Friends of Stone Park
Meeting Minutes
2-16-2010
Present: Zac and Chris Chwirka, Ally Garthright, Bob and Phyllis Nickolson, Bernie Hoversten, Dale Brumm, Kevin Pape, Jim Redmond, Mike Moore, and Warren Dunkle.
Memorial Mile:
Zac and Ally have been talking with the city to see about restoring this project. Several avenues still to be looked into at this point. One of the next steps is to speak with the landowners along the way and see if they would support this project. Instead of the original Elms being planted again we are looking at a smaller tree such as the Prairiefire crabapple.
Botany:
A botanist from the IA DNR contacted Kevin and advised he has found information about a previous botanist named Hayden that discovered a plant in Stone Park in 1936 that is now on the endangered species list. The original plant was documented by Hayden as growing by a school house, which is believed to have been the Boys of ’68 building. Kevin advised this plant still grows in the park and is located in the newly acquired addition of the park just above Hwy 12 by Riverside.
Rezoning Issue:
On February 2, 2010 an article appeared in the Sioux City Journal about the rezoning of a section below the park on Hwy 12 right at the edge of Riverside. The city is being asked to rezone this section of land to be light commercial. A portion of the park is directly above this section of land. Concerns were raised about this affecting the aspects of the land along this area if it is changed to light industrial and what may occur in the future. Planning and Zoning are holding a meeting on March 9, 2010 at 4:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers. Members from Friends are encouraged to attend and voice their concern. A motion was made to have the Friends speak. The motion carried by members present and Zac Chwirka will speak on behalf of the Friends group. The meeting was not held on Feb. 23rd.
Earth Fest:
Earth Fest will take place at Morningside College in the Greenspace on April 10th, 2010, rain or shine, from Noon until Dark. This is a free event and people are encouraged to bring picnics and blankets and enjoy the day of music and friendship. Several local bands and talent will be entertaining all through the day.
Jim Redmond and Mike Moore requested a monetary donation from the Friends to help defray the costs of sound and stage equipment. A motion was made to donate $200.00. The motion carried. The Friends will be setting up a table with Friends information and t-shirts for sale. Please stop by and visit!
Leave A Legacy Program:
Kevin suggested that the Friends group possibly look into what it takes to be placed on the Leave A Legacy Program. Chris volunteered to check it out.
Ranger Report:
They have been working on the Eco-System Management plan. They are investigating many options and possible plans.
The oldest Bur Oak tree in the park is from approximately 1796. Not many new oaks are growing due to the lack of areas with full sun. A future plan may include some clear cuttings and planting in areas to reestablish the Bur Oak population. This is discussion and no plans are under way at this time.
Hope to see you at the next meeting on April 13th, 2010, 7:00 p.m., at Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center. Please spread the word and come and see what we are about. You do not have to be a member to attend.
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Kevin Pape
Park Ranger
Stone State Park
Iowa Department of Natural Resources
(712) 255-4698
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Park News
It has been confirmed that a Woodcock nested in the park last Spring. We are still on the lookout for a Wood thrush.
IBA designation of Stone Park by The Audubon Society is still a possibility.
73 acres near Mt. Lucia has been burned. There was an addition 20 acres that needed burning but weather conditions did not cooperate. Ranger Pape has been assisting with other burns in the area.
IBA designation of Stone Park by The Audubon Society is still a possibility.
73 acres near Mt. Lucia has been burned. There was an addition 20 acres that needed burning but weather conditions did not cooperate. Ranger Pape has been assisting with other burns in the area.
Cabin and shelter reservations
Cabin and shelter reservations can be made at https://eservices.iowa.gov/iowaparks/ .
Campground Improvement Project Completed
Thanks to support from Regina Roth, John Gleeson, Jolly Time Popcorn, L & L Builders and numerous community supporters, our Campground Improvement Project has been totally funded.
The project includes construction of two log cabins, a separate youth campground and renovation of the original campground. Construction of the cabins and the youth campground have been completed. $137,000 from the Iowa Values Fund spearheaded the local match fundraising campaign.
No financial contributions went to administration, consultants or project design. 100% of the money donated to our campground improvement project went to construction. Call Greg Hoversten, Steering Committee Chairman at 251-0542 for more information.
The renovation of the existing campground is completed. The old shower building was demolished and a new facility has been constructed. Upgrading of improvements as well as landscaping has also been completed.
The project includes construction of two log cabins, a separate youth campground and renovation of the original campground. Construction of the cabins and the youth campground have been completed. $137,000 from the Iowa Values Fund spearheaded the local match fundraising campaign.
No financial contributions went to administration, consultants or project design. 100% of the money donated to our campground improvement project went to construction. Call Greg Hoversten, Steering Committee Chairman at 251-0542 for more information.
The renovation of the existing campground is completed. The old shower building was demolished and a new facility has been constructed. Upgrading of improvements as well as landscaping has also been completed.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Minutes- December 2009
December 2009
Attendees:
Greg Hoversten, Kevin Pape, Bernie Hoversten, Mike Moore, Jim Redmond and Doris Swanson.
“Happy New Year!” Another year of fun in the park.
Ranger Update:
· Tree clearing for four days off of Malloy Road
· Forestry and Parks budget has been cut could be 20%. Using 30 people (seasonal) for 50 parks.
· Iowa Parks foundation may fund seasonal workers. Requires $6000.00 per worker.
· Volunteers will need a waiver to sign. Workmen’s comp doesn’t apply to volunteers any longer.
· Sierra club to celebrate 40 year anniversary on April 17, 2010 at Morningside College .
· We received a total of cash and in-kind donations of $16,018 for trails. Approximately $13,049.00 has been spent on trail improvements.
· To repair the shelter could cost up to $25,000.00. Rotary Club has grants we can apply for.
· University Iowa Sierra Club to work in the Loess Hills over Spring Break in March. Would be a service trip.
Next Meeting: January 19, 2010 Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center 7:00 p.m.
Kevin Pape
Park Ranger
Iowa Department of Natural Resources
(712) 255-4698
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Minutes- November 2009
Minutes- November 2009
Friends of Stone Park
November2009 Attendees: Kevin Pape, Michael Moore, Bernie Hoversten, Warren Dunkle, Chris Poeckes and Doris Swanson.
Ranger Update: · Due to weather conditions the trail run used the roads instead of trails. All went well! · Kevin is weatherizing the equipment for winter.· Sprayed for garlic mustard and had a controlled burn.
New Business: · Chris Poeckes presented a check form the Missouri Runners Club.· Brent Copple is looking for volunteers for Oct.2, 2010 for the Broken Toe Run. Mark your calendar if you can help out.· Rotary interested in redoing the shelter. They need an estimate of damage and electricity should be included.· Kevin is required to take five (5) furlough days due to budget cuts.
Next Meeting: December 15, 2009 Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center 7:00 p.m.
Kevin PapePark RangerStone State ParkIowa Department of Natural Resources(712) 255-4698
November2009 Attendees: Kevin Pape, Michael Moore, Bernie Hoversten, Warren Dunkle, Chris Poeckes and Doris Swanson.
Ranger Update: · Due to weather conditions the trail run used the roads instead of trails. All went well! · Kevin is weatherizing the equipment for winter.· Sprayed for garlic mustard and had a controlled burn.
New Business: · Chris Poeckes presented a check form the Missouri Runners Club.· Brent Copple is looking for volunteers for Oct.2, 2010 for the Broken Toe Run. Mark your calendar if you can help out.· Rotary interested in redoing the shelter. They need an estimate of damage and electricity should be included.· Kevin is required to take five (5) furlough days due to budget cuts.
Next Meeting: December 15, 2009 Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center 7:00 p.m.
Kevin PapePark RangerStone State ParkIowa Department of Natural Resources(712) 255-4698
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Minutes- October 2009
Friends of Stone Park
Minutes
October 2009
Attendees:
Greg Hoversten,Zac Chwirka, Bob Moritz, Jim Redmond, Kevin Pape, Michael Moore, Herman Schultz, Bernie Hoversten, Joe Mohrhauser and Doris Swanson.
Ranger Update:
· Broken Toe Run was run on the road due to the weather conditions of the hills.
· $2000.00 of grant money left over. Kevin debating how funds should be spent. Park will be open until snow.
· Horses going from state to state need to be checked for vaccinations. Kevin to oversee this.
· Mountain bikers saw a bobcat on trail. It was confirmed!
Treasurers Report: $7964.82 balance.
New Business:
· 75th anniversary of when Stone Park became a State park. We need to recognize this date. What type of activities would be feasible? Concert- pick a date and pick your brain to help set activities.
· Year 2012 will be the 100th anniversary of Stone Park .
· Sierra Club will have its 40th anniversary – could we combine with them for a program?
· Hyperion Region to discuss points with Region 8- E.P.A. questions.
· The group Missouri River would be affected. An Environmental Impact statement is needed.
Next Meeting: November 17, 2009 Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center 7:00 p.m.
Kevin Pape
Park Ranger
Iowa Department of Natural Resources
(712) 255-4698
Monday, March 23, 2009
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Trail Update from Ranger Pape
March 6, 2009
Last season we had several successful volunteer work days to clear brush along the trail, construct water bars, and fill in ruts. Our department paid for a one week rental of a tracked Bobcat which helped move dirt and shape some water bars last fall.
Our neighbor Zac Chwirka was building a garage last fall and offered to dump the extra fill in the main trail parking lot. Doug Palmer and the Big Soo Terminal offered a bobcat and operator to move this dirt. By luck, the operator was Tyler Flammang a mountain biker with skill at earth-moving and erosion control. The upper one third of this trail is in much better condition thanks to this work.
The Missouri River Runners had a great turnout at their annual Broken Toe Trail Run last fall. The Missouri River Runners donated $3700 to the Friends of Stone Park for trail improvements. Over the winter, the Friends of Stone Park applied for a Loess Hills Alliance Economic Development Grant to buy materials and equipment for trail improvements. In January, the Friends were notified that they received $4,000 in grant money. The Friends recently applied for $1,000 from the Iowa Equestrian Council grant program. Several equestrian-riders made donations to the Friends for trail improvements. The grant money is being used to purchase a dump trailer to move fill dirt to some of the eroded sections of trail. Grant funds will also be used to purchase fill dirt and experiment with geosynthetic material. Check out http://www.geocheminc.com/geoweb1.htm
In 2009, we’ll move fill dirt to try to restore the trail surface in some of the problem areas, particularly the trail to Mt. Lucia. Volunteers will continue to do the shovel work and fine-grading. By late in the year, we’ll have some geosynthetic material on one or two steep portions of the trail system. Geosynthetics have been tried at other equestrian sites in the Midwest. We’ll see if it helps hold loess soil.
The grant money is not enough to pay for labor to do the work. In fact volunteer labor will provide a significant portion of the match for the grants. My park staff has been drastically cut for this season. As of today, I anticipate hiring two part-time seasonal staff (vs. six in 2008). I hope you can help us at one of the volunteer work days this summer. The first volunteer trail work day is Tuesday, May 12th, from 5-8:00 PM. Meet at the Wahkaw shelter in Pammel Valley. I will send you information about more volunteer events as the season progresses.
Happy Trails to you, until we meet again.
Kevin Pape
Park Ranger
Stone State Park
Iowa Department of Natural Resources
(712) 255-4698
Last season we had several successful volunteer work days to clear brush along the trail, construct water bars, and fill in ruts. Our department paid for a one week rental of a tracked Bobcat which helped move dirt and shape some water bars last fall.
Our neighbor Zac Chwirka was building a garage last fall and offered to dump the extra fill in the main trail parking lot. Doug Palmer and the Big Soo Terminal offered a bobcat and operator to move this dirt. By luck, the operator was Tyler Flammang a mountain biker with skill at earth-moving and erosion control. The upper one third of this trail is in much better condition thanks to this work.
The Missouri River Runners had a great turnout at their annual Broken Toe Trail Run last fall. The Missouri River Runners donated $3700 to the Friends of Stone Park for trail improvements. Over the winter, the Friends of Stone Park applied for a Loess Hills Alliance Economic Development Grant to buy materials and equipment for trail improvements. In January, the Friends were notified that they received $4,000 in grant money. The Friends recently applied for $1,000 from the Iowa Equestrian Council grant program. Several equestrian-riders made donations to the Friends for trail improvements. The grant money is being used to purchase a dump trailer to move fill dirt to some of the eroded sections of trail. Grant funds will also be used to purchase fill dirt and experiment with geosynthetic material. Check out http://www.geocheminc.com/geoweb1.htm
In 2009, we’ll move fill dirt to try to restore the trail surface in some of the problem areas, particularly the trail to Mt. Lucia. Volunteers will continue to do the shovel work and fine-grading. By late in the year, we’ll have some geosynthetic material on one or two steep portions of the trail system. Geosynthetics have been tried at other equestrian sites in the Midwest. We’ll see if it helps hold loess soil.
The grant money is not enough to pay for labor to do the work. In fact volunteer labor will provide a significant portion of the match for the grants. My park staff has been drastically cut for this season. As of today, I anticipate hiring two part-time seasonal staff (vs. six in 2008). I hope you can help us at one of the volunteer work days this summer. The first volunteer trail work day is Tuesday, May 12th, from 5-8:00 PM. Meet at the Wahkaw shelter in Pammel Valley. I will send you information about more volunteer events as the season progresses.
Happy Trails to you, until we meet again.
Kevin Pape
Park Ranger
Stone State Park
Iowa Department of Natural Resources
(712) 255-4698
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