February 25 Minutes.  Our task force met at Camp Sacajawea (Girl Scouts) in Boone County.  Many thanks to Camp Director Ellen Winking who provided the site and the Girl Scout cookies.

Prologue.  In the absence of the ill Jim Mills, Dick LeCroy chaired the meeting.  Dick reviewed the history and the purpose  of our task force for the benefit of the new attendees.

Water Trail Editorial.  Several Iowa newspapers reprinted the guest editorial written by Dave Kraemer, editor of the Ottumwa Courier.

Water Trail Map.  GIS Clearing House Specialist Michelle ("If you can describe it, I can map it!") Lantermans discussed her progress on the map/brochure.  Our June printing will be a "work in progress."  It will take more time to produce a finished product.  In the meantime, we will work with 11" by 17" "pieces."

Governor's Canoe Trip.  June 24 his honor, Tom Vilsack and crew under the leadership of admirable Michelle Wilson (Iowa DNR) will paddle from Fraser to Boone.  Tom Foster (Boone County Conservation Director) will assist with the event.  Donna Phipps (Deputy Polk County Conservation Director) will coordinate other events along the river on the same day.

Rivers 2000.  The National Rivers 2000 plans to paddle across the USA with a single paddle.  Michelle Wilson will also coordinate the Iowa portion of this event - July 22, 23, and 24.  Find out more at their web site - www.rivers2000.org.

Water Trail Signs.  Our group favors a simple, easy-to-read design.  Several members of the group will pursue a logo design.  Using the same logo would enable different rivers to designate their own river trails, e.g., "Boone River Water Trail."

March 31 Meeting.  Our next meeting will coordinate with the Des Moines River Recreational and Greenbelt Committee.  We will meet at the Des Moines Water Works, 2201 Valley Drive (off Fleur Drive) in Des Moines.  Get there at 9:30 for the refreshments.  The meeting starts promptly at 10 am.

Background.  Our Des Moines River extends 404 miles from our northern Iowa border with Minnesota to our southern border with Missouri.  The counties involved signed resolutions designating a trail on the river from Minnesota to the Mississippi River the "Des Moines River Water Trail."

The purpose of the trail is to increase public recreational and educational uses of the river and to promote historical and ecological understanding of the river.

Water Trail Task Force.  To accomplish this goal, all levels of government and various business, civic, and media organizations formed the Des Moines River Water Trail Task Force.  The task force plans to erect signs and publish a map/brochure.

Water Trail Map.  Our map will show counties on one side and supporting information on the other - access points, distances between access points, campgrounds, dams, bridges, and other recreational trails that tie into the river.   We will also show how to access weather, water gauges, and other info needed for year-round river use.  Related business, civic, and historic organizations will input river information through their POC's.

Newsletter.  Larry Arnold (Highland Park Business Club), Dick LeCroy (Darling Foundation), Gerry Rowland at website www.desmoinesriver.org (Central Iowa Paddlers), and Dave Kraemer (Ottumwa Courier) will help get the word out.

© 2000 LA Productions