September 2025 Trails Talk
“…I dressed and went for a walk – determined not to return until I took in what Nature had to offer.”
~Raymond Carver, US Writer & Poet, 1938–88~
EAGLE SCOUT PROJECT IMPROVES TRAIL BRIDGES
Pictured:Milford Boy Scout Troop #170 working on the Lower Gar Bridge.
Brayden Yungbluth, a member of Milford Boy Scout Troop #170, spent Saturday, September 20, making much-needed improvements to the bridges on the Lower Gar and Emerson Bay trails. His Eagle Scout project focused on staining and painting the wooden components of the bridges to extend their life and enhance the appearance of the trail system.
Several fellow scouts from Troop #170 joined Brayden to help complete the work. “For my Eagle Scout project, I chose to do this because it is a really nice touch-up for the community to come out and enjoy,” Brayden shared.
The Dickinson County Trails Board thanks Brayden and the Milford Boy Scouts for their dedication and hard work in improving the trail experience for all.
2025 SPORTSMAN’S TIKI RIDE A HUGE SUCCESS
Pictured:Dan Tryon of Sportsman’s presents the 2025 Tiki Ride check to Erin Reed with DCTB.
The annual Tiki Ride keeps growing, and the 11th anniversary proved to be the most successful yet. Nearly 1,000 riders participated, and with matching grant funds, the event raised more than $37,000 for Dickinson County Trails. Next year’s Tiki Ride is already scheduled for August 1, 2026, and the Sportsman’s crew is hard at work planning another fun and memorable ride.
The Dickinson County Trails Board extends a big thank-you to Sportsman’s, their staff, and the many volunteers who pour their energy into making this event such a highlight of the summer year after year.
CLAY COUNTY CONNECTION UPDATE
Phase I of the Clay County Connection is nearly complete and many people have asked about crossing Highway 71. There will not be an official trail crossing at this location; however, trail users may use the 230th Street intersection to access either side of the trail. The Iowa DOT did not permit an official crossing, so the current setup is the best option available for now. While it may seem counterintuitive not to have signage or a designated crossing, the intent is to avoid giving motorists on Highway 71 the impression that they should stop for bicyclists waiting to cross. Responsibility rests with trail users: they have a stop sign and should only cross when it is safe to do so, just as any vehicle would at an intersection.
The benefit of aligning the trail crossing with 230th Street is that it leaves future opportunities open. One potential option is a tunnel under Highway 71, as the elevation differences could allow for that design, though funding will remain a significant challenge. Another option being discussed is continuing the trail north along the west side of 230th Street into Milford, a project the city is very interested in. Additionally, 230th Street west of Highway 71 is scheduled to be paved next year, which would provide another bike route into and around the west side of Milford.
There is no set timeline for either the tunnel project or the northern trail extension into Milford. However, once the trail connection to Clay County is completed, attention is expected to shift toward improving the crossing situation at 230th Street.
As always, Happy Trails to You and Yours.
Erin Reed, DCTB Executive Director