Campground Updates from DNR 5-20-20

Update from DNR Shimek Technician Patrick Thomas and Forester John Byrd:

Lick Creek Equestrian Trails continue as Wet Weather Trails Only open. It is very wet at Shimek. Dirt trails closed.
Pit toilets to open in Shimek on Friday May 22, Bitternut and White Oak campgrounds will have one pit toilet open only all other pit toilets will reopen.

Forest visitors are reminded to avoid gatherings of groups larger than 10. DNR staff will continue to remind and educate visitors to practice physical distancing while enjoying the Forest. Visitors should also be aware of the following guidelines:

In campgrounds, only campers with overnight reservations will be allowed. NO CAMPGROUND VISITORS.
Only six overnight occupants per campsite will be allowed, unless immediate family contains more than six.
Communal picnic tables and grills are open for use at your own risk.

Reminder everyone: no visitors will be allowed in the campgrounds.

Day riders can use the day parking areas.

Thank you for your patience and flexibility. We appreciate your support of Iowa state forests and parks as we all work together to keep each other safe.

Kathy

Editor

DNR Trail closure 5-15-2020

 

 

Heavy Rain has closed the dirt trails at this time.

 

 

FOS MAY 19 Workday Cancelled due to COVID-19 Concerns.



The FOS Board of Directors has cancelled the May 19th Work Day scheduled at Shimek Forest's Lick Creek Unit. We thank everyone that was planning to come work and help our DNR staff with cleanup and maintenance that day. However, with concerns about COVID-19 and its transmission, we are choosing not to have any group gatherings, even out-door work days at this time.

We would encourage those of you going to Shimek to ride horses or hike, for birding or mushrooming or viewing wildflowers while social distancing to please take along a trash bag and help pickup cans/trash that have been tossed along the paths or into the woods.

 An hour doing this by everyone who goes out to the forest and we would have all that trash gone! If you do--be sure to wear disposable gloves when handling trash/bottles/cans. If you do, let us know--even send pics! Send to FOShimek@gmail.com.


 

 

 

 



We appreciate your help and will let you know when a FOS Group Work Day is scheduled.

  Stay safe. 

 

 

Kathy

 

Editor

Changes Regarding Campgrounds at Shimek

PLEASE CONTINUE TO USE SOCIAL DISTANCING AND PRECAUTIONS. 

CHANGES Regarding Campgrounds in Shimek and all state forests and parks effective May 8th.
Today, Governor Reynolds issued a new proclamation opening campgrounds in the state of Iowa, effective Friday, May 8, 2020.
The Iowa DNR will open state campgrounds at 8:00am on Friday, May 8 to campers with self-contained restrooms only. Self-contained is defined as a tent or pop-up camper with a portable toilet or an RV with a functioning, self-contained bathroom. Walk-in campers may begin registering at 8 am.
Friday, May 8 - Sunday, May 10: walk-in only, first come, first served basis
Monday, May, 11: reservations will go into effect
The DNR’s campground reservation system will begin accepting reservations starting Friday, May 8 at 9:00am.
All other reservations will continue as reserved beginning May 15, unless otherwise notified directly by the DNR. The DNR extends an apology to those that had reservations scheduled during the May 8 – May 14 time period. Those reservations will not be honored because refunds have already been issued and the transactions are complete.
While state parks have seen a great influx of visitors at our parks, it is expected to see the same at the campgrounds. Parks staff will be closely monitoring these areas to avoid gatherings of groups larger than 10. Staff presence throughout the parks and campgrounds will remind and educate visitors to continue physical distancing while enjoying some of Iowa’s most beautiful public places. Campers should also abide by the following guidelines:
Visitors will not be allowed in the campgrounds, only those occupying the campsites
Campfires at the individual campsites will be limited to campers occupying that campsite
Six occupants per campsite, unless immediate family contains more than six
Some pit latrines are now open in busier day use areas
All modern restrooms and shower buildings, including water fountains, remain closed
Communal picnic tables and grills are open for use at your own risk
Playgrounds, day-use rental lodges and shelter houses will remain closed
Cabins, yurts and shelter houses will remain closed
Visitors centers, nature centers and museums within state parks will remain closed
Beaches remain open, but will be monitored closely
Some campgrounds may be closed due to construction or maintenance issues, so please check the specific closure information below for each park before planning a camping trip.
For the latest closure information for state parks, campgrounds and trails, visit: www.iowadnr.gov/Places-to-Go/State-Parks/Alerts-and-Closures
The DNR highly recommends practicing physical distancing so that the parks and campgrounds remain open as a viable option for recreational opportunity. Campers should assume personal responsibility and abide by the guidelines set forth.
Iowa has 68 state parks and 4 state forests for visitors to enjoy with hiking trails, lake recreation and camping, to learn more visit: www.iowadnr.gov/Places-to-Go/State-Parks or www.iowadnr.gov/Things-to-Do/Camping

Review the below Iowa State Parks alerts, closures, and important information.

 

 

Kathy

 

Editor

 

All equestrian trails are OPEN as of 5/1/20.

Update from Forester John Byrd and Technician Patrick Thomas.

All equestrian trails are OPEN as of 5/1/20.  Due to the expected high number of riders on the weekends, we are opening the Upper Day Use Parking area each day from 8:00 AM until 8 PM on Friday, Saturday and Sunday (Not open during the week and not at night).  The Lower Day Use Parking area will continue to remain open as it is now. There is still NO CAMPING in any campground at this time.  Please park your trailers in a manner that makes the day use areas conducive for use by other trailers. 

Effective May 1, 2020 one pit toilet in the Lower and Upper Campgrounds, along with Martin Pond will be open for use. These toilets will be unisex.

Here’s how you can help protect yourself and others from COVID-19:

• According to State of Iowa recommendations, limit your group size and stay at least 6 feet away from other visitors.
• If you have been sick in the last two weeks, please stay at home for your health and the safety of others.
• Avoid popular areas where people may congregate 
• Please maintain distance between you and other visitors according to guidelines and recommendations by health officials. Please take into consideration the health of others when spending time outdoors.  
• Pack extra hand sanitizer. Sanitizer will not be easily available due to limited supplies. Be sure and bring your own and use frequently.

Thank you for your patience and flexibility. We appreciate your support as we all work together to keep each other safe.