The Des Moines River Trail Task Force met at the Federal Building in Des Moines on Nov. 15. This was the second meeting since the organizational meeting with the Des Moines Recreational River and Greenbelt Commission.  Representatives from Humboldt, Des Moines, Polk County, Boone County, and Ottumwa attended.  Representatives for Sen Grassley and Sen. Harkin also attended.   In the absence of Jim Mills from the Army Corps of Engineers, Dick Le Croy of Des Moines led the meeting.

There was an excellent discussion of the work that has been done and the exciting prospects for the trail.  Highlights of the discussion follow.

The purpose of the Des Moines River Trail is to assure maximum public benefit by encouraging recreational and educational uses of the river and promoting historical and ecological understanding of the river.

The task force is agreed that the Des Moines River Trail came into existence with the endorsement of all the County Conservation boards along the entire length of the river.  The committee wishes to react expeditiously to the support of the counties.

It is recommended that several sub-committees be formed to pursue the issues of signage, a logo, and the development of a map/brochure.

Michelle Wilson of the DNR expressed the department’s support of the Des Moines River Trail.  There will be a major celebration of rivers in the USA in the year 2000.  In June, the DNR will coordinate activities for Iowa Rivers Month.  There will a national event called “Pass the Paddle,” and several suggestions were made as to how to adapt the idea for Iowa.  It is hoped that teams of paddlers will cover much or most of the Des Moines River Trail in June of 2000.

Michelle is involved in Adopt-a-Stream/Lake, Protected Waters, and the Canoe Promotion Program.  She stated that the Des Moines River Trail project is being looked on as a model for other Iowa rivers.  The DNR will provide some funding for a map/brochure, will assist in at least a portion of the funding for signs, and will point the committee in the right direction in seeking funding for other projects as needed.

Michelle encouraged the committee to develop support at the county level, and to identify assets and needs on a county basis.  We need to prioritize projects, develop signage, and  market the trail to users and potential users.

Dick led the committee through an outline provided by the Corps.

Continue the Discussion of:
1.      Map:
*       Has the proposed project area been defined correctly? 

Yes.  There are 19 counties bordering the Des Moines River, and 15 counties that are actually on the river.

What type of activities should the map show? 

Access points, campgrounds, parks, public areas, dams, portages, bridges, bike trails, islands, cities, and counties
 

Any other thoughts?

2.      Discuss Current Situation:  Refer to Resolution

*       Purpose - What purpose does this proposed project serve?
The purpose of the Des Moines River Trail is to assure maximum public benefit by encouraging recreational and educational uses of the river and promoting historical and ecological understanding of the river.

*       Brainstorm who are the interested parties.  Who is Involved?
*       What are the potential challenges for this project?

3.      Identify Multiple Customers - Excel Worksheet provided for data
input
*       Refine list of interested parties. What are their interests?
County conservation directors will be encouraged to provide contact names for organizations that would be an asset to the trail.  Such groups might include:

Businesses-boat shops, outfitters-make a living
Recreation groups-enjoyment of outdoors, healthy lifestyle, family activities
Historical societies-promote historical significance of the river 
Camps-outdoor activities for young people
Rowing club-rowing, exercise, regatta
Power boat club-promote safe use of the river
Paddler club-paddling activities, organized river events
 

*       Are there any conflicts between the interested parties?

Powerboat wakes are dangerous for paddlers
Farmer land use may create erosion
Low water levels and stream bank erosion may lower water quality

Initiate Discussion of:
4.      Define Needs:
*       Vision/Desired End State

Encourage use of the river, publicize the trail, work to improve stream bank and water quality in the river, improve access points and facilities at access points.

*       Strategy
Involve Ag. Dept. in discussion of land use practices
Dedicate funding for river improvements, develop signs and map/brochure
Place signs at access points
Involve DOT in discussion of sign placement (on roads and bridges)
Involve Natural Resources Conservation Service

*       Project Goals & Objectives - Deliverables
Establish the trail
Bring objectives and projects forward county by county
Work with ACE as facilitator and coordinator
Involve the governor’s office

5.      Discuss Draft Project Charter Outline - See attachment

Follow-up Actions:
6.      Define next steps - 
*       Who should be briefed:
1.      Des Moines Recreational River and Greenbelt
2.      State
3.      Federal 
4.      Counties
5.      Cities
6.      Other interested parties

*       Next actions for Des Moines River Trail Task Force
Gather Points of Contact for each county
Look at logos-Corrine and Dave will take a look
Develop map-Des Moines M.O. will develop a map with 2 pages
Set up sign committee
Put together a newsletter (Dick and Larry)
Develop press releases/editorials-Dave
Develop activities for June 2000
Develop an e-mail contact list

The next meeting of the Task Force and the Greenbelt Commission will be December 3, 9:30 AM, at the Wallace Building in Des Moines.  County Conservation Directors and Naturalists are especially encouraged to attend.

Gerry Rowland
Des Moines
11/18/99