Central Iowa Trails: The BIG picture

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This article first appeared in INHF's Winter 2006 magazine.

Project past & future

	INHF Staff
Iowa’s trail system has huge economic development potential—if Iowa communities and tourism offices learn to market them effectively.

When the trail ahead looks daunting, it helps to remember how far you’ve already come.

Just over 30 years ago, the city of Des Moines began building the first segments of a trail network that now crosses multiple counties. The network’s many partners, including INHF, believe we’re blazing the trail for making Iowa a national or even international trails destination.

Though progress was slow at first (and, for many, is still too slow), its pace quickens with each passing decade. INHF just secured a 24-mile addition (see article on facing page) with more segments under negotiation.

Spurred by results in the past 30 years, here are some of the partners’ hopes and dreams for the next 5-30 years:

• Iowa’s major trails are connected into a regional and statewide system.
• Key railroad corridors and their associated remnant habitats are “recycled” into trail corridors.
• Diverse populations—both human and wildlife—use trails year round.
• Bicycle transportation is faster and more rewarding than auto travel.
• Trail-focused fitness campaigns improve adult and youth health.
• Communities promote trails to attract new residents and to expand/add employers.
• Iowa markets itself as a “trails state”—where visitors can experience our rural vistas, small-town hospitality and urban culture.

Project partners

While neighboring states like Minnesota, Wisconsin and Missouri have state-managed trail systems, Iowa has had to rely on more diverse partnerships.

• Government: Most Iowa trails are owned, managed and maintained by county conservation boards or city governments. Federal dollars, administered by the Iowa Department of Transportation, provide the bulk of funding. State financial support comes primarily from the Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) program and the State Recreational Trails Fund—both chronically under-funded.
• Private: Many Iowa trails wouldn’t exist today if not spearheaded by citizen volunteers. Meanwhile, private donations supply matching dollars needed to attract public funds.
• Nonprofit: Groups like INHF and the Iowa Trails Council have been involved in most major Iowa rail-trails. With our statewide reach and ability to handle both multi-year projects and quick deals, INHF’s role ranges from background technical advisor to key player in acquisition, fundraising and planning.
• You: You can support Iowa’s trails by volunteering, encouraging legislative support, and/or donating. INHF is accepting donations at 800-475-1846, our secure website or by mail. Contributions designated “Central Iowa Trails” will support the network described here—or choose the more general “trails fund” or a regular membership to support trails statewide.

Trails and conservation

Cathy Engstrom/INHF

John Herdzina of Union Pacific Railroad and INHF’s Lisa Hein finalize our recent 24-mile trail acquisition in central Iowa. Union Pacific has been a crucial partner in building Iowa’s rail-trail system.

Why is a conservation group like INHF involved in trails?

Naturally, we embrace trail corridors’ role in protecting wildlife habitat and remnant ecosystems. We also appreciate trails’ ability to link Iowa’s rural, small-town and urban areas; to help make Iowans healthier; and to showcase the economic/environmental connection.

Perhaps most important, trails reach Iowa’s growing urban population—with its diminishing connection to the natural world. Trails provide an entry point for these kids (and their parents) to our remnant prairies, woodlands and wetlands. And if we don’t get kids into nature somehow, we risk future generations that don’t understand or value Iowa’s natural heritage.

Visit the Central Iowa Trails home page to learn more about this project and how you can help.

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