In the past 50 years, Iowa’s 99 county conservation boards have protected more than 160,000 acres at 1,620 sites, delivered hands-on conservation education to thousands of school kids and adults, created and maintained hundreds of public recreation areas, and immeasurably increased local quality of life.

photo by Grant Baker/INHF

INHF has completed more land projects with county conservation boards than with any other partner. Our joint 251 project sites include natural preserves, wetland complexes, popular parks, hunting areas and about 20 of Iowa’s largest multi-use recreational trails.

Iowa’s county conservation board (CCB) system was created in 1955 when the state legislature authorized county citizens to vote to establish a county conservation board.

However, the system’s roots date back to at least the 1930s—in statewide conservation plans written by luminaries like Ding Darling and Aldo Leopold. These plans noted lost opportunities and called for the addition of county-level conservation.

Today, each of Iowa’s 99 CCBs is governed by a five-member board of citizens appointed by the county board of supervisors. Under the board’s direction, counties can acquire, develop and maintain public preserves, parks, museums and recreation areas.

“By their very nature, county conservation boards are local programs,” says Don Brazelton, executive director of the Iowa Association of County Conservation Boards. “Each board is governed by local citizens who develop programs and facilities to meet the needs of their citizens and natural resources.”

For example, Hardin County’s conservation board has spent decades defining, protecting and promoting the “Iowa River Greenbelt”—keeping the most sensitive sections intact while making other sections accessible by hiking, biking, canoeing and a popular scenic drive.

Woodbury County supports one of the Loess Hills’ premiere interpretive sites—the Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center—and delivers award-winning educational programming.

Numerous counties have restored wetland complexes that draw hunters from near and far.

“I hate to think of how many natural gems would have been lost without our county conservation system,” says Mark Ackelson, INHF president.

“How many trails would be unbuilt, public hunting and camping sites unavailable, or scenic vistas unspoiled without their actions?” Ackelson continues. Iowa’s CCBs conserve not only our natural resources, but also our quality of life and economic viability.”

Get to know your CCB!

Visit local parks. To find CCB sites near you, contact your local county conservation board office or look for the “arrowhead” directional signs.

Visit other CCB sites: Contact your local CCB or the IACCB office to purchase the 184-page Outdoor Adventure Guide. For $8, you get highlighted maps and information on everything from cabin rentals to wildlife areas at 1,614 CCB sites.

Learn something: Many CCBs offer conservation programs for all ages—workshops, events and more.

Volunteer: Ask your CCB how you can help—at site workdays, at public events, even on the board.

Go online: Many CCBs have extensive websites. Get links to all from the IACCB site.

For more information, e-mail Cathy Engstrom, Director of Communications, or call (515) 288-1846.

Iowa's county conservation board system celebrates 50th year

Get to know your CCB!