Iowa DNR, in cooperation with Iowa State University, is conducting a water trails and low-head dams planning process. We are developing ways to connect Iowans waterways, to promote safety techniques, and to converge on sensible priorities for modifying dams in ways that restore ecological components of rivers.

 

We kicked off with an event in Adel in September, 2008, with more than 125 people present.

 

Iowa DNR is handling responsibilities releated to dams. To date, we have:

 

   1. Completed a draft inventory of low-head dams

   2. Sent a survey to canoe liveries and developed a report.

   3. Sent a survey to dam owners.

   4. Conducted staff meetings related to prioritization and monitoring river stability and biological effects of dam modifications, including removals, rapids conversions, and

   5. Conducted a training in technical aspects of dam modifications that can leave restored rivers, taught by E. Sandy Verry, Ph.D. (River stability techniques from this course will also be used in the water trails development manual.)

 

Low-head Dam Safety Costshare Program: (Updated: Oct 2009)

The next application deadline for the Low-Head Dam Public Hazard applications will be Jan. 15, 2010, when $100,000 will be available. NOTE - THE APPLICATION FORM HAS CHANGED. Be sure to download the current form.

The sign manual (in downloadable pdf file format) contains guidelines for the standard statewide water trails way-finding and informational signage system. These are suggested guidelines to be used for consistent experiences for users, however, these are not absolute requirements. For example, dimensions of bridge signs may be larger, or smaller, or stencils may be used to satisfy requirements of county engineers and Iowa DOT supervisors. In some cases, Iowa DNR can provide custom designs to meet local needs. A CD containing Adobe Illustrator files that can be brought to your regional sign printer can be requested by e-mailing watertrails@dnr.iowa.gov.  (*.pdf)

 

Iowa DNR - Drowning Machine Brochure  (*.pdf)

The Drowning Machine, by Nate Hoogeveen, Iowa Outdoors Magazine  (*.pdf)