Lake Red Rock wins trail status, funding
This article was released in January 2010. More on Hickory Ridge Lake Red Rock in Marion County is about to become a state water trail. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources conferred the new status on the lake and the future Hickory Ridge Wilderness Camp when it approved a state water trail grant application for the area at the end of 2009. The grant provides $33,224 over the next year to help pay for improvements related to the water trail, including signage and interpretive kiosks at locations around the lake, several new or improved lake access points for non-motorized boats, and educational materials. “We’re very excited about earning this designation and grant for Lake Red Rock,” said Scott Evans, a leader for the Red Rock Lake Association, the group that spearheaded the proposal. “Lake Red Rock is beginning to attract paddlers from across Iowa and neighboring states looking for a great place to spend some time. This will increase the lake’s image as a water destination and boost local tourism.” The water trail project on Lake Red Rock encompasses a 35-mile circular route, which makes it only the third state water trail on a lake. Most of the 300 miles of Iowa water trails that have been designated so far are linear trails on rivers. The trail’s association with a public camping area that is not part of a state park is another unique aspect of the Lake Red Rock trail. "It's great to see a diversity of projects get support," said John Wenck, DNR river programs outreach coordinator. According to Wenck, the state has had 14 water trail dedications since the advent of the water trails program in 2006. The program promotes recreational use and appreciation of the state’s waterways. The trails also frequently highlight local history and attractions. He points out that having a grant application approved is an important step in development of a water trail, but the process requires long-term commitments of development and maintenance from sponsor groups. The water trail grant for Lake Red Rock includes support for the ongoing project to create a new primitive camping area on the south shore as a public access and camping area for paddlers and others. The area, which is not yet open to the public, covers 47 acres of wooded hills rising above the lake. “Qualifying the lake as a water trail will bring a new group of users,” said the RRLA's Evans . Already, the work to create Hickory Ridge there is bringing a lot of interest and support from the paddling community. In less than a year, more than half the funds for this major project have been committed. With a little more help, we’ll be able to open the camp for public use in 2011. “This is a work in progress,” he continued. “In the next few years we look forward to tying in to other trails, including one being planned for the Des Moines River that will take paddlers from Lake Red Rock to Ottumwa.” Evans said the Lake Red Rock Association, founded 40 years ago, will work with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to maintain the water trail and the future Hickory Ridge Wilderness Area. The Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation acquired the camp last year to assist the local partners in its protection, but the area will not be open for public use until fundraising is completed. The partners are renovating the area with the help of Central College staff and students, along with supporters from local businesses and the public. The Corps will be in charge of managing Hickory Ridge Wilderness Camp after it is paid for and opened. Work planned at the camp includes a canoe/kayak launch site, limited footpaths, tent pads, fire rings and a pit latrine. Development at the site will be minimal to avoid damage to the surrounding ecosystem. For more information about the project or how to donate to Hickory Ridge Wilderness Camp, visit http://www.inhf.org/projects/marion/hickoryridge-home.htm or call 515-288-1846. For more information on Iowa’s water trails, visit www.iowadnr.gov/riverprograms/
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