February 2025 Trails Talk

2024 YEAR IN REVIEW

At the beginning of each year, the DCTB takes time to visit our partner cities and provide updates on what the previous year’s trail activities involved. We are fortunate to be a part of a very supportive community of donors and local foundations along with the cities and county that make our success possible.

Below are a few numbers and highlights from the Dickinson County Trails Board 2024 Annual Report [PDF, 1.90 MB] that we have been sharing with our local partners.

2.5 Miles – The construction of Tatanka Ska Trace made significant strides in 2024 with completion of the middle 2.5-mile segment that finalized the joining of Lake Park to the entire Iowa Great Lakes Trails system. The DCTB is thrilled to have completed this link many years ahead of schedule; the trail has already been met with great enthusiasm and use.

3,000 Trail Brochures – New trail map brochures distributed throughout the Iowa Great Lakes. As the trails system continues to expand, the existing base map became obsolete, prompting the DCTB to dedicate the first part of the year to developing an updated trail map and information brochure.

5.3 Miles – Tree clearing and minor grading project along the rail trail going east from Orleans to Highway 71 in preparation for trail construction in a couple years. The project also allows for trail use by mountain and fat tire bikes, walkers and joggers prior to full development.

416,319 Trail Counts – The number of user counts tracked through 10 counters placed around the trails system in 2024.

2,512 Daily Counts – Average daily count of trail users from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

 

 

10 Trail Benches – New benches placed around the trail system in honor of loved ones and friends.

 

 

 

 

 

3 Adaptive Tricycles – Donated to local kids through DCTB’s partnership with Hope Rolls.

 

 

$920,000 – Grant funding awarded through the Region 3 TAP and State Recreational Trails program.

 

6,000+ Miles – The number of miles Seniors And Lawmen Together (SALT) volunteers log while they watch over the trails system and its thousands of users each season.

 

 

 

 

Conservation Partnership — We also share gratitude for our partnership with the Dickinson County Conservation Board (DCCB). Brian Cuperus and Clay Pavelko with the DCCB manage all the general trail maintenance such as mowing and trimming trees for over 50 miles of trail routes and the work they do keeps our trails in excellent condition.

 

Overall, 2024 was a year of significant progress and development for the Iowa Great Lakes Trails. With new development, maintenance efforts and community engagement, the trail system continues to thrive and serve as a vital recreational asset for residents and visitors alike. The partnerships with local governments, donors, foundations, and organizations like the Dickinson County Conservation Board are instrumental in ensuring the success and sustainability of the trails. As we move forward, we remain committed to enhancing and expanding the trail network, further enriching the quality of life in our community.

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