April 24, 2020 Iowa state parks extend closures into May The DNR is extending closures of campgrounds and other park facilities through May 14, 2020 to help protect the health of visitors and staff during the COVID-19 health emergency. State parks and forests remain open for day-use opportunities, but visitors are reminded to strictly abide the social distancing rules and not gather in groups. Facilities that will remain closed through May 14 include: Campgrounds, including youth and group camps Bathrooms, including pit latrines and port-a-potties Playgrounds  Cabins, shelters and lodges Visitor centers and museums All programs and events at state parks are cancelled or postponed through at least May 14, 2020. Watch for updates at iowadnr.gov Please be aware that as conditions change, so may policies on park visitation and overnight stays. The DNR will work with guests to cancel reservations affected by this extension. If you have reservations for the month of May after the closure dates and feel cancelling your stay is the safest choice, we will waive the cancellation fee for visits (cabins, campsites, lodges, shelters) with arrival dates through May 31, 2020. A transaction fee of $4.00 ($6.00 for reservations originally made by phone) will still apply. To cancel your May reservation, call (877) 427-2757. Remember to stay home if you feel sick, wash your hands regularly, avoid touching your face, and bring supplies from home including disinfecting wipes, hand sanitizer and other hygiene products. We will keep you informed of any changes moving forward. Please visit the DNR's COVID-19 web page for more information about how COVID-19 is affecting DNR events, facilities and services. Thanks for your continued assistance.

No Additinals Campground Reservations through May 31, 2020

Update re COVID-19 Policies effective now for Shimek Forest Campgrounds (4/13/20).
We learned yesterday that people could not make new May campground reservations at Shimek, so Technician Patrick Thomas has obtained clarification for us. The DNR campgrounds are closed through April 30 as previously described. In addition, there is now a closure for ADDITIONAL RESERVATIONS for all campgrounds and all facilities through May 31. At this time, DNR is expecting to honor all May reservations already made, but does want to prevent any additional reservations from being made. As you can tell from the media, the situation with COVID in Iowa is changing rapidly so be patient, stay safe. Trails are still open for day use, with the lower campground day parking lot available. PRACTICE SOCIAL DISTANCING - see the post on the FOS FB site about how to do that when riding or walking! We will let you know if there are any further changes.

Update from Forester John Byrd re Trails 4/8/20

      

Great News from Forester John Byrd as of 4/8/20!

ALL equestrian trails are open EXCEPT 2 short sections of dirt trail that are temporarily closed due to recent trail work. These are marked on the map attached. They are blocked with flagging and a sign. Please stay off these closed trail sections to let them settle. Riding these short sections now will cause much damage and undo the work we have done.
Please check the trail status before coming to ride as there are chances of rain in the forecast. The trail status message will be on our office phone at 319-878-3811. Thank you for your cooperation--enjoy riding. (Reminder: Campgrounds and toilets remain closed.)

John Byrd
Shimek Forester

 

All Shimek Campgrounds CLOSED immediately

ALERT!!! ALL SHIMEK FOREST CAMPGROUNDS ARE NOW CLOSED

 Per the Governor's orders this morning, all DNR campgrounds are closed immediately and will stay closed at least until the end of April. At Shimek, the campground drive through roads are blocked. Toilets are locked shut. The DAY PARKING Lot on the way to the Lower Campground is OPEN. Day riders are welcome to come ride. The Wet Weather Trails are open. Day hikers are welcome. Please abide by the social distancing guidelines from CDC. (Information provided by Patrick Thomas, DNR Technician) Please share this information with all the campers and riders you know!

Please stay safe everyone! 

Kathy

Editor