Dedication scheduled for
T-Bone trail

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NOTE: This press release was written and distributed by Nishna Valley Trails, Inc.

This article was written and posted on INHF's website in October 2002.

A brief ribbon-cutting and dedication ceremony for the T-Bone Recreational Trail in Cass County will be held Wed., Oct. 30, at 12:30 p.m., according to officials of Nishna Valley Trails, Inc., the local group heading up that project. The event will be held at the trailhead parking lot immediately south of the Econolodge Motel at the Interstate 80/Hwy. 71 interchange northeast of Atlantic. The public is invited.

The gathering will celebrate the opening of a three-mile segment in the northeast part of the county constructed this summer, according to Dave Chase, a board member of NVT. Once completed, the 21.2 mile, hard-surfaced "rail-trail" will stretch between Audubon and Atlantic along the abandoned railroad right-of-way between those towns. It has also been designated as a portion of the route of the cross-USA "American Discovery Trail," a proposed biking and hiking route from Delaware to Oregon.

"This will give us a chance to thank all of those who have been instrumental in seeing this become a reality, particularly in the Cass County portion," said Chase. A 4-mile segment of the trail was also constructed from Audubon to Hamlin this summer with dedication and opening of that portion held last month in Audubon in conjuncion with its T-Bone Days. Plans call for the construction of more of the trail between Exira and Brayton next summer.

Chase added that many groups and individuals have contributed to the project both in terms of technical and monetary support. The Conservation Boards of Audubon and Cass Counties, the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation and the Iowa Trails Council stand out as those taking the lead along with NVT, he said. Over $60,000 of "local match" funds were raised locally this summer to go along with federal "enhancement project" grants to finance the construction. The largest monetary donation was $15,000 from the Schildberg Foundation of Greenfield, although gifts as small as $10 were received, he said. He also emphasized that no state or county funds were used and that the federal funds are specifically earmarked for these types of projects.

Snyder and Associates designed the trail and oversaw its construction. Henningsen Construction built it. Both are Atlantic firms.

The trail is suitable for biking, hiking and observing the natural beauty of the countryside, according to Chase. Motorized vehicles, horses and hunting are not allowed. Initially, there is no charge for using the trail. "We want as many people as possible to be able to take advantage of this great recreational resource, which many have already been doing this fall," he said.

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