 acres

Current Management

Soper’s Mill is a historic site on the Skunk River. Recreational opportunities include canoeing,

kayaking, stream fishing, hiking, and forest/upland hunting.

Wakefield Woods · 2480 East 190th


Current Management

This oak-hickory woodland was donated to the conservation board in 1988 by John and Anne

Wakefield. A prairie savanna planting was completed on the area in 1994.


A group of 4-H volunteers cleared invasive species (honeysuckle) at the park in June.


Financial Reports

CONSERVATION BOARD REVENUE - FISCAL 2012

PROJECTED AMENDED ACTUAL

REVENUE LINE TITLE REVENUE REVENUE EARNED

Generated Receipts:

- Land Rent $14,000 $12,450.00

- Waterfront Concessions $3,000 $2,897.60

- Boat Rentals $4,000 $4,970.00

- Building Rents (MP room) $4,500 $3,930.00

- Rec. Facility Rents (lodges) $2,000 $2,735.00

- Sale of Firewood $2,500 $1,793.00

- Miscellaneous $2,000 $4,750 $6,868.85

- Fuel Tax Refunds $2,250 $1,655.85

- Environmental Education Fees $22,000 $23,780.14

- Boat Titling Fees - from Recorder $1,000 $855.00

- State Sales & Use Tax Refunds $0 $12,000 $0.00

- FEMA $0

- Other State Grants $17,000 $10,020 $9,725.00

Sub-total $74,250 $26,770 $71,660.44

Other Sources of Income: (73000)

Friends of Conservation Trust Fund

- Donations $69,000 $40,000 $112,303.46

- Partners Memberships $11,000 $16,006.00

- Myers Scholarship Donations $250 $0.00

- Interest earned $1,500 $1,007.41

- Other State Grants $70,000 $502.55

Sub-total $81,750 $110,000 $129,819.42

REAP (23000)

- Per capita & per co. distributions $35,000 $27,714.00

- Interest earned $1,000 $240.27

Sub-total $36,000 $0 $27,954.27

CONSERVERATION RESERVE (68000)

- Camping fees $92,000 $97,353.75

Sub-total $92,000 $0 $97,353.75

TOTAL REVENUE $284,000 $136,770 $326,787.88


Revenue Expenditures Balance

Balance carried forward from FY11 $215,851.47

Donations:

- designated for tables and chairs for conservation center $314.18

- designated for parks and natural areas $314.00

- designated for goat project at Robison Wildlife Acres $50.00

- reimbursement from INHF for work at JHA $10,936.73

- designated for invasive species control at RWA $600.00

- designated for equipment repairs $60.00

- designated for trails $505.00

- designated for bird seed $138.00

- miscellaneous and merchandise sales $50.00

Water Recreation Grant for Shreck Access $502.55

Gladys Leui Estate distributions $93,862.00

Fundraising events

Trek the Trails Race $2,826.63

Fishing Tournaments $1,770.00

Partners membership fees & donations $15,053.00

Partners festivals $829.92

Ames Community Grant for festivals $1,000.00

Interest earned $1,007.41

FEMA repairs from 2010 flooding (matching funds) $10,361.19

Hertz Family Woods and Nature Preserve (improvements) $1,633.73

Touch-A-Life Trail Extension (rock) $908.40

Watershed kiosks (lumber and materials) $114.21

Strum land acquisition (appraisal) $1,400.00

Heart of Iowa Nature Trail (construction costs) $3,662.04

Goat project at Robison Wildlife Acres (fence, charger) $1,460.59

Bluebird Conference hosted by SCC (food and supplies) $49.04

Jennett Heritage Area (improvements/dedication prep) $5,323.09

Bird seed (conservation center feeders) $46.01

Shreck Access (lumber and materials for signs) $257.97

Trek the Trails expenses (food and supplies) $2,002.29

Fishing Tournament expenses (food and supplies) $873.58

Partners expenses (newsletter, supplies, projects) $9,304.76

Partners festival expenses (food and supplies) $4,058.66

YEAR-END TOTALS $129,819.42 $41,455.56 $304,215.33

FRIENDS OF CONSERVATION TRUST FUND SUMMARY

FISCAL YEAR 2012 (JULY 1, 2011 - JUNE 30, 2012)


Fiscal Per County & Per Capita Interest Earned Grants and Total FY

Year Distributions on REAP account Reimbursements Revenue

FY90-FY02 $310,655.00 $21,239.32 $33,437.10 $365,578.26

FY03* $532.00 $1,900.58 $0.00 $2,432.58

FY04 $25,715.00 $989.62 $0.00 $26,704.62

FY05 $25,702.00 $583.57 $35,942.40 $62,227.97

FY06 $12,685.00 $1,242.92 $3,993.60 $17,921.52

FY07 $32,180.00 $2,952.07 $0.00 $35,132.07

FY08 $43,395.00 $3,133.80 $0.00 $46,528.80

FY09 $41,754.00 $1,678.46 $0.00 $43,432.46

FY10 $40,604.00 $1,084.15 $500.00 $42,188.15

FY11 $35,054.00 $397.72 $0.00 $35,451.72

FY12 $27,714.00 $240.27 $0.00 $27,954.27

Totals $285,335.00 $14,203.16 $40,436.00 $705,552.42

*REAP was not funded by the Iowa Legislature in 2003

Fiscal Land Acquisition & Facility Development Equipment, Total FY

Year Acq. Expenditures & Renovation Supplies, Staff Expenditures

FY90-FY02 $52,319.18 $193,616.31 $23,889.26 $269,824.75

FY03 $1,635.60 $6,938.05 $0.00 $8,573.65

FY04 $0.00 $90,971.92 $0.00 $90,971.92

FY05 $1,200.00 $0.00 $29,930.06 $31,130.06

FY06 $2,640.00 $0.00 $9,796.35 $12,436.35

FY07 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00

FY08 $0.00 $20,862.75 $0.00 $20,862.75

FY09 $1,000.00 $0.00 $0.00 $1,000.00

FY10 $0.00 $111,660.75 $500.00 $112,160.75

FY11 $0.00 $87,684.78 $0.00 $87,684.78

FY12 $0.00 $3,469.12 $0.00 $3,469.12

Totals $6,475.60 $321,587.37 $40,226.41 $638,114.13

EXPENDITURES

STORY COUNTY CONSERVATION BOARD REAP ACCOUNT SUMMARY

ACCOUNT BALANCE AS OF 6/30/12 = $67,438.29

REVENUE


BEGINNING BUDGET ACTUAL

EXPENSE LINE TITLE BUDGET AMENDMENTS EXPENDED

Clearing Account (01-06999)

Salaries - Staff $649,000 ($22,000) $578,393.23

Salaries - Extra Help $49,400 $57,891.19

Overtime Pay $5,000 $10,848.37

Taxable Fringe Benefits $2,500 $2,728.12

F.I.C.A. $63,000 -$2,200 $55,100.74

I.P.E.R.S. $65,150 -$2,300 $57,972.18

Employer's Flex Benefits $117,300 ($6,900) $100,205.62

Conservation Board $1,500 $1,229.14

Shop Supplies $10,750 $10,818.90

Environmental Ed. Supply $15,000 $14,781.32

Vehicle Fuels/Maintenance $55,000 $68,912.29

Office Supplies $10,000 $11,371.23

FEMA $0 $66,000 $57,180.26

Recreational Supplies $3,575 $5,367.21

Uniforms & Equipment $3,550 $3,032.42

Health & Safety $3,000 $3,203.12

Volunteer Management $1,000 $358.08

Marketing $1,000 $1,056.42

Postage & Mailing $2,000 $1,239.77

Communication Services $10,000 $8,123.39

Education & Training $7,000 $5,732.43

Utilities $45,000 $45,733.57

Grounds Maintenance $40,900 $39,778.58

Bldg. Repairs & Maintenance $37,750 $25,619.78

Contractual Labor $14,760 $16,360.00

Taxes, Leases & Easements $500 $3,240 $517.00

Equipment & Machinery $41,000 $34,103.75

Capital Projects (10220)

Buildings & Equipment $10,000 $9,936.00

Wildlife Habitat Grants $0 $4,400 $4,400.00

Water Trail Grant $0 $5,100 $0.00

Fish Habitat Grant $0 $15,920 $15,920.00

Trust Funds (73000)

Myers Scholarship $250 $0.00

Environmental Educ. Supply $40,000 $41,644 $41,455.56

Land Acquisition $60,000 $6,500 $0.00

REAP (23000)

Buildings & Equipment $0 $4,000 $0.00

Fish Habitat Grant $0 $2,000 $3,469.12

Land Acquisition $35,000 $0.00

CONS. RESERVE & CAPT. PROJECTS (68000)

Land Acquisition $162,000 $0.00

TOTAL EXPENDITURES $1,561,885 $115,404 $1,292,838.79

CONSERVATION BOARD EXPENDITURES - FISCAL 2012


INTEGRATED ROADSIDE VEGETATION MANAGEMENT

REVENUE - FISCAL 2012

PROJECTED AMENDED ACTUAL

REVENUE CODE TITLE REVENUE REVENUE EARNED

Miscellaneous Receipts $4,000 $2,107.40

Drainage District Services $0 $2,500 $2,736.04

Fuel Tax Refunds $200 $341.81

Other State Grants $0 $17,000 $17,859.99

Weed Violations $100 $0.00

Sale of Fixed Assets $0 $0.00

TOTAL REVENUE $4,300 $19,500 $23,045.24

EXPENDITURES - FISCAL 2012

BEGINNING BUDGET ACTUAL

EXPENSE LINE TITLE BUDGET AMENDMENTS EXPENDED

Salaries - Permanent Staff $45,400 $45,348.18

Salaries - Seasonal Staff $17,160 $5,840 $21,928.10

Overtime Pay $600 $250.13

Taxable Fringe Benefit $780 $740.00

FICA $5,425 $300 $5,423.03

IPERS $5,450 $4,758.09

Flex Benefits $6,900 $6,895.15

Chemicals $6,000 $6,660.75

Seed $2,000 $1,474.60

Shop Supplies $1,000 $596.87

Vehicle Fuels/Maintenance $13,000 $2,000 $14,843.60

Office Supplies $300 $839.69

Uniforms $250 $133.82

Health & Safety $200 $367.28

Postage & Mailing $100 $0.00

Communication Services $1,000 $704.65

Education & Training $700 $742.74

Utilities $1,500 $2,033.47

Machinery Equipment Rental $250 $794.80

Contract Services $30,000 $29,438.10

Land Acquisition (LRTF grant) $0 $0.00

Buildings & Equipment $1,000 $1,584.28

Equipment & Machinery $3,000 $3,164.36

Equipment & Machinery (LRTF grant) $0 $17,000 $16,685.99

TOTAL EXPENDITURES $142,015 $25,140 $165,407.68


Grants Awarded*

Grant Project Amount

Story County Community Foundation Dakins Lake Playground $ 6,000.00

Iowa DNR Land and Water Conservation Dakins Lake Expansion Project $36,090.25

(land acquisition)

Iowa DNR Wildlife Diversity Grant Robison Wildlife Acres $ 3,500.00

(savanna restoration) – grant #3

Iowa DNR Water Trail Development South Skunk Water Trail $ 5,100.00

(signage on Skunk River)

TOTAL $50,690.25

*Expenditures and reimbursements occurring in FY12 for grants awarded in previous fiscal years

are not included.

Board and Staff Development

Staff and board members attended the following continuing education programs during FY12:

Iowa Association of County Conservation Boards - District 1 meetings

Iowa State Association of Counties - Fall School/County Conservation Directors Association

Iowa State Association of Counties - Spring School/County Conservation Directors Association

Iowa Association of County Conservation Boards - Fall Conference

Iowa Association of County Conservation Boards - Spring Workshop

Iowa Association of Naturalists - Fall Workshop

Iowa Association of Naturalists - Spring Workshop

National Association of Interpreters – National Workshop

“Leave No Trace” Workshop

County Conservation Director’s Association – Winter Retreat

County Conservation Peace Officers Association - Fall Workshop

County Conservation Peace Officers Association - Spring Workshop

Iowa Association of County Conservation Board Employees Workshop (Winterfest)

Iowa Prairie Conference

Iowa DNR S130/S190 Fire Training

Iowa Prescribed Fire Conference

Iowa Roadside Conference

Iowa Weed Commissioners Association Conference

“Full Voice” Workshop

Microsoft Access Class

Iowa Bicycle Coalition Summit

Commercial Pesticide Applicators License Classes – to maintain licenses

Midwest Wildlife Training Academy (Ignition Boss Certification)

Invasive Species Class


Board Meeting Attendance

(P = present; A = absent)

DATE

Clinton Term

Expires 12/31/11

Wilgenbusch Term Expires

12/31/12

Tedesco

Term Expires 12/31/13

Hornstein

Term Expires 12/31/14

Pease Term

Expires 12/31/15

7/11/11 P P P P P

8/8/11 P A P P P

9/12/11 P P P P P

10/3/11 Bd. Retreat

P A P P P

10/10/11 P A P P P

11/22/11 Bd. Retreat

P A P P P

11/28/11 P resigned A P P

12/5/11 P P P P

Clinton Term

Expires 12/31/16

Opstvedt Term Expires

12/31/12

Tedesco Term

Expires 12/31/13

Hornstein Term

Expires 12/31/14

Pease Term

Expires 12/31/15

Weber Term

Expires 12/31/16

1/9/12 P P P P ---

2/13/12 P P P P P P

3/2/12 Spl. Mtg.

A P P P (by

phone) P P

3/12/12 P A P P A P

4/9/12 A P A P P P

5/14/12 P A P P P P

5/30/12 Staff/Bd. Mtg.

A A P P P A

6/11/12 P P P P P P

6/29/12 A P P P P P


Board Meeting Highlights

July 12, 2011

Discussion on upcoming events included a welcome reception for Mike Cox on August 23 and

dedication of the Jennett Heritage Area scheduled for September 8, 2011. The board approved a

first reading of an amendment to the Story County Conservation Personnel Policy regarding

wellness days, a bid for FEMA project repairs on the Heart of Iowa Nature Trail, a grazing

agreement with Finch Livestock Exchange for goats at Robison Wildlife Acres, and a letter of

intent for the Story County Community Foundation listing SCC as a fiscal agent. The board

received a report on the recent drowning at Hickory Grove Lake and discussed boat rental

agreements, rules, and signage—including the need to provide signs in Spanish.

August 8, 2011

The board approved the second reading of an amendment to the Story County Conservation

Personnel Policy and authorized the director to submit a letter of support for the Indian Creek

Greenbelt Trail. Special Projects Ranger Williams gave updates on Heart of Iowa Nature Trail

construction, Jennett Heritage Area acquisition and dedication, Dakins Lake land acquisition

funding, a fish habitat grant proposal for jetty repairs/improvements at Hickory Grove Lake,

kiosks and improved signage on the Skunk River Water Trail, and the addition of area and

boundary signs at the C. J. Shreck Access. Williams also reported on the Partners program.

Hornstein gave an IACCB board report, distributed staff contact information, and discussed the

new dues structure. Director Cox reported on completed staff questionnaires; he is in the process

of compiling the results. Cox announced the resignation of Program Support Coordinator Tiarks.

Cox reported that a productive “after action review” regarding the response to the recent

drowning at Hickory Grove was held with SCC staff, Sheriff Fitzgerald, and Lieutenant Ellis.

Improved signage using universal symbols will be placed at launch sites and on all rental boats.

Fines will continue to be issued for people swimming outside the beach area.

September 12, 2011

Chair Tedesco acknowledged and thanked staff involved with the Jennett Heritage Area

dedication on September 8, 2011. The board approved a resolution authorizing application for a

Story County Community Foundation grant to replace playground equipment at Dakins Lake and

a resolution approving a controlled goose hunt at Hickory Grove Park for the dates of October 1-

16, 2011 and October 22, 2011-January 11, 2012. The number of hunters during youth mentor

hunts was increased to four.

Environmental Education Coordinator Jerry Keys gave an update on the environmental

education program. The team building activity has been well received, and the naturalists are

also involving students in service learning projects (cutting honeysuckle, harvesting prairie seed,

and pulling garlic mustard). Nature camps continue to be well attended, and a backpacking trip

to the Black Hills was offered this summer in conjunction with Plymouth County Conservation.

Naturalist Amy Yoakum wrote two successful Wildlife Diversity Management Grant proposals

and was instrumental in getting goats at Robison Acres. Yoakum and Naturalist Heather Hucka

submitted and received a REAP-CEP grant for naturalists across the state to attend the National


Association of Interpretation conference in Minnesota. Keys is working on a “Guide by Cell”

program in which interpretive signs placed in various areas instruct park visitors to hear recorded

messages via cell phone. Naturalist Zaletel has announced plans to retire next May.

Cox reported that the Jennett Heritage Area dedication was a tremendous event and especially

acknowledged Special Projects Ranger Williams and Anita O’Gara from the Iowa Natural

Heritage Foundation for their extraordinary efforts. Photos in the board packet showed FEMA

repairs on the Heart of Iowa Nature Trail. Other FEMA projects with slight changes in scope are

awaiting approval before proceeding with repairs. IRVM’s brush control contractor completed

work in four townships as planned. Cox distributed a summary of responses from questionnaires

given to staff in July. The board scheduled a work session for October 3 at 6:00 p.m. to discuss

strategic planning expectations and timeline. Cox met with Supervisor Sanders and Mayor

Chance, Zearing, regarding a potential Tax Increment Financing (TIF) project for Dakins Lake.

October 3, 2011

The board and Director Cox had a work session on strategic planning. An outside facilitator will

be hired to conduct a series of meetings involving various entities.

October 10, 2011

The board approved a grant agreement with the Iowa DNR for a Water Trails Development

grant, a project agreement with the Iowa DNR for a Land and Water Conservation Fund

(LAWCON) grant, renaming the E-18 Canoe Access as the Lekwa Access, and an addition to the

Story County Conservation Operations Manual regarding naming conservation areas and placing

memorials.

Unit Ranger Carter reported on projects that staff accomplished this summer at Hickory Grove

Park, Dakins Lake, Jennett Heritage Area, Robison Wildlife Acres, Ketelsen Marsh, Shreck

Access, Kalsem Prairie, and Cooper’s Prairie Marsh. All FEMA repairs on the Heart of Iowa

Nature Trail have been completed, and Carter is wrapping up paper work on the projects.

Director Cox reported on the successful Partners Fall Festival and recognized Special Projects

Ranger Williams for an outstanding job coordinating and running the event. Cox distributed a

conceptual design plan and cost estimates from Fox Engineering for Dakins Lake development.

Cox said that Jean Eells is willing to work with the board on strategic planning, with a tentative

date of November 21. The November 14 board meeting was re-scheduled to November 28 to

allow the board to review and comment on FY13 budgets proposals for approval at the

December 5 meeting. Cox accepted the resignation of Park Ranger Wiemold effective October

28. Interviews for the outreach coordinator position will be held in the next couple of weeks.

Guest Mike Meetz announced the October 24 deadline for Olav Smedal Award nominations.

Hornstein, District I IACCB representative, gave a report on the recent board of directors

meeting. A survey will be distributed regarding marketing and updates to the

mycountyparks.com site. The 2012 fall conference will be held at Honey Creek Resort, and

future conference locations have been scheduled through 2015. The spring board workshop will

be March 10 at Reiman Gardens.


November 22, 2011

A work session on strategic planning was led by Jean Eells with board members and guests

participating. The board received a letter of resignation from board member Wilgenbusch.

Clinton announced that the TIF public hearing is on November 29 at 10 a.m.

November 28, 2011

Cox reported on the following: the vacant ranger position is expected to be filled by next spring,

the staff strategic planning session with Jean Eels is scheduled for December 28, and a

conversation was held with Congressman Latham’s office regarding the Army Corps of

Engineer’s land in the Skunk River Greenbelt.

Wayne Clinton said he received a letter from Jim Dakins in support of the board of supervisors

moving forward with TIF. He also reported that applicants are being considered to fill a five-

year term plus Wilgenbusch’s unexpired term.

FY13 budget proposals were reviewed by the board, and revisions were suggested prior to

approval at the December 5 board meeting.

Hornstein gave an IACCB board of directors update, giving statistics on a statewide asset

inventory and sharing that the Outdoor Adventure Guide is undergoing revision and will be

available in print as well as online.

December 5, 2011

Director Cox noted several changes to the budget proposals, and the board approved the FY13

Conservation and IRVM budget proposals for submission to the county auditor. A work session

is scheduled with the board of supervisors on January 12 at 9:00 a.m.

The board approved a trademark and copyright license agreement with the City of Des Moines

for use of the Central Iowa Trails signage logo and designs. The board also approved 2012

board meeting dates.

Cox updated the board on the Hickory Grove Lake Watershed committee and their plans to wrap

up monitoring and apply for implementation grants in 2013. Cox announced that the board of

supervisors passed a TIF resolution for three projects, including Dakins Lake development. Cox

distributed a draft of the proposed timeline for the project.

Cox will be reviewing comments sent by board members from their strategic planning session as

well as input from facilitator Eells. The staff’s strategic planning session will be held December

28, and a joint board/staff meeting is planned for January or February.

Chair Tedesco thanked the staff and board for their hard work during the past year and

congratulated Director Mike Cox for a fine job during his first six months of employment.


January 9, 2012

Board officers elected for 2012 were: Jim Pease, chair, Ted Tedesco, vice-chair, and Joyce

Hornstein, secretary. The board approved a change to SCC by-laws to support Clinton serving

as an ex-officio member. Clinton reported that the board of supervisors will appoint two new

board members to fill Wilgenbusch’s unexpired term and Clinton’s expired term.

Guest Tom Hertz provided a history of the Hertz Family Woods and Nature Preserve. A

resolution seeking approval to acquire the parcel will be presented at the February 13 SCC board

meeting, and the INHF will approve acquisition at its February 23 meeting. A dedication

ceremony is planned for Memorial Day weekend.

Director Cox reported on the new wetland at Cooper’s Prairie Marsh, progress on the Dakins

Lake Development, a potential land acquisition, and research on wind turbines previously

proposed in the FY13 budget.

Hornstein reported that IACCB is encouraging board members and staff to attend the fall

conference at Honey Creek Resort.

February 13, 2012

Pease administered the oath of office to new board members Allen Weber and Sandy Optsvedt.

The board discussed a complaint about horse damage on the E-18 Greenbelt Trail. Meetz

announced that Dr. Tom Rosburg, biology professor at Drake University, received the 2011 Olav

Smedal Award.

The board approved a resolution of support to acquire Hertz Family Woods and Nature Preserve,

a recommendation to award an engineering and architectural services contract for Dakins Lake

expansion to Shive-Hattery, and first readings of Story County Conservation Board By-Laws,

Rules and Regulations, Departmental Policies, Safety and Health Management Policy, and

Operations Manual.

Roadside Biologist Kooiker presented highlights of the IRVM program’s accomplishments over

the last year.

Director Cox gave updates on the FY13 budget work session with the board of supervisors. Cox

stated that annual staff evaluations are being completed and announced that Head Ranger Rick

Carter has transferred to the Story County Facilities Management Department.

Cox met with the Iowa DNR non-game biologist regarding locations for osprey nesting

platforms and with a landowner interested in selling a parcel of land north of Roland. Cox added

that work on strategic planning continues.

March 2, 2012

The board approved a staff reorganization proposal and the job description for a resource

coordinator position.


March 12, 2012

Second readings of proposed revisions to SCCB By-laws, Rules and Regulations, Personnel,

Departmental, and Safety and Health Management policies were approved. The board also

approved a Water Trails Assistance Grant Agreement (Hannum’s Mill Dam portage) with the

Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

Cox reported that job announcements for a park ranger and natural resource specialist have been

advertised. SOAR (Saving Our Avian Resources) plans to release two rehabilitated bald eagles

at McFarland Park on March 24. Cox will travel to the Iowa Association of Naturalists meeting

to see SCC environmental education staff receive individual and group awards.

Hornstein reported that the IACCB spring conference was a success, and she distributed a

handout regarding a conservation summit in September to support the IWill campaign.

Revisions to the Outdoor Adventure Guide are close to completion, and progress is being made

on the mycountyparks.com website.

April 9, 2012

The board approved an amendment to the High Trestle Trail 28E Agreement, a grazing

agreement with Finch Livestock Exchange at Robison Wildlife Acres, a 2012 campground

attendant contract with Dale Sloan, an agreement with the Iowa DNR for a Wildlife Diversity

Grant—Robison Wildlife Acres Restoration, and a first reading of revisions to SCC Rules and

Regulations for remote camping at Robison Wildlife Acres.

Special Projects Ranger Williams presented highlights of special projects and Partners program

events during the last year. Several grants were received by SCC, including a LAWCON grant

towards Dakins Lake acquisition costs, a Story County Communication Foundation grant for

playground equipment at Dakins Lake, a Water Trail grant to complete kiosks on the Skunk

River Water Trail, and a Water Trail Crew Assistance grant for a portage at Hannum’s Mill.

Mimi Wager was hired to help with efforts to designate the Skunk River as a state water trail.

Williams wrote a Central Iowa Regional Transportation Planning Alliance (CIRTPA) grant

requesting money for bike lanes along County Club Road south of Nevada for the Indian Creek

Greenbelt Trail. The Heart of Iowa Nature Trail has one more item to be finished before the

IDOT will sign off on the project. Dedications of the Lekwa Access, C. J. Shreck Access, and

Hertz Family Woods and Nature Preserve are planned in the upcoming year.

The board of supervisors will consider approval of the Dakins Lake expansion agreement with

Shive-Hattery at their regular meeting on April 10.

Cox announced that Emily Herring was hired as a naturalist to replace retiring Linda Zaletel, and

interviews for the natural resource specialist and park ranger positions are scheduled during the

next two weeks. Cox reported that staff vacancies have meant added work for staff, and

everyone has done an incredible job. Cox added that Williams was the only ranger for several

weeks, and she handled this duty well in addition to juggling several special projects.

Hornstein reminded board members about the fall conference at Honey Creek Resort in

September. Pease announced a new Master Rivers Steward program being offered this summer.


May 14, 2012

The board approved a dog trial at Peterson Park and tentative approval of a youth pheasant hunt

dependent on planning with Story County Conservation staff, a conceptual plan for Dakins Lake

expansion, a second reading of revisions to Story County Conservation Rules and Regulations

for remote camping at Robison Wildlife Acres, and a first reading of revisions to Story County

Conservation Rules and Regulations for camping rules at Robison Wildlife Acres.

Director Cox announced that Amy Yoakum was hired as the new natural resource specialist,

Jessica Lancial was hired as a naturalist, and Ryan Wiemold was hired as park ranger.

SCC has an agreement with the Iowa DOT to manage the I-35 Prairie Area, and Yoakum is

moving ahead on this project. SCC will also partner with Prairie Rivers RC&D on a grant

working with 4th

and 5th

graders on history and resource work along the Lincoln Highway.

Plans are progressing to convert land on the west side of Dakins Lake purchased with LAWCON

funds to allow the sale of 2.5 acres to the Lincoln Township cemetery.

May 30, 2012

Ryan Wiemold was sworn in as a peace officer for Story County Conservation.

Board and staff discussed three

concepts proposed for the

Dakins Lake expansion project.

The board will vote on a final

proposal at the June 11 board

meeting.

June 11, 2012

Assistant Professor Michelle

Soupir, Department of

Agricultural and Biosystems

Engineering at Iowa State

University, gave a presentation

on the Hickory Grove

Watershed Assessment project.

Chair Pease invited the large

number of meeting guests to

comment on the board’s

proposed resolution regarding

hog confinement facilities. The board approved a resolution regarding the location of confined

animal facilities near Story County Conservation areas.

The board also approved the master plan for the Dakins Lake expansion project, a second

reading of revisions to Story County Rules and Regulations for remote camping at Robison

Wildlife Acres, proposed FY13 cost-of-living increases for staff, and a resolution supporting the

Park Ranger Ryan Wiemold is sworn in as a peace officer.

Park Ranger Ryan Wiemold is sworn in as a peace officer.


establishment of a foundation, endowment, or other charitable giving mechanism to support

conservation efforts in Story County.

Director Cox shared photos of the Hickory Grove jetty project and repaired control structure at

the sediment pond—the final FEMA project from 2010 flooding.

June 29, 2012

A resolution endorsing a grant application to the State Recreational Trails Program for hard

surfacing trails at Dakins Lake and a resolution endorsing a grant application to the State

Recreational Trails Program for hard surfacing the Heart of Iowa Nature Trail between Huxley

and Cambridge were approved.

Director Cox stated that interviews for the new vegetation management specialist position have

been completed, and the position will be filled soon. A tentative agreement has been reached to

purchase an 80-acre WRP parcel north of Roland.

fy11 annual report - storycountyiowa.gov

Documents