April Trails Talk

2021 TRAIL DEVELOPMENT PLANS

The Dickinson County Trails Board has another year of exciting plans to continue trail development this summer and fall. Through a number of foundation, state and federal grants along with donations to the DCTB development fund, the board is working on goals to add over 3 miles of new trail in 2021. The rail trail, Tatanka Ska Trace, continues to be a high priority and  construction will extend it another 1.2 miles from Highway 86 to the town of Montgomery. The DCTB is also planning to connect the West Okoboji Trail to Tatanka Ska Trace starting at the West Okoboji Harbor tunnel and going north to where it joins the rail trail near the Highway 86 crossing. This key 1.2-mile segment will offer trail access to Spirit Lake and create nearly 40 miles of contiguous trail in the Iowa Great Lakes. Development of the Edgewood Drive Trail near Gull Point State Park will begin in May and provide improved safety and access to the trails system for residents in that area. We will also continue the Highway 71 Trail north from Nature Center Road and connect it with the Spirit Lake Trail. The trail development that occurs in 2021 is being supported by over $1.5 million in foundation and recreational trail grants and it will provide for a safer and more connected trail system.

2021 MAINTENANCE PLANS

The DCTB will be taking on several maintenance projects this coming season that focus on upkeep and maintenance of trail surfaces.  Over 7 miles of concrete crack sealing are planned for the West Okoboji, Pioneer Beach and Silver Lake Trails. In addition, the south end of the Spine Trail in Milford is scheduled for crack and surface sealing and miscellaneous concrete and drainage repairs will be provided as needed. The DCTB looks forward to expanding and improving the outdoor recreational experience throughout the Iowa Great Lakes in the year ahead.

LIVE HEALTHY IOWA 5K

The first trail event of the season starts at the Bedell  Family YMCA on Saturday, May 1 from 8:00-11:00 AM.  Live Healthy Iowa is partnering with communities across Iowa to host the events that feature a 5K run/walk and a 1K kid’s run. Proceeds from these events will benefit the local wellness coalitions in partner communities along with Live Healthy Iowa Kids initiatives. For full event details and online registration visit www.livehealthyiowa5k.org and click on Dickinson County for our local event.

With the sunshine and warmer temperatures, we eagerly anticipate another great season on the Iowa Great Lakes Trails.  We hope that you get the opportunity to enjoy new trail routes and revisit your old favorites.  It is always a good day on the trail!

 

As always, Happy Trails to You and Yours.
Erin Reed, DCTB Executive Director