Park Deer Control Discussion

Options to Control Deer Herd in Stone State Park Topic of Public Meeting

SIOUX CITY – Controlling the deer population at Stone State Park will be the topic of a public meeting on February 24, when staff with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources will discuss potential options and what has been done at other parks.
The meeting will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., in the Gleeson Meeting Room, Wilbur Aalfs Main Library, 529 Pierce St., in Sioux City. Topics for discussion include identifying park deer issues, discussing possible means of control, special hunts in other state parks and to receive public input on the issue.

Media Contact: Kevin Pape, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Park Ranger, Stone State Park, 712-255-4698.

Friends Plan for a new Park Shelter

The Friends of Stone Park are making plans to replace a picnic shelter this year. The shelter in Pammel Valley was damaged by a storm a couple of years ago. The original shelter was constructed in 1941 by the Rotary Club. At that time, the area was part of the boy scout Camp Kellogg. The scout camp closed in the early 70's and became a part of Stone Park.

The Friends took down the old shelter roof and beams but salvaged most of the materials. The rock wall and Rotary Club plaque were left intact. The plans are to add a fire ring and park benches at the site of the old shelter.

The group applied for a State Parks Volunteer Support grant. The Friends were awarded a $25,000 grant to help build a new larger shelter nearby. The new shelter will have electrical service and be more accessible for park visitors. The total cost of the project is estimated at $45,000.

Please contact the Friends of Stone Park if you can assist with this project with cash, donation of time or in-kind services. The Friends are looking for help protecting the old wall, pouring the footings for the new shelter, running electrical service, and adding ammenities to the area. The plans are to have the new shelter built by this summer.