IOWA TRAILS 2000 MEETINGS
From Jane Clark at [log in to unmask]

Iowans have the opportunity to review the draft Iowa Trails 2000 at a round
of public open houses.   Your input will drive the finalization of the
document this fall, so everyone is encouraged to attend.   (Apologies for
the late notice -- some of the meetings have already taken place, but we
were not on the mailing list for the newsletter).

*Public comment ends August 25th.*  The deadline for written comments on
the Draft Trails document and map is Friday, August 25.

If you are not able to attend one of these meeting, visit the website
>www.dot.state.ia.us<  and fill out the feedback form, or respond by e-mail
or letter to the Iowa DOT.  Your comments will help guide the development
of the trails document, both in policy and in the consideration of specific
corridors.

Consideration of a variety of user groups is to be included, including
walkers and hikers; bicyclists; in-line skaters; equestrians; snowmobile,
off-highway vehicle, and motorbike enthusiasts; and canoeists.

The open houses planned will focus on the trails document and the trail
system map itself.  This will be an important chance for the public to give
input on Iowa Trails 2000 before it is finalized later this year.

The remaining public meetings are:
                August 9, Waterloo Center for the Arts
                August 10, Cedar Rapids, Motor Vehicle Conference room
                August 14, Des Moines Botanical Center
                August 15, Dubuque Public Library

All meetings are from 5:00-7:00pm and have an open house format with a
short presentation at around 6:00.

WATERLOO
Waterloo Center for the Arts,
Peterson Town Hall,
225 Commercial Street
Wednesday, August 9
5 to 7 PM

CEDAR RAPIDS
Motor Vehicle Conference Room,
154 Collins Road
Thursday, August 10
5 to 7 PM

DES MOINES
Oak Room, Des Moines Botanical Center,
909 E. River Drive
Monday, August 14
5 to 7 PM

DUBUQUE
Public Library,
360 W. 11th Street
Tuesday, August 15
5 to 7 PM
==================================================

There should be consideration of a variety of user groups, including
walkers and hikers; bicyclists; in-line skaters; equestrians; snowmobile,
off-highway vehicle, and motorbike enthusiasts; and canoeists.

A discussion of greenways is a part of the trails document. Greenways are
ecological corridors that can accommodate trails, if trail development is
done in a sensitive manner that retains the ecological integrity of the
corridor.

A Technical Advisory Committee has also been established, which has
representatives from a "variety" of interest groups and agencies,
including:

•Iowa Department of Natural Resources •Iowa Department of Economic
Development •Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs •Iowa Natural Heritage
Foundation •Iowa Trails Council •League of Iowa Bicyclists •Polk County
Conservation Board •Iowa Off-Highway Vehicle Association •Iowa Association
of County Conservation Boards •Iowa Northland Regional Council of
Governments •Iowa Farm Bureau Association

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