Cedar River Water Trail Project Continues to Move Forward

PRESS RELEASE from Iowa Northland Regional Council of Governments (INRCOG)

The Cedar River in Black Hawk and Bremer County has begun the process for designation as a state water trail. 

The effort is a coordinated partnership between Iowa Northland Regional Council of Governments (INRCOG), Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) River Programs, local stakeholders, landowners, and the general public.

Many paddlers, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts already enjoy the Cedar River and its existing access points and public lands in both Black Hawk and Bremer County. Designation as a state water trail would elevate the status of the river for recreation, make the river eligible for future improvements funding, and provide important links with stream and watershed restoration efforts in other areas of the state. 

The Black Hawk and Bremer County section of the Cedar River was identified in Iowa’s state water trails plan, “Connecting People with Water and Resources,” as appropriate for consideration as a state water trail, particularly for various recreational experiences. 

The designation process is locally-based and offers multiple opportunities for public participation. Initial visioning meetings were held on April 17 and May 2.  Adjacent landowner listening sessions were held on June 5 and June 7.  Law Enforcement and Emergency Personal Focus Group meetings are currently being scheduled. Future community engagement events, public meetings, and stakeholder and focus group meetings will be announced at later dates.

The project also includes technical assessment of the existing access points, signage for river-based amenities, and identification of potential enhancements.  Access assessments were conducted in July and will guide water trail developers toward future enhancements that would broaden their use by people with various paddling and physical abilities. Signage plans will also include on-water and access signage for both counties.  

INRCOG’s Planner Colleen Simmons is leading the designation effort for IDNR and hopes to conclude the designation and signage effort by the end of late spring 2013.

Keep up to date with the project and participation opportunities on the project website, www.cedarriverwatertrail.org, as well as on Facebook (Cedar River Water Trail) and Twitter (@CedarRiverWT).  These sites will remain active throughout the designation process. 

For additional project information, please contact Colleen Simmons at 319-235-0311 or csimmons@inrcog.org.