Update From Shimek Forester John Byrd.... September 2014

 

What a difference a year makes!  Last year the trails were dry and the Shimek DNR crew got tons of work done.  This year it has been spotty when we could get on the trails and not make more damage than we have fixed.  I guess it is good that we are not in a drought anymore.  

 A few things to look forward to this fall --- besides the horseflies dying.  First of all, Horse Shelter 3 –the one at the Upper Campground--- has been bid.  The winning bid was submitted by Klesner Construction.  They expect to build the new shelter during the last week of September, weather permitting.  This shelter has been designed to be five double stalls instead of the four double stalls of the other two.  The extra set should present better opportunities for campers to get a stall. Building this shelter is a cooperative effort of Friends of Shimek, a grant from the Lee County Charitable Fund, the Shimek DNR Crew and DNR Parks funds.

Another positive note; DNR at Lacey-Keosauqua State Park hired a technician to help with day-to-day activities.  One of these activities includes helping out at Shimek with the FOS, answering camping and other questions, and patrolling the area to ensure everyone’s safety.  His name is Cody Brothersen and he is excited to meet everyone in the community.  You might have seen him already if you have camped or ridden in the last few weeks. His bio and photo are included below—so look for him when you are at Lacey or riding in Shimek and introduce yourself to him. Cody and I look forward to working with Friends of Shimek Volunteers on the September 20^th work day

Lastly, this is the time of year when leaves start changing, cool weather starts peeking in, hunting seasons start, and the Shimek DNR crew starts getting back into the forest.  As you ride you might see red* or blue** marks scattered around the forest.  I am a big advocate of managing the forest resource so the next generation can enjoy the forest like we do now.  With that being said, the longest running annual forestry field day in Iowa is coming up October 7^th and will be in the upper campground this year.  The agenda and details on the Southeast Iowa Forestry Field Day will be posted by Iowa State at http://www.extension.iastate.edu/forestry/publications/new_programs.html (check back if not there yet.)


Enjoy Shimek!

JOHN BYRD, Area Forester

*Trees marked with red paint are to be girdled or felled and left in the timber as part of forest stand improvement.

**Trees marked with blue paint are marked to be harvested and removed.

DNR Technician Profile: Cody Brothersen

 Cody’s hometown is New London, Iowa --- we have riders on the trails at Shimek from New London on occasion. After high school he attended Kirkwood Community College where he received an AAS degree in Parks & Natural Resources.  Cody then went to work for the Army Corps of Engineers at Coralville Lake.  His duties included patrolling campgrounds and keeping people safe.  He worked for the Corps for three years before working as a seasonal park ranger for Lake Ahquabi State Park south of Indianola, Iowa this summer.  Cody has just moved to Lacey-Keosauqua State Park to assist the park manager there and help look after the campgrounds in Shimek State Forest.  Cody is currently attending the University of Iowa, pursuing a degree in criminal justice.  Cody will be living in Lacey-Keosauqua Park housing with his significant other and 2 month old son.  He is very enthusiastic and dedicated to protecting our natural resources for future generations. 

Please welcome Cody if you see him around at Shimek or Lacey or at one of the FOS work days.