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Proposed bond projects

Story County voters will have an opportunity to protect the water quality of rivers, lakes, and streams; provide nature education for children and adults; protect wildlife habitat; and offer outdoor recreational opportunities such as fishing, hunting, hiking, biking, picnicking, camping, and canoeing for everyone in Story County.

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View bond fact sheet here.

PRESERVATION

Investing in land and water preservation maintains wildlife habitat, protects clean water sources, mitigates flooding damage and preserves property value.

Provide flooding mitigation and riverbank stabilization on the Skunk River

 

  • Extend the Skunk River greenbelt south for floodplain water retention to reduce pressure on downriver communities and land owners and provide wildlife habitat

  • Stabilize Skunk River streambanks to reduce nutrient and soil loss

  • Provide stable, long-term water quality and habitat for woodlands and prairies

  • Improve Skunk River Oxbows to help with flooding mitigation through flood water retention and improve habitat

  • Create aquatic habitat for less common species at the Wicks Wildlife Area oxbow wetlands

  • Preserve water quality at Hickory Grove Beach through tiered overlook and water runoff treatment area

  • Allow for fish and mussel passage in the Skunk River by modifying Hannum’s Mill Dam

RECREATIOn

Quality of life enhancing amenities provide the opportunity to participate with nature and engage in outdoor hobbies while creating spaces for social interaction, fostering a sense of community and attracting visitors.

Provide an expanded and connected biking and walking trail network

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  • Trail network, education signage, parking area, and picnic shelter at Deppe Family Conservation Area (new property adjacent to McFarland Park)

  • Bike trail from Ames to Slater as an alternate to the R38 bike lanes

  • Trail connection between Ames trail system and McFarland Park

  • Complete the paving of Heart of Iowa Nature Trail from Collins to Marshall County

  • Hunting opportunities in the Skunk River Greenbelt

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Provide outdoor opportunities including fishing, hunting, hiking, picnicking, camping, canoeing/kayaking

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  • Dedicated parking lot, trailhead, restrooms and shelter addition to the Tedesco Environmental Learning Corridor

  • Accessible ADA compliant pathways, beach access, fishing pier, and kayak launch at Hickory Grove Park

  • Year round, family style rental cabin at Dakins Lake

  • Parking and kayak launch on the Skunk River at the C.J. Shrek Access and Anderson Access

  • Create safe passage for kayakers and canoers on the Skunk River through modification of Hannums Mill lowhead dam

EDUCATION

Connecting open spaces, parks, and natural areas with education engages children and adults in outdoor activities and recreational programs where play and physical activity is encouraged creating healthy individuals and communities.

  • Construction of an environmental education and nature center at McFarland Park along with public gathering space and administrative center for staff

  • Full-time educational facility for programs, camps and classrooms

  • Launch an outdoor recreation initiative at McFarland Park to gather, learn and engage with nature​

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