WATER TRAIL GRANTS FUND DIVERSE PROJECTS The Iowa Natural Resource Commission has approved $61,181 in projects that will be funded under the Iowa Department of Natural Resources' Water Trails Program. That amount will support the development of 253 miles of water trails. A total of $72,844 was requested, and the projects selected will help leverage $283,565 worth of projects. "Just as these projects are being awarded, with this warm spell, I'm sure lots of folks are thinking about getting canoes and kayaks out on the water," says Nate Hoogeveen, Iowa DNR River Programs coordinator. "Thanks to these funds, Iowans will begin seeing nice launches, clear signage, and enriching information about waterways all around the state." Examples of projects include: · An on-water wildlife viewing trail through swamp-like backwaters of Lake Odessa, adjacent to the Mississippi River in southeastern Iowa. · Funding for two counties to create a water trail through the scenic bluffs and wild lands of the Maquoketa River. · A boat-based camping area at Yellow Banks Park in Polk County. · A water trail through small rapids and wild areas on the Middle Raccoon and South Raccoon rivers in Guthrie and Dallas counties. The Middle Raccoon River is a Protected Water Area, designated for it's scenic and unique geological qualities. Iowa DNR Water Trails Awards for Fiscal Year 2008 · Maquoketa River Water Trail, Jackson County; $6,560 to the Jackson County Conservation Board. · Maquoketa River Water Trail, Mon Maq Dam to Pictured Rocks; $5,000 to the Jones County Conservation Board. · Odessa Water Trail; $5,962 to Tri-River Conservation Foundation. · Bends and Beaches, Lower Wapsipinicon Water Trail; $9,512 to the Clinton County Conservation Board. · Middle/South Raccoon River Water Trail; $13,776 to the Dallas County Conservation Board. · Wapsipinicon River Water Trail; $9,134 to the Bremer County Conservation Board. · Yellow Banks Watercraft Campground; $4,485 to the Polk County Conservation Board. · Skunk River Water Trail; $5,507 to the Polk County Conservation Board. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - To unsubscribe from the IOWA-TOPICS list, send any message to: [log in to unmask] Check out our Listserv Lists support site for more information: http://www.sierraclub.org/lists/faq.asp