ATV Park Closures and Safety
Excessive rainfall in Iowa has been tough on all eight of the DNR-designated OHV parks. Many of them experienced significant amounts of flooding and at one time all of them were closed due to unsafe riding conditions.
It is very important for users of the parks to check for closure information on the Iowa OHV Association’s web site www.iowaohv.com before traveling to the parks. Conditions at the parks are closely monitored by the clubs and every effort is being made to open the parks as riding conditions improve and become safe.
“We do not have the manpower, money, or equipment to repair damage to the parks if we let riders in before it is safe or prudent to do so,” said Dan Kleen, Executive Director of the Iowa OHV Association. “We sincerely appreciate the patience and support of our riders as we continue to make the parks available and as user-friendly as we can.”
Of significant consideration is the ability to provide riders with access to emergency responders if needed. Having roads and trails that are traversable by emergency equipment is a factor as to whether the park is ready to be reopened.
Kleen attributes the continued success of the parks to the countless hours that the clubs in the state volunteer towards the management and upkeep of the parks. The parks are maintained by volunteer clubs and a limited number of hours for park crew workers funded through a National Recreational Trails Grant.
Go to www.iowaohv.com for club contact information to get involved and help the parks and the clubs clean up after the water recedes. It is anticipated that some reconstruction will be required and an unknown amount of debris will need to be removed. All trails must be evaluated for safety before the parks which are closed can be reopened.
For more information contact the Iowa OHV Association at 712-358-1870 or the Iowa Department of Natural Resources at 515-281-3208.
Seasonal ATV Patrol Officers
Five ATV patrol officers have been added to the DNR Law Enforcement Bureau staff to supplement the efforts of the conservation officers in enforcing ATV laws and regulations and providing education opportunities to riders.
Nolan Burke is assigned primarily to the Riverview OHV Park (Waterloo). Kendall Giese is assigned primarily to the Lakeview OHV Park (Ely). Spencer Watts is assigned primarily to the Gypsum City OHV Park (Fort Dodge). Tim Snyder is assigned primarily to the Bluff Creek and Rathbun OHV Parks. Chris Dunkin is assigned primarily to the Tama and Nicholson-Ford (Marshalltown) OHV Parks. Patrol officers can be reassigned dependent upon the needs of the parks and the DNR. Jeff Lautsenslager will be sharing his time between the parks and serving as a water patrol officer.
