Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation: Hickory Ridge gifts needed

Heather Jobst

View of undulating shoreline at HIckory Ridge

View of the cove from the future Hickory Hickory Ridge Wilderness Camp on Lake Red Rock.

Read the latest Hickory Ridge updates.

INHF was approached by the Red Rock Lake Association to assist with the purchase of 47 acres of oak-hickory woodland on Lake Red Rock southwest of Pella in Marion County. The property, on a quiet cove, was an abandoned time-share campground that needed clean-up and removal of old structures and related hazards. However, it is a great location on and above a quiet cove, with a beautiful, diverse native oak-hickory woodland.

When the work is done, Hickory Ridge will provide an ideal spot for tent camping and great lake access for paddlers. It can also be used in the fall and winter months for snow shoeing and potentially cross country skiing.

The local committee is spearheading the fundraising for the acquisition, with help from INHF. Once funds have been secured, the property will be donated to and managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers so that it can be opened for public use.

The Hickory Ridge Wilderness Camp’s project budget totals $405,000, including the land and cleanup, site enhancement and limited amenities. The USACE is providing much of the labor and equipment for improvements.

Thanks to the generosity of 75 donors plus major commitments by the Corps and the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, more than 90% of the resources needed are in hand.
The remaining $36,000 must be pledged or given by November 30, 2010, in order to transfer the land to the Corps this winter and make it available for public enjoyment beginning next spring.

Hickory Ridge was recently named as a feature of the new Lake Red Rock Water Trail that is being developed. Read the water trail release.