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2024 Annual Report 136 Pec
13606 Swiss Valley Road Peosta, Iowa 52068
7/1/23-6/30/24
563-556-6745 dubuquecountyiowa.gov
CONSERVATION LEADERSHIP
Executive Director | Brian Preston
In the past year, Dubuque County Conservation has made significant strides in advancing our mission of creating a network of high quality parks, habitat, trails, and waters supported by communities passionate about nature. Against a backdrop of both challenges and opportunities, our team has continued to push forward with innovative solutions, partnerships, and an unwavering commitment to Dubuque County residents and visitors.
This year’s report highlights our progress, reflects on the lessons learned, and sets the stage for the journey ahead. We are proud to share the measurable impact of our initiatives in environmental education, natural resource management, and outdoor recreation improvements, which reflect the dedication of our staff, the resilience of our partners, and the trust of our Dubuque County Supervisors. As we look to the coming year, our focus remains on engaging the community’s stewardship and enjoyment of our natural resources. We invite you to explore the following pages to see how our commitment to excellence has translated into tangible outcomes, and how we plan to continue creating value for our community and visitors.
We are proud to share the measurable impact of our initiatives in environmental education, natural resource management, and outdoor recreation improvements, which reflect the dedication of our staff, the resilience of our partners, and the trust of our Dubuque County Supervisors. As we look to the coming year, our focus remains on engaging the community’s stewardship and enjoyment of our natural resources. We invite you to explore the following pages to see how our commitment to excellence has translated into tangible outcomes, and how we plan to continue creating value for our community and visitors.
Thank you for your continued support and trust.
Conservation Board
The five members of the Dubuque County Conservation Board are a decision-making and policy-making body appointed by the Board of Supervisors. The Dubuque County Conservation Board was created in 1957. Each member is appointed to a 5-year term.
The Conservation Board’s authority includes the acquisition and development of land, adoption of rules and regulations, comprehensive planning of an overall county conservation board program, and specific site plans for individual areas.
Dubuque County Conservation Board 2024
Stacy Conforti Susan Miller Jim Pfeiler George Davis Mark Wagner
CONSERVATION STAFF
Mission
Provide a network of high-quality parks, habitats, trails, and water supported by communities passionate about nature.
Vision
To engage the community’s stewardship and enjoyment of its natural resources.
Brian Preston Executive Director
Nate Sisler Deputy Director
Del Bischoff Heritage Trail Technician
Ryan Petty Park Ranger
Nick Banwarth Natural Resource Technician
Taylor Schaefers Naturalist
Lisa Schroeder Administrative Assistant
Jeremy Kettmann Park Ranger
Kaytlan Moeller Outreach Coordinator
Carsen Bellis Park Ranger
Addy Schober Naturalist
Jason Denlinger Naturalist
Pat Schwartz Park Attendant New Wine Park
Alex Scott Park Ranger
Ray Martin Greens Superintendent Fillmore Fairways
In addition, Dubuque County Conservation budgets for 25 seasonal positions.
Johnny Norwood Park Ranger
DUBUQUE COUNTY CONSERVATION AREAS
21 different areas | 2,611 acres | “Something for Everyone”
AT A GLANCE
Heritage Trail Stream Stabilization/ Trail Maintenance
Along the Heritage Trail, the Little Maquoketa River bank was losing significant sediment into the waterway each season. Contractors worked to stabilize the hillside and protect the trail by removing undesirable tree species and reshaping the bank. Conservation staff also restored three miles of trail by clearing hazardous trees and managing invasive species
Mud Lake Pavilion
A pavilion replacement at Mud Lake Park was installed to foster a location for community gathering, picnicing, and support events. This new pavilion can host up to 75 people. A new interpretive panel is being installed near it as well.
Interpretive Panels & Signage
In efforts to enhance the visitors experience Dubuque County Conservation has created over 10 interpretive panels as well as parking lot signage. Additional signage will continue to be created and installed over the next FY25 fiscal year as well. They serve to educate and engage visitors, highlight unique features, promote stewardship, build community connection and foster accessibility.
Restrooms at WWC and IPC
Pit latrines were installed at both Whitewater Canyon Wildlife area and Interstate Power Company Preserve. The addition of latrines contributes to making each of these areas more accessible and user friendly.
AT A GLANCE
Staff Training
- In FY24, we celebrated retirements, welcomed new hires, and completed multiple trainings and certifications:
- Johnny Norwood received his law enforcement certification as a Park Ranger.
- Naturalist Addy completed Wildlife First Aid training.
- Park Rangers Jeremy & Ryan were recertified as Firearm instructors.
Heritage Trail Overpass & Surfacing
Over time water seapage has caused pavment collapse points on one of the busiest sections of the Heritage Trail. Drainage was improved and the asphalt was replaced with concrete ensuring this trail section stays accessible. Additionally about 4 miles of trail was resurfaced from Fish Pond to Jasemeier Road.
Summer flooding
This year, spring flooding on the Mississippi River left several of our campgrounds submerged for an extended period of time, leading to a dip in revenue during peak season. Thanks to an unexpectedly warm autumn we were able to recover most of the lost revenue and welcome more campers.
Equipment Upgrades
Dubuque County Conservation recently invested in essential equipment upgrades, including a mower, UTV, wood chipper, and two new service trucks. These updates are crucial for maintaining the quality and safety of our parks, trails, and natural areas, ensuring we can efficiently care for these spaces for all to enjoy.
WHERE WE ARE NOW: STRATEGIC ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Inclusiveness
Elevating Quality of Life
Dubuque County Conservation focuses on creating outstanding parks and gatherings that welcome all people, both residents and visitors alike, regardless of age, background, or ability. Our intentional efforts can be seen through improved stream access at the Heritage Pond, leading a community-focused movement of purchasing action track wheelchairs, and bringing nature closer to home by building a sense of place with the Outdoor Adventures environmental education program.
Dubuque County’s park system in combination with partnerships with local cities and the state enriches the quality of life of residents while also attracting and retaining new residents. One large effort that is currently underway is the water trails plan and developments. The water trails program will provide recreational and educational opportunities while conserving and restoring valuable natural and cultural resources for future generations.
NATURAL RESOURCES
stewardship for land, water, & wildlife
2,611
acres managed by DCCB staff. 76% of those acres are devoted wildlife habitat, which includes prairie management, timber stand improvements, wildlife food plots, invasive species removal, & more.
managed by DCCB staff. 76% of those acres are devoted wildlife habitat, which includes prairie management, timber stand improvements, wildlife food plots, invasive species removal, & more.
3,000 sq ft
planted to Mountain Mint in partnership with the Iowa DNR Seed Cooperative to provide seed that will help create a diverse mix to later be planted into our managed areas and across the state of Iowa
140 acres
prairie burned during prescribed burning among 7 different properties, inhibiting growth of invasive species while also promoting success of native forbes & grasses
750 trees
planted throughout Bowstring, McCarthy, and Whitewater Canyon to create shelter belts and supplement previous tree plantings to increase diversity Timber Stand Improvement was focused at Whitewater Canyon this year which included thinning out non- desirable trees from targeted timber stands to promote under-story oak growth. A regenerative Aspen cutting was also completed to promote new Aspen growth, which in turn, provides essential edge habitat and food sources for many species, including the Ruffed Grouse.
Timber Stand Improvement was focused at Whitewater Canyon this year which included thinning out non- desirable trees from targeted timber stands to promote under-story oak growth. A regenerative Aspen cutting was also completed to promote new Aspen growth, which in turn, provides essential edge habitat and food sources for many species, including the Ruffed Grouse.
With management plans in place for each property, stewardship is planned and implemented by staff and Green Iowa AmeriCorps members. Our AmeriCorps members learn valuable conservation-based skills in the field and are able to apply these while leading environmental education programs.
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION
connecting people to the landscape
17,639 participants 384 programs
Through a variety of programs led throughout the year, the environmental education team engaged with 17,639 people throughout our communities.
DCCB partnered with the Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium on the Teens Take CAARE program, which offers conservation related activities & projects to high school students. Four of these students were later hired as part of our trail crew and a fifth served with us in an AmeriCorps position this past summer.
Our naturalists collaborate each summer with the Dubuque Community School District to offer a work experience program to eight high school students for a 5 week work program. This group known as the “Blue Crew” has the opportunity to gain conservation skills through on the job training and educational programming.
Through these programs, we are able to see first-hand the impact on students that are made with multi-day experiences and reoccurring activities. These programs provide great learning opportunities and real-life experiences for students while they are in the program as well as providing work opportunities after completion to continue their learning and passions for conservation. “I witnessed students engaged in learning like never before. I love that we are giving all students equitable access to outdoor adventures. - Kindergarten Teacher
- “I witnessed students engaged in learning like never before. I love that we are giving all students equitable access to outdoor adventures.” - Kindergarten Teacher
Participants
Looking forward to 2024
Culturally & historically accurate displays
- Grow our citizen science programs - Bioblitz
- Repeatedly engage with college students
REVENUE
9 Pavilions 173 Rentals 262 campsites 8 campgrounds 10,085 nights of camping 114 Boats Slips 106 Rented
| Other Rec Fee Details | BOAT SLIPS | PAVILION RENTAL | CAMPING REVENUE | CONCESSIONAIRE RENT | TOTAL PARK REVENUE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BANKSTON | $ 2,140.00 | $ 2,140.00 | |||
| EB LYONS AUDITORIUM | $ 2,625.00 | $ 2,625.00 | |||
| EB LYONS PAVILION | $ 600.00 | $ 600.00 | |||
| FILLMORE | $ 10,137.00 | $ 18,861.00 | $ 28,998.00 | ||
| FINLEY | $ 14,929.00 | $ 60.00 | $ 11,341.10 | $ 26,330.10 | |
| GRAF | $ 420.00 | $ 420.00 | |||
| HERITAGE POND CAMPGROUND | $ 27,299.79 | $ 27,299.79 | |||
| HERITAGE TRAIL TENT PLATFORMS | $ 480.77 | $ 480.77 | |||
| MASSEY | $ 54,310.00 | $ 26,581.03 | $ 1,700.00 | $ 82,591.03 | |
| MILLER CABIN | $ 450.00 | $ 450.00 | |||
| MUD LAKE | $ 430.00 | $ 31,781.10 | $ 2,000.00 | $ 34,211.10 | |
| NEW WINE | $ 720.00 | $ 32,572.20 | $ 33,292.20 | ||
| PROVING GROUNDS | $ 60.00 | $ 60.00 | |||
| SWISS VALLEY PARK | $ 10,860.00 | $ 113,367.98 | $ 124,227.98 | ||
| SVNC - Conference Room Rental | $ 300.00 | $ 300.00 | |||
| CAMPING COUPONS/Gift Certificates | $ 23,088.00 | $ 23,088.00 | |||
| PARK REVENUE FY 2024 | $ 69,239.00 | $ 16,075.00 | $ 279,238.97 | $ 22,561.00 | $ 387,113.97 |
| DUBUQUE COUNTY CONSERVATION BOARD - REVENUE FIGURES | ||
| JULY 1, 2023 - JUNE 30, 2024 | ||
|---|---|---|
| LINE ITEM | BUDGETED | ACTUAL INCOME |
| GOLF FEES | $ 150,000.00 | $ 119,318.00 |
| HERITAGE TRAIL FEES | $ 35,000.00 | $ 20,992.13 |
| OTHER REC. FEES | $ 380,000.00 | $ 217,367.55 |
| CAMPING FEES | - | $ 173,036.40 |
| MISC. INCOME | $ 35,600.00 | $ 88,847.71 |
| LINE ITEM TOTAL | $ 600,600.00 | $ 619,561.79 |
| Native See Donation | - | $ 1,000.00 |
| OTHER INCOME TOTAL | - | $ 1,000.00 |
| REAP | $ 30,000.00 | $ 32,287.00 |
| REAP-INTEREST | $ 150.00 | $ 1,759.46 |
| REAP TOTAL | $ 30,150.00 | $ 34,046.46 |
| DEPARTMENT TOTAL | $ 630,750.00 | $ 654,608.25 |
EXPENDITURES
PARK MAINTENANCE/OPERATIONS EXPENDITURES
| PARK MAINTENANCE/OPERATIONS EXPENDITURES | ||
| JULY 1, 2023 THRU JUNE 30, 2024 | ACTUAL | |
|---|---|---|
| LINE ITEM | BUDGETED | EXPENDITURES |
| 10000-SALARIES & WAGES | $ 875,000.00 | $ 814,307.92 |
| 10100-WAGES-TEMP./PT | $ 110,000.00 | $ 130,939.50 |
| 10400-OVERTIME | $ - | $ - |
| 11000-FICA/IPERS/HEALTH INS | $ 423,000.00 | $ 390,934.30 |
| Personnel Services Total | $ 1,408,000.00 | $ 1,336,181.72 |
| 20000-FEED | $ 1,800.00 | $ 1,612.54 |
| 20200-CHEM&GASES/HERB. | $ 1,500.00 | $ 894.24 |
| 20300-FERTILIZER/SEED | $ 8,500.00 | $ 2,865.61 |
| 21100-CONCRETE/CLAY | $ 19,000.00 | $ 1,835.09 |
| 21200-AGGREGATE/SAND | $ 45,000.00 | $ 21,556.53 |
| 21300-METALS | $ 18,000.00 | $ 17,857.87 |
| 21400-SIGN MATERIALS | $ 7,000.00 | $ 1,820.90 |
| 21500-WOOD PRODUCTS | $ 60,000.00 | $ 6,542.17 |
| 22100-ELECT. APP./ACCES. | $ 18,000.00 | $ 23,993.95 |
| 23200-CUSTODIAL SUPL. | $ 13,525.00 | $ 13,978.60 |
| 24000-HARDWARE | $ 4,500.00 | $ 756.31 |
| 24100-PARTS NMV | $ 6,000.00 | $ 11,839.88 |
| 25000-FUELS | $ 49,000.00 | $ 41,875.45 |
| 25300-TIRES/TUBES | $ 4,000.00 | $ 5,807.68 |
| 25400-PARTS MV | $ 1,500.00 | $ 4,139.82 |
| 26000-OFFICE SUPL. | $ 3,000.00 | $ 1,001.34 |
| 26200-INFORMATION TECH SUPPLIES | $ 3,000.00 | $ 2,782.25 |
| 27800 - OTHER MACHINERY EQPT | $ 2,000.00 | $ 1,201.01 |
| 29000-MINOR EQUIP./HAND TOOLS | $ 6,200.00 | $ 3,952.23 |
| 29200-RECREATION SUPL. | $ 13,850.00 | $ 11,902.34 |
| 29300-SAFETY/PROTECTIVE SUPL. | $ 7,500.00 | $ 9,037.68 |
| 29400-UNIFORMS | $ 4,200.00 | $ 6,273.74 |
| Commodities Total | $ 297,075.00 | $ 193,527.23 |
| 40000-OFF. PUBL. & LEGAL NOTICES | $ 2,500.00 | $ 37.04 |
| 40200-PRINTING SERVICES | $ 2,500.00 | $ 6,429.18 |
| 41200-POSTAGE | $ 1,900.00 | $ 448.76 |
| 41400-TELEPHONE | $ 12,260.00 | $ 9,756.14 |
| 42200-EDUC. & TRNG. | $ 25,000.00 | $ 16,376.76 |
| 42800-MED./HEALTH SVCS. | $ 750.00 | $ 637.50 |
| 42900-PLANNING & MGMT. | $ 20,000.00 | $ 24,467.20 |
| 43100-ELECT. SVC. | $ 77,000.00 | $ 61,066.56 |
| 44000-MOTOR VEHICLE EQPT REPAIR/MT | $ 15,000.00 | $ 7,450.60 |
| 44100-BLDG. REPAIR | $ 11,000.00 | $ 10,713.61 |
| 44200-FIXED PLANT REPAIR | $ 13,000.00 | $ 19,125.46 |
| 44300-OP. &CONST. EQUIP. REP. | $ 4,000.00 | $ 7,375.04 |
| 44500-PLUMBING REPAIR | $ 10,000.00 | $ 5,393.66 |
| 44600-RADIO REPAIR | $ 9,000.00 | $ 15,778.56 |
| 44700-MISC. REPAIR | $ 17,600.00 | $ 6,718.00 |
| 45200-MACNINERY/EQPT RENT | $ 2,700.00 | $ 2,398.75 |
| 46200-PROPERTY INS. | $ 13,400.00 | $ - |
| 46400-WORKER'S COMP. INS. | $ 15,141.00 | |
| 47100-CUSTODIAL SVCS. | $ 10,370.00 | $ 11,496.20 |
| 47500-SANITATION & DISPOSAL SERVICES | $ 20,000.00 | $ 19,932.67 |
| 48000-DUES/MEMBERSHIPS | $ 3,000.00 | $ 520.60 |
| 48100-CONTRIBUTIONS TO OTHER GOVT. | $ 1,500.00 | $ 3,339.90 |
| 49900-OTHER CHARGES | $ 30,000.00 | $ 12,225.05 |
| Services Total | $ 317,621.00 | $ 241,687.24 |
| Total Park Maintenance Budget | $ 2,022,696.00 | $ 1,771,396.19 |
EXPENDITURES
Fillmore Fairways
RECREATION SERVICES EXPENDITURES
| ACTUAL | ||
| LINE ITEM | BUDGETED | EXPENDITURES |
| 10000 -SALARIES OF REG EMPLOYEES | $ 67,000.00 | $ 64,271.88 |
| 11000 - FICA | $ 6,000.00 | $ 4,916.77 |
| 11100 -IPERS | $ 7,000.00 | $ 5,228.48 |
| 11300 - EMP GROUP INS | $ 23,000.00 | $ 18,514.92 |
| Personnel Services Total | $ 103,000.00 | $ 92,932.05 |
| 20200-CHEM&GASES/HERB. | $ 20,100.00 | $ 24,795.52 |
| 20300-FERTILIZER/SEED | $ 13,000.00 | $ 4,334.00 |
| 21100-CONCRETE/CLAY | $ 200.00 | $ - |
| 21200-AGGREGATE/SAND | $ 500.00 | $ 1,741.01 |
| 21300-METALS | $ 100.00 | $ - |
| 21400-SIGN MATERIALS | $ 100.00 | $ 71.50 |
| 21500-WOOD PRODUCTS | $ 300.00 | $ - |
| 22100-ELECT. APP./ACCES. | $ 500.00 | $ 271.37 |
| 23200-CUSTODIAL SUPL. | $ 600.00 | $ 1,446.83 |
| 24000-HARDWARE | $ 100.00 | $ - |
| 24100-PARTS NMV | $ 3,000.00 | $ 11,107.42 |
| 25000-FUELS | $ 5,500.00 | $ 11,228.62 |
| 25300-TIRES/TUBES | $ 300.00 | $ - |
| 29000-MINOR EQUIP./HAND TOOLS | $ 400.00 | $ 932.98 |
| 29200-RECREATION SUPL. | $ 200.00 | $ 275.00 |
| 29300-SAFETY/PROTECTIVE SUPL. | $ 400.00 | $ 35.98 |
| 29400-UNIFORMS | $ 300.00 | $ 552.97 |
| Commodities Total | $ 45,600.00 | $ 56,793.20 |
| 42200-EDUC. & TRNG. | $ 100.00 | $ 15.00 |
| 43100-ELECT. SVC. | $ 5,500.00 | $ 4,767.96 |
| 44200-FIXED PLANT REPAIR | $ 750.00 | $ - |
| 44300-OP.&CONST. EQUIP. REP. | $ 2,000.00 | $ 4,193.37 |
| 44500-PLUMBING REPAIR | $ 3,000.00 | $ 1,181.00 |
| 44700-MISC. REPAIR | $ 400.00 | $ - |
| 45200-MACHINERY/EQUIP RENT | $ 2,000.00 | |
| 47100-CUSTODIAL SVCS. | $ 400.00 | $ 516.00 |
| 47500-SANITATION/DISPOSAL SERVICE | $ 3,500.00 | $ 4,263.56 |
| 48000-DUES/MEMBERSHIPS | $ 200.00 | |
| 48100-CONTRIBUTIONS TO OTHER GOVT. | $ 9,800.00 | $ 8,492.26 |
| Services Total | $ 27,650.00 | $ 23,429.15 |
| Total Rec. Services Budget | $ 176,250.00 | $ 173,154.40 |
| TOTAL CONSERVATION BUDGET | $ 2,198,946.00 | $ 1,944,550.59 |
TRAILS & RECREATION
TRAFx trail counters were utilized to count trail usage at several parks. With an average of data counted for 323 days a year. Trail counters sometimes have difficulty collecting data during the extreme cold. Several campgrounds were closed due to flooding limiting data collections as well.
| Site | Average Daily Total |
|---|---|
| Finley's Landing | 152 |
| HT-Budd Rd | 124 |
| HT-Durango | 229 |
| HT-Dyersville | 148 |
| HT-Epworth | 82 |
| HT-Extension | 320 |
| HT-Farley | 71 |
| HT-Graf | 112 |
| HT-Sageville | 370 |
| HT-Twin Springs | 527 |
| JD Marsh | 54 |
| Little Maq River Mounds | 9 |
| Massey Marina | 251 |
| Polhman Prairie | 6 |
| Ringneck Ridge | 11 |
| Swiss Valley Park | 197 |
- Busiest month: July
- Busiest day: Saturday
- Busiest recorded site: Twin Springs HT
- Busiest timeframe: 9 AM and 5 PM
What level of accuracy do the counters have?
“All infrared trail counters undercount when people travel side by side, or in tight groups. Therefore, it can be said that trail counters yield estimates rather than absolutes. It is difficult to give a single number regarding accuracy because it is dependent upon various factors: how people typically use the trail (single file or side by side), how far apart people are spaced, how busy the trail is, trail width, etc. If the trail is narrow and people travel single file and spaced apart, you can expect high accuracy (95 to 100%); if the trail is wide and people typically travel side by side or in tight groups, you can expect accuracy in the range of 75% to 90%.”~ (from Trafx.com)
MOWING TO MONARCHS
Provides training and resources to guide landowners in converting turf grass to native pollinator habitat.
- Engaged ~300+ landowners
- ~25,000 native prairie plants planted
- 30+ volunteers
- Volunteers contributed 341 hours
- Crafted model program others are following
- o Linn County
- Jackson County
"I am sincerely grateful to the Mowing to Monarch program for helping me start a pocket prairie. With no prior planting experience, I've learned so much about native plants and their role in supporting wildlife. Sharing this journey with my 10-year-old son, a true nature enthusiast, has made it even more meaningful. Together, we've explored nature and witnessed the positive impact on our local ecosystem. Thank you for creating a program that fosters both environmental stewardship and a love for nature."
-Angela Dillion | M2M Participant
Mowing to Monarchs Participants
VOLUNTEER PROGRAM
The average worth of a volunteer hour is $33.49/hour.
2,674 HOURS Volunteers Contributed
ESTIMATED VALUE $89,552
**equivalates to 1.5 full time employees**
| Volunteer Category | Hours |
|---|---|
| Environmental Education | 34 |
| Events | 127 |
| Trash Clean Up | 84 |
| Habitat Restoration | 411.5 |
| Construction | 334.5 |
| Trail Work | 16 |
| Citizen Science | 279 |
| Design Work | 93.5 |
| Nature Center Staffing | 953.5 |
| Mowing to Monarchs | 341 |
| Total | 2,674 |
Blue Bird Monitoring
Volunteer Restoration
Nature Center Volunteer
SOCIAL MEDIA REPORT
Facebook, Instagram, Newsletter
2nd Highest County Page Following Dubuque County Conservation's Facebook page is the 2nd most-followed county page, bringing together a large community of local nature enthusiasts in the area. Thank you for helping us build this incredible network!
- Reach: 400k
- Profile visit: 48k
- Followers: 1.4k
- Reach: 9.7k
- Profile visits: 639
- Followers: 105
Newsletter
- Subscribers: 2,191 Reach: Measures the unique viewers of your content from organic, paid, and other sources (tags, check-ins, profile visits). Includes boosted posts and counts each viewer only once, whether reached organically or through ads.
- Average open rate 47.2% Visit: The number of times your Page or profile was visited.
Reach: Measures the unique viewers of your content from organic, paid, and other sources (tags, check-ins, profile visits). Includes boosted posts and counts each viewer only once, whether reached organically or through ads.
Visit: The number of times your Page or profile was visited.
Followers: The number of times accounts followed you in the selected time period.
LOOKING AHEAD
In FY 25 Dubuque County Conservation will be moving forward on multiple projects featured below.
Bankston Pond
We are in the process of securing permits for a pond expansion project happening Spring/ Summer of 2025. The improvements will include deeping the pond to support game fish as well as a fully accessible trail system.
Prairie COOP Production Plot Expansion
An expansion of production plot for IA native prairie plants at the Miller McGrath Wildlife Area. Currently, 2,000 mountain mint plants are thriving in this plot, with plans to establish a second one. Starter seeds are sourced from remnant native prairies. Once harvested, seeds will be added to a cooperative program, allowing DCCB to receive a portion of remnant seeds from across Iowa.
Heritage Trail Bridge 11
The trail's second-highest bridge is set to get a new look with a redecking project and updated railings for improved safety and usability. Construction is expected to kick off in late November. We are excited to enhance this iconic railroad feature!
Heritage Trail: Dyersville Paving
The Department of Transportation (DOT) Award has granted for a Heritage Trail paving project! This partnership with the Iowa DOT will help us enhance one of Dubuque County's most iconic trails. Construction is slated to begin soon, with an expected completion date in fall 2025. Two miles of the Heritage Trail starting from the Dyserville access will be paved.
LOOKING AHEAD
In FY 25 Dubuque County Conservation will be moving forward on multiple projects featured below.
New wine Electrical Upgrade
We’ll be replacing the outdated electrical system with a modern 50-amp system and adding water hookups to every campsite for a more convenient camping experience. Also, to accommodate growing demand, we’re adding eight additional campsites at our busier campgrounds.
John Deere Trail Connection
The trail connection project linking the paved trail on West John Deere Road to the Heritage Trail is currently in the design and permitting phase. This connection will feature a pedestrian-grade crossing over Highway 3, enhancing safety and accessibility for trail users. Once completed, it will provide a vital link for pedestrians and cyclists, further enriching our trail system and community access. We recently received design schematics for the development of the Little Maquoketa River Access at Durango and the John Deere Marsh Trail Access. These designs mark an exciting step forward in our efforts to establish a water trail system in Dubuque County, enhancing opportunities for paddlers and outdoor enthusiasts. Next, we'll review the plans and begin the process of applying for grant funding to bring these projects to life.
Maintenance Technician
A new position will be added to the Dubuque County team! We’ve received a wealth of qualified applications and will be conducting interviews throughout December. Our team has been eagerly anticipating this addition, and this new role will significantly lighten the load and enhance our capabilities.
Water Trails
We recently received design schematics for the development of the Little Maquoketa River Access at Durango and the John Deere Marsh Trail Access. These designs mark an exciting step forward in our efforts to establish a water trail system in Dubuque County, enhancing opportunities for paddlers and outdoor enthusiasts. Next, we’ll review the plans and begin the process of applying for grant funding to bring these projects to life.