Beginning July 1, 2022 Iowa produced a set of traffic laws governing the operation of ATVs and UTVs. The law took away local control. The big selling point of the law is that the vehicles can be operated in all of Iowa’s 99 counties and under 1 licensing structure. The new laws override any county ordinances currently in place.
O’Brien County Conservation Director Travis Scott reported to his board in July that he would like to amend the Conservation policy to reflect the County’s policy. O’Brien County Board of Supervisors have so far declined to do anything with their existing ordinance.
In light of the limbo the Conservation Board did adopt some use rules within its jurisdiction. ATVs and UTVs in campgrounds must stay on roads in the campgrounds. In July the board also chose to close McCormack area except to hiking or foot traffic as a result of the ATV/UTV rules.
Changes to camping rates for the 2023 camping season were addressed, as was reserved spaces verses first come for camper or tent sights. The suggested new prices are for Dog Creek and Douma to go to $20 per night, Mill Creek to go to $25 per night and Tjossem will increase to $15 each night. Monthly camping rates are to go to $525 ($17.50 per night). Scott suggested offering seasonal camping in Dog Creek and Douma Park only for $2500 for the whole season. Scott also wants to require payment in full as opposed to monthly rent for seasonal camping. Some discussion of long-term camping sites at Mill Creek was had. The sites targeted for long term camping are near the highway and do not have full hookups.
The requested pre-registration for tent and camper spaces did not get adopted Likewise, a proposed lottery for camping spots did not get accepted either. Cabin prices for next year were set at $45 for 6-person and $110 for the 12-person. Bins will rent for $140 per night. These rates are for every night during the camping season. Check-in/check-out times were discussed. Time between the departing guests and the arriving guests needs to be spaced sufficiently to allow for cleaning. According to the Camp Hostess at Dog Creek, Lucinda Siekman, the 2 hours can sometimes be challenging. She explained that if all guests stay until checkout, the two hours to clean 2 cabins and 2 bins for check in is really tight. The board decided to leave the check-out time at 11:00am and move the check-in time to 2:00pm.
A grant application was approved to be submitted for the Rural Enrichment Grant to help pay for the playground equipment at the south Dog Creek campground.