Raccoon River Valley Trail Update

Posted Jan 5, 2008
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"What’s really encouraging are the people we see from out-of-state that are making the RRVT a destination trip." say Mike Wallace, Director of the Dallas County Conservation Board

Trail Update By Mike Wallace, Director Here is an update about trails involving the Dallas County Conservation Board (DCCB); more specifically, the Raccoon River Valley Trail and the proposed Raccoon River Valley Trail (RRVT) Addition from Herndon to Waukee. The existing RRVT had another very successful year. It seems more and more users are finding and utilizing this scenic and unique trail every year. What’s really encouraging are the people we see from out-of-state that are making the RRVT a destination trip. They love the scenic, wooded, tunnel-like effect of much of the trail, the prairie remnants along the shoulders, the rivers and streams that it crosses, and the wildlife that they come upon. One of the most interesting things I have witnessed is the surprise of out-of-state users at how polite trail users are in this neck of the woods. It is true that when many people pass, they let you know they are “on your left.” This simple phrase, often followed by a “thank you,” lets people know someone is coming from behind, and allows them to move to the right to allow their passage. I have talked with several out-of-state users, and they are amazed and appreciative of this courteous gesture. As we continue with the improvements and enhancements on the trail, we see users increase. Our efforts are paying off. With the completion of the new concrete overlay from Linden to Panora, the trail just keeps getting better. One major accomplishment in Dallas County this season was the implementation of the new trail signage design and the TEAS (Trail Emergency Access System) signs. New trail-head signs, incorporating the new RRVT logo, were erected at the parking area trail-heads earlier this summer. Just recently, directional mileage signs were put up. The photo that accompanies this article is one of the new trail information/mileage signs. These signs, by the way, are available for sponsorships. For $500, an individual, family, company or organization can sponsor the purchase and installation of the sign. At the base of the sign is a place for a name plate designating the sponsor. If anyone is interested in the sponsorship of a sign, let our department know. So far, these are located at each trail-head in the towns in Dallas County. Others will be added as funds become available. The TEAS signs have also been a success. The 911 emergency signs stationed at specific intervals along the trail have proven to be a valuable tool in providing safe and protective service for the public. There have been aeveral situations this summer in which the TEAS sign ID number has provided a location for an injured trail user to get proper EMS attention. Other signs users of the RRVT in Dallas County have noticed are the Adopt-A-Trail signs. These signs designate a specific sponsor for a section of the trail. Sponsoring groups are responsible for litter cleanup along that zone. Most of the available sections in Dallas County have been adopted and are providing a cleaner trail system for the public to enjoy. These signs will continue to be added as the RRVT Addition (33.1 miles) is completed from Herndon to Waukee. Speaking of the RRVT Addition, the section from Herndon to Dawson has already been acquired. The section from Dawson to Waukee, which includes the towns of Dawson, Perry, Minburn, Dallas Center and Waukee, should be acquired by December 2007. We have been waiting for years to have this happen, and we are finally there. Once the right-of-way is purchased, development of the trail surface can begin. This project, which includes a connection to Herndon, will create a 72-mile loop within the total 89 miles of the Raccoon River Valley Trail system. This loop creates many significant economic opportunities for all towns connected with the RRVT. Restoration of the Dawson Depot, built in 1889, has already begun. The DCCB is restoring this building and will use it as a Trail-head and Welcome Center for users of the RRVT Addition. The total project will cost over $6,000,000. We already have a good start on fundraising to develop this loop, but we have a long way to go. So (here I am asking for money again), we need funds donated to help with the limited number of grants we have landed. We need corporate donations, private contributions, individuals, organizations, clubs, and any other entity that is out there to contribute towards this significant project. If you, or anyone you know, is interested in helping to make this project a reality, please contact me. Donations towards a project like this can be made either to the Dallas County Conservation Board or the Dallas County Conservation Foundation. The Raccoon River Valley Trail Association also could be utilized for donations towards this project. All donations to these tax-exempt organizations are deductible. One last trail update has to do with the Ankeny-to-Woodward Trail. The section of trail from the city of Woodward to the first gravel road east of town has been paved and is open for use. DCCB is only responsible for about 1 ½ miles of this project. We start at the city limits of Woodward and go about 1 ½ miles east to the Dallas/ Boone county line. Boone county’s section goes east across the river and connects with Polk county. Segments of the trail at the City of Ankeny end are also completed and open for use. One of the big components of this trail is rebuilding the High Bridge that crosses the Des Moines River between Woodward and Madrid. This Ankeny-to-Woodward Trail, when completed, will be another major trail opportunity in Central Iowa. Keep up to date with RRVT trail updates here: http://www.raccoonrivervalleytrail.org/ Read the rest of the newsletter