This site is dedicated to Dick LeCroy, who worked tirelessly for conservation and the Des Moines River for many decades. In 1999, Dick took on the establishment of the water trail and was of immeasureable assistance in all efforts to make it a reality. Sadly, he passed away before funding could be fully secured. He would be most proud of what has been accomplished and would be impatient to finish the work.Read a tribute to Richard V. Lecroy from Gov. Vilsack celebrating his many decades of work on the Des Moines River Greenbelt.
2012 events
An outstanding water trail dedication at the confluence of Lizard Creek and the Des Moines River. John and Todd from DNR and the great folks from Ft. Dodge and Webster County did a wonderful job in creating a beautiful space with river access. Now we just need to add some water.
The new Iowa Water Trail Association is doing good work, the e-newsletter is packed with good information. Water trails are hot!
My health-still not good, but I do get down to the river and enjoy the views.
2011 events
Numerous events were sponsored by Central Iowa Paddlers. Due to health problems (including an automobile accident), I was not able to get out on the river. I attended the dedication of the Middle River Water Trail, which is a tributary of the Des Moines River. The DNR and County Conservation boards put on an outstanding event.
2010 events
Super paddler John Craun paddled from Estherville to Keokuk in late April and early May to raise funds for the Hickory Ridge Wilderness area. The project is sponsored by Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, which is accepting donations. John made the 400 mile trip in 7 days.
Sleepy Hollow Sports Park is now offering canoe trips from Pleasant Hill (Vandalia Road access) to Webbs Camping in Hartford. They are a full service outfitter. See the web site for details.
I regret that health issues have kept me off the river. I was only able to paddle twice this year. I have been pleased to watch the progress of the River Program of the Iowa DNR as the staff works to develop water trails on hundreds of river miles.
2009 events
Dedication of water trail campground at Yellow Banks park 10/2/09. The campground is just below the pit toilets at the turn to the boat ramp. We had a fire and shared river stories on a rainy night, then had a great ceremony.
Boone County water trail dedication 9/19 at the Hwy. 30 access. Keeping with tradition, the event coordinators have arranged for the firing of cannon that signifies the start of the cleanup. There was a huge crowd, John Wenck did a great job as MC.
Canoe Van Buren was July 11 and 12. Another excellent event. Good newspaper and TV (KTVO) coverage. Check out the video at KTVO. Wapello County float 7/25 was a good time.
Webster County water trail dedication was Friday, July 10, 12PM; 326 11th Ave. North, in Fort Dodge (contact the Webster CCB for more information at 515-576-4258)
Access Points --404 miles from Estherville to Keokuk
Des Moines River Water Trail
Mileage estimates are based on Corps river gauges, printed distances in various guides, and my own GPS readings.
This chart includes the river mile for each access point, dam, or bridge.
Dick was the mover and shaker in the establishment of the Ding Darling Greenway from Saylorville to Center St. He was a supporter of the MLK Extension that was to be done in an environmentally sensitive way through the Greenway. Should this project come to fruition, it would be appropriate to name it the Richard LeCroy Memorial extension.
I would also like to see Dick LeCroy honored with the full development of the rest of the Des Moines River Water Trail. One key project is the conversion of the Boone Waterworks low head dam to a paddler and angler friendly rock arch rapids. The DOT should make this one of their highest priorities so that there are no more deaths. My suggestion: make this project a memorial to Jim Mills (paddling from the stern in the pic below), deceased, who embraced the Des Moines River Water Trail in his postion with the Army Corps of Engineers and participated in the trail dedication in June of 2000 which ended at the Boone Waterworks upper access.
