Upcoming Program Announcements:
Spring and Summer Program Poster
Spring & Summer Program Poster
Calendar Fundraiser to Benefit Nature Center
Long time Center Junction resident Derith Vogt began taking photos as a teenager. Her first subjects were friends and family. While attending Iowa State University she got her first 35 mm camera and began photographing horse trials and other equine events. Recently she has turned her eye to bird photography and this calendar is the result. She hopes you will enjoy her new found passion while helping to support the Jones County Conservation Education Program.
Profits from the "Birds of Center Junction" calendar will benefit the Jones County Cosnervation Educational Programs and Nature Center.
Calendars are $20 each and can be purchased at the following locations:
Central Park Nature Center
2010 Friends of Jones County Conservation Awards Recipients
Wapsi Valley Bassmasters
Left to right: Larry Gullett, JCCB Director; Rob Roman, JCCB Member; Russ Engelbart, Wapsi Valley Bassmasters; Larry Pisarik, JCCB Member;
Dave Petersen, Wapsi Valley Bassmasters; Mike Rogers, JCCB Member; Leo Cook, Jones COunty Supervisor; and Joe Cruise, Jones County Supervisor.
Ryan LaFrenz
Left to right: Larry Pisarik, JCCB Member; Larry Gullett, JCCB Director; Rob Roman, JCCB Member; Ryan LaFrenz and Family; Mike Rogers, JCCB Member.
4.7 Tons of Trash Removed During 2010 Lower Wapsi River Clean Up
The Lower Wapsipinicon River Cleanup Project, a canoeing- and camping-based river cleanup event, took place for its fifth year August 13-15, 2010. Fifty volunteers worked together to remove an amazing 4.7 tons of trash from 23 miles of the Wapsipinicon River from Anamosa Access to Jungletown Access near Hale. The section of river covered weaves through Jones County. Of the trash collected, 58% was recycled. This brings the grand total removed from the Lower Wapsi over the last five years to a whopping 28.3 tons.
“Jones County has been such an amazing host! It was great to bring the cleanup to the beginning sections of the Lower Wapsi. Michele Olson (Jones County Conservation Board) and Cindy Borst (Lou-Lou’s Landing) were such a big part of the event success. Each year I am amazed and touched to see people – many returning year after year – work so tirelessly to improve the health, safety, and beauty of our Wapsipinicon River,” stated coordinator Melisa Jacobsen “It’s in these small steps that we hope to increase awareness and ownership of local rivers. I’m always humbled when these folks thank me for putting the cleanup together – it is a small thing compared to their commitment - none of this would happen if they didn’t have it in them to come wear themselves out for a weekend.!” Heavy rains just prior to the cleanup made it a waiting game to see if the river would stay in its banks. Thankfully, paddlers were able to get on the river Saturday at 9.5 feet and dropping, again on Sunday, and still bring in quite a haul from what was visible at those levels. Olin Fire Department provided both on land and on water support for the event.
The Event provided free canoes, free camping, and low-cost meals, as well as an evening program on the history and people of Jones County presented by Joy Adams through partnership with Jones County Conservation Board.
Sponsors for this event included: Jones County Conservation Board; Clinton County Conservation Board; Lou-Lou’s Landing; Friends of the Wapsi Center, Inc.; KA Screen Printing; Stone City Iron and Metal; Wapsi Bottoms Whitetails Unlimited; Olin Fire Department; Citizens Bank; Wapsi Waste; Petrzelka and Breitback PLC; Holiday Shores Motel (McGregor); Select Service Sanitation; RJ General Store; Kum N Go; Atlas Family Chiropractic; J&P Cycles; F&M Bank; Security State Bank; Jones County Transfer Station; and Stone City General Store Pub
The Lower Wapsipinicon River Cleanup Project is a grassroots organization with a twofold purpose: To remove trash from the river and dispose of it in an environmentally responsible manner; and to educate the public about the environment and the importance of caring for natural resources.
They will be cleaning up on a different section of the Lower Wapsipinicon each year. In 2011 they will cover Jungletown Access near Hale to Walnut Grove near Toronto. For further information, or to get on a mailing list for next year, please write to LWRCP, 2740 - 160th Avenue, Calamus, IA 52729, email coordinator@lowerwapsicleanup.org or visit the website at http://www.lowerwapsicleanup.org
2010 Catfish Release at Central Park
Jones County Conservation Board Celebrates Anniversary
"50 Years of Conservation"
This year marks the 50 Year Anniversary of the Jones County Conservation Board. In celebration of this milestone the Jones County Conservation Board extends an invitation to you to visit and enjoy the many recreation and natural areas within Jones County. Today the Jones County Conservation Board manages and maintains 15 public areas encompassing over 2,000 acres of public land.
The JCCB is comprised of fiver persons appointed by the County Board of Supervisors. Each member serves a five year term. The purpose of the Board is to provide programs that preserve and enhance natural and cultural resources and provide educational and recreational opportunities for all people. Over the past 50 years 28 Jones County residents have served on the JCCB.
Current Board Members:
Lawrence Pisarik: 1992 - Present
Rob Roman: 1997 - Present
Mike Rogers: 1999 - Present
Russel VonBehren: 2000 - Present
Angie Christensen: 2009 - Present
Past Board Members:
Rene O'Donnell - Hanlon: 1997 - 2009. Keith Sommerville: 1997 - 1999
Mike Elkin: 1995 - 2000 John Riches: 1996 - 1997
Gordan Wherry: 1991 - 1996 Keith Dirks: 1990 - 1996
Daryl Wherry: 1988 - 1996 John Bader: 1986 - 1995
Robert Holland: 1982 - 1988 Robert Hosch: 1981 - 1991
Keith Christensen: 1979 - 1989 Fred Petersen: 1977 - 1988
Howard Zirkelbach: 1972 - 1979 John Talbert: 1971 - 1981
Jack Stingley: 1970 - 1971 Larry Behrends: 1969 - 1986
Ezra Wenndt: 1968 - 1977 Louis Thuman: 1963 - 1970
Robert Hosch: 1960 - 1971 Fred Petersen: 1960 - 1968
Roy Rodman: 1960 - 1982 Chauncey Robinson: 1960 - 1969
Louie Hanken: 1960 - 1963
Cave Closures:
Due to the threat of spread of White Nose Syndrome in bat populations many caves throughout Iowa have been closed to public access.
Iowa DNR Cave Closure Announcement 2010
National Park Service WNS Fact Sheet
Pictured Rocks Area
Youth Group Caving Requirements: Youth groups and interested individuals may use Pictured Rocks Cave if they follow the
guidelines below. Please Note: Caving from October 25th – April 15th should be limited to protect hibernating bat species.
1. Leaders must ensure that no participants have entered caves in
infected states – check the following website for current maps:
http://www.fws.gov/northeast/white_nose.html
2. Any participant that has entered any other cave including those in
Iowa must follow the latest U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service disinfection
protocols for clothing, shoes and equipment.
3. Participants that have not entered any cave in the last five years will
not need to complete the disinfection protocol.
4. Cave users must have a letter of authorization from the Jones County
Conservation Board Director to enter the cave. Authorized users must
carry their letter of authorization when entering the cave. To obtain a letter of
authorization please contact the Jones County Conservation Board Administrative
Office at (563)487-3541.
A complete disinfection protocol can be viewed by clicking on the link below:
Cave Disinfection Protocol
Maquoketa River Water Trail Project Update
Work is being finnished up on the Maquoketa River Water Trail project at Pictured Rocks and Mon Maq Access in Monticello. The
Maquoketa River Water Trail Images
beginning of construction fall 2009 marked the end of a 3 year planning process to improve the areas for recreational use and beautify the areas as community entryways. A ribbon cutting celebration will be scheduled for fall 2010.
The project activities included construction of two boat ramps or river access points, gathering areas, parking areas, a new latrine and shelter at Pictured Rocks, new signage, a steel deck over the old mill site at Mon Maq Access, seating, walkways and flagstone patio or interpretive areas.
Mon Maq Rules and Regulations
Pictured Rocks Rules and Regulations
Volunteer Tree Planting Day at Pictured Rocks
Pictured Rocks Tree Planting - June 2010
Despite the rain, on Saturday, June 12th, 26 volunteers, including groups from Pictured Rocks and Maquoketa Methodist Camps, and 6 Jones County Conservation Board staff members planted, watered, and mulched 50 large trees. These new trees will replace trees removed during construction and enhance and beautify the area. Sack lunches were provided by Darrell’s of Monticello. Trees at the Mon Maq Area will be planted by mid June. Thanks to everyone who assisted with this project. These tree plantings were made possible by a grant from Trees Forever and Alliant Energy.
2010 Central Park Kids Fishing Derby Results
Over a hundred children, parents, and grandparents braved the rain to participate in this year’s Central Park Kids Fishing Derby held on Saturday, June 5th. A downpour of rain couldn’t stop these kids from having a whole heap of fun. Those attending had a great time trying to catch a fish, participating in the Wapsi Valley Bassmasters Casting Kids Contest, learning about fishing, and enjoying a day with there parents, grandparents, and friends. With thanks to the many local businesses and individuals who donated and supported this derby every child participating received a door prize, goodies, and handouts.
This year’s derby winners of the “Longest Fish Contest” were 1st place: 7 year old Gabrielle Guilford, of Monticello, 2nd place: 7 year old Jaelyn Graver, of Scotch Grove, and 3rd place: 5 year old Jaden Dewitt, of Maquoketa. Gabrielle took first place with a feisty 17 3/4 inch channel catfish.
Winners of the “Largest Bluegill Contest” were 1st place: 5 year old Jaden Dewitt, of Maquoketa, 2nd place: 11 year old Ciara Edwards, of Monticello, and 3rd place: 3 year old Benjamin Watson, of Anamosa. Jaden took first place with an impressive 9 inch bluegill.
In addition four children won the Wapsi Valley Bassmasters Kids Casting Competition. Winners of the 7-10 age division were 9 year old Harry Watson, of Anamosa, and 10 year old Gavin Holub, of Monticello. Winners of the 11 – 14 year old age division were 13 year old Austin Waller, of Bernard, and 11 year old Ciara Edwards, of Monticello.
A huge thank you to the following individuals, businesses, and local organizations for their support and assistance: Monticello Jaycees, Bev Kerkove, Wapsi Valley Bassmasters, Jerry’s Live Bait and Tackle, the Cone Shoppe, Monticello Pizza Ranch, Happy Joe’s Pizza, Monticello Fareway, Monticello Theisens, Anamosa Theisens, Anamosa Wal-mart, Fritz’s Midwest Academy of Tae Kwon Do, Monticello Subway, J & P Cycles, Anamosa McDonalds, and Gander Mountain.
Congratulations to everyone who attended this year’s Central Park Kids Fishing Derby. See you next year!
2010 Jones County Nature Photography Contest Winners Announced
2010 Nature Photography Contest Winning Entries
Winners from the 2010 Jones County Nature Photography Contest are as follows: “Plants in Nature”: 1st Place – Derith Vogt, Center Junction; 2nd Place – Joan McKim, Monticello; 3rd Place – Leslie Buscher, Olin. “Scenic Jones County”: 1st Place - Marvin Rickels, Monticello; 2nd Place – Heather Weers, Center Junction; 3rd Place – Noah Williams, Monticello. “Animals in Nature”: 1st Place – Michael Jacobs, Monticello; 2nd Place – Derith Vogt, Center Junction; 3rd Place – Noah Williams, Monticello. “People in Nature”: 1st Place: JoAnn Dirks, Center Junction; 2nd Place – Ashley Hautt, Anamosa; 3rd Place – Heather Weers, Center Junction.
Congratulations to all of the winners and participants of the 2010 Jones County Nature Photography Contest! Keep taking those great outdoor photos. This year’s contest winners can be viewed now through Labor Day at the Central Park Nature Center on Saturdays and Sundays from 1-5 PM.
ROC - Restore Our Community Clean Up Day
On Wednesday, April 21, hundreds of Monticello Community School students and staff took to the Monticello Community to restore their community. Students spread out throughout their community to pick up litter, clean up yard debris, clear trails, and pull invasive weeds in an annual effort to restore beauty to their community and celebrate the importance of "Earth Day". The Jones County Conservation Department would like to especially thank these students for picking up litter and debris and pulling garlic mustard (an invasive weed) at the Pictured Rocks and Mon Maq Areas.
$10,000 Alliant Energy Branching Out Grant Awarded
The Jones County Conservation Board was awarded a $10,000 Alliant Energy Branching Out Grant facilitated by Trees Forever. This money will be used to plant 120 native species of trees at Mon Maq and Pictured Rocks Park as part of the Maquoketa River Water Trail Project. The trees will be planted along the river as part of flood plain protection and area beautification. A tentative planting date has been set for Saturday, June 12th. Volunteers are being sought to help with the planting. Anyone interested should contact Larry Gullett, Jones County Conservation Board Director, at (563)487-3541.
Pictured: First row - left to right: Angie Christensen (JCCB Member) Dan Grant (Alliant Energy), Patty Petersen (Trees Forever), Mike ROgers (JCCB Chair), Larry Gullett (JCCB Director).
Back row - left to right: Rob Roman (JCCB Member), Larry Pisarik (Board Member)
Indian Bluffs Cave Clean Up
A huge thank you to the six Iowa Grotto members and three Camp Courageous volunteers who helped clean up the graffiti in the Indian Bluffs Cave at Pictured Rocks.
Whitetails Unlimited Donation
The Jones County Conservation Board would like to thank members and supporters of the Wapsi Bottoms Whitetails Unlimted chapter who recently donated $1000 toward the Central Park Nature Center Renovation Project. This project would not be possible without donations from citizens, groups, and organizations who know the importance of environmental education and our natural resources.
Committee members of Wapsi Bottome Whitetails Unlimited.
Viewing from front left, clockwise:
Tim Jensen, Chip Brown, Sam Vacek, Kris Leeper, Danny Feuss, Brian Niebuhr, Brad Brownell, Glenda Leeper, and Duane Feuss.
During the summer of 2008 two new ponds were constructed at the Hale Wildlife Area. Both ponds should be great for bluegill, bass and catfish fishing within the next two to three years. Each pond is about 2 acres in size and includes many piles of brush and trees and steep drop offs for fish structure. The pond nearest the entry and parking area will be about 20’ deep when full and the pond located in the southeast portion of the area will be about 16’ deep. The ponds were stocked with bluegill and catfish and bass were added spring 2009.
This past spring four new wetlands and 170 acres of prairie were constructed and seeded.
Funding for this past springs work at Hale has been supported through the WHIP, Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program, administered by the Iowa Department of Agriculture, Cargill, Incorporated – Oilseeds Division in Cedar Rapids and the Cargill Corporate Headquarters in Minnesota, and Twin Rivers Pheasants Forever Chapter.
2009 Wetland Construction Plans
North 40 Wetland Plan
Lower Complex Wetland Plan
Upper Complex Wetland Plan
West Wetland Plan
Hagan 60 Acre Hale Addition
The Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation has purchased 60 acres of land adjacent to the Hale Wildlife Area and is holding this property until enough funding is raised so that the land can be acquired by the Jones County Conservation Department.
To date funding for this project has been committed by both the Dubuque and Twin Rivers Pheasants Forever Chapters. Fundraising is ongoing. Anyone interested in donating toward this project should contact the JCCB Administrative Office at (563)487-3541.
This area will not be open to the general public until it has been turned over to the JCCB.
Cave at Pictured Rocks Mapped
Cave
Members of the Iowa Grotto spent several weekends this spring mapping the cave at Pictured Rocks. Many hours were spent plotting the survey and creating a map of this cave. The Jones County Conservation Board would like to thank the following members for their time and commitment to Iowa caves: Ed Klausner, Elizabeth Miller, Mike Lace, Gary Engh, Phil La Rue, Brandy Zin, and John Kirk.
This map will be used for interpretive programs, brochures and publications, signage, and safety.
Cave Map