Iowa RC&D's Proposed 7-county Trail Picks Up Resources

Years from now, creators of a seven-county trail route said they hope the project will benefit bicyclists and businesses.

The Iowa Valley Resource Conservation and Development group, based in Williamsburg, started an informational campaign last month about its newly established Ioway Trails Master Plan Project. The trail system would span seven counties - Johnson, Linn, Iowa, Benton, Tama, Poweshiek and Marshall - and connect to smaller trail systems. The project started two years ago, but in recent months has gained momentum as organizers gathered resources. On Tuesday, they launched a fledgling Web site.

"It's just really exciting to start to see it come together," trail coordinator Ruth Izer said.

The Iowa Valley RC&D received a $2,300 grant from U.S. Cellular through its "Connecting With Our Communities" program, a philanthropic initiative that provides charitable contributions to non-profits. Iowa State University students in the College of Design played a key role, too, by identifying existing and proposed trails in each of the seven counties.

Other partnerships are in development with area cities, economic development organizations, conservation boards and regional COGS to promote and fund the project.

"One of our main goals for the trail is for economic development," Izer said. "We want it to boost bed and breakfasts, campgrounds, the bike industry and other businesses."

In addition, the yet-to-be mapped trail will boost small town economies and make them destination points, Izer said. The route is likely to follow along existing roadways and along the Iowa River and travel past a number of tourist attractions, she said.

Tiffin City Councilor Karin Dils said city officials hope to extend their trail system toward F.W. Kent Park and the Amana Colonies.

The Iowa Valley RC&D named the project after the Ioway Indians, who were native to the area and whose descendants gave the organization permission to use the name, she said.

Formed in 1998, The Iowa Valley RC&D was established to conserve, develop and utilize the natural and human resources in east central Iowa for the economic benefit and social well being of area citizens.

Story courtesy of Iowa City Press-Citizen