Page 5 - Iowa

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With over 1,840 parks, natural areas, trails, preserves and historic sites
encompassing nearly 193,000 acres –
Iowa’s County Conservation System
plays a significant role in the
state’s economic landscape. The quality of life experiences and outdoor learning opportunities available
throughout this system provide a positive impact on workforce development, promote healthier lifestyles and
help make Iowa just a great place to live, work and play. Consider the following features: 10,500 campsites;
1,536 miles of trails; 145,932 acres of hunting lands; 172 cabins; 64 nature centers; 25,840 annual programs
and events….
and many, many more!
Each year, Iowa’s county park systems hosts 24 million visitors across
the state – creating nearly a $1 billion economic impact for local economies. Additionally, the existence of this
system provides over 7,000 jobs and $260 million of income supported by visitor spending.
This directory of Iowa’s county conservation areas was made
possible by the unique collaboration from the conservation staff
in all 99counties, the Iowa County Conservation System office,
and assistance from the ISU G.I.S. facility.
REAP
stands for Resource Enhancement and Protection. It is a program in the State of
Iowa that invests in, as its name implies, the enhancement and protection of the state’s natural
and cultural resources. Iowa is blessed with a diverse array of natural and cultural resources,
and REAP is likewise diverse and far reaching. REAP is funded from the state’s Environment
First Fund (Iowa gaming receipts) and from the sale of the natural resource license plate. The
program is authorized to receive $20 million per year until 2021, but the state legislature sets the
amount of REAP funding every year. 20% of the total REAP dollars each year are allocated to
county conservation – since the program started, over $50 million has been invested in Iowa’s
future through the county conservation system. Visit
for more information.
Launched in 2009,
was an instant success –
capturing the
Iowa Tourism Website of the Year
recognition in its very first year! ALL 99 county conservation
boards have a presence on this website, with several allowing facility, campsite and event reservations to be
made through their pages. This is a true collaboration of time & talents as each county manages their own
section of the website – providing timely information, news and links about local programs and operations. In
2012, we created all the Q.R. Code links, found in this guidebook, to hook you up directly via your scanning cell
phone to a specific county to further explore what they have to offer! The website is in a constant state of
expansion with new areas, facilities and programs appearing on the scene on a weekly basis. Check us out
online, or feel free to shoot us an email to:
We can also be found on Facebook by
searching for MyCountyParks.com.
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is a broad agency of state government
in Iowa which encompasses many natural resource and conservation based divisions and
operations. While similar in many ways to the county conservation system, there are many
distinct differences – highlighted by the local control and support that generates the success of each of Iowa’s
99 county conservation board programs. Additional information about HUNTING, FISHING, TRAPPING, and
BOATING can be found on the Iowa DNR website at:
or by phone at:
515-281-5918
Iowa’s County Conservation System
1775 Mackenzie Drive
Cedar Rapids, IA 52411-9596
(515) 963-9582
BY THE NUMBERS
CABINS
County conservation is proud to be Iowa’s leader in conservation
education and lifelong outdoor learning experiences. 64 nature
centers are located around the state – providing thousands of opportunities for people of
all ages. To assist you in locating these great facilities easier, they have their own section
on
Pages 224 - 229.
NATURE CENTERS
47 counties currently offer the camping cabin experience with amenities that
range from primitive to modern deluxe. Please visit the special section of
this guide for additional information on
seasons, locations and reservation
contact info. on
Pages 229 – 234.