Iowa Heartland receives National Park Service trail grant

Bike trails have been growing in popularity and demand across Iowa in the last 10 years, but their demand is nothing new. Iowa is a bike friendly state that offers many trails throughout Central Iowa, including the already established 20-mile Chichaqua Valley Trail in Baxter, and with new resources, the National Park Service is looking to expand and connect trails in Jasper County.

The Iowa Heartland Resource, Conservation & Development was awarded two grants from the National Park Service’s Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance program this week. One of the grants is specifically allocated to provide technical assistance and develop concept plans for bike, hiking and walking trails from Marion to Jasper Counties. The other award is for Madison to Warren Counties trail planning.

In order to best gather information and discuss potential trail ideas, there will be a introductory meeting from at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 9 at the Prairie City-Monroe High School, 400 Highway 163 Business in Monroe.

“We feel strongly the communities involved need to have the greatest input. Our intent is to draw from the expertise of the people who ride trails and know the area, vicinity,” said executive director of the Iowa Heartland Resource, Conservation & Development Sheila Navis.

The IHRCD and the USDA are looking to develop rural areas as the economic impact of trails can be of great benefit to communities. According to Navis, Iowa has some of the best trail systems in the country, and trail traffic can increase revenue to businesses like nearby restaurants.

“Iowa is quickly becoming known as the trail capitol of the world with over 676 miles of trails in Central Iowa. When completed, the trails will link communities throughout central Iowa, with two loops totaling more than 100 miles each,” said Navis.

The ultimate goal of the organizations is to link countries together through lengthier trails, but the first goal is to create a trail system plan that would connect Jasper and Marion counties.

“It’s really exciting. This allows the community to dream a little and plan so when building funds become available, they’ll be ready,” Navis said.

Navis encourages cities, local conservation groups and board of supervisors to get involved in the concept planning. Jasper County Board of Supervisors member Denny Carpenter also sits on the IHRCD board.

For more information on the planning meetings, email Navis at sheila.navis@ihrcd.org.

Contact Kate Malott at 641-792-3121 ext. 6533 or at kmalott@newtondailynews.com.