FOS July 2020 Update: Holiday Riding and Camping and Cancellation of Work Day

Cancellation of July 8 Group Work Day.

The FOS Board and the Shimek DNR staff have decided to cancel the July 8th scheduled FOS Work Day.  The wet conditions we are currently experiencing make it unlikely that we can do any work on the dirt trails nor can we paint or stain unless the wooden tables and posts have thoroughly dried.  These issues combined with the continuing risk of COVID-19 mean we are cancelling this group work day.

Holiday Camping and Riding

If you are camping and riding over the holiday at Shimek, please stay off the dirt trails which are closed to avoid damage to them while they are so wet.  Right now the Wet Weather Trails are open, but rains are still in the forecast.  The trails status is posted by DNR  at https://www.iowadnr.gov/Places-to-Go/State-Parks/Alerts-and-Closures In addition a phone message is left on the DNR Shimek Headquarters phone at 1-319-878-3811 regarding trail status.  FOS also posts this information on Facebook as quickly as we learn of any changes, but our posts are unofficial.

Do your Part to Keep your Friends and Family Safe.

As you camp and enjoy the forest over this holiday weekend , please remember to follow the CDC guidelines to keep a safe distance from others and to wear face masks when around others as well.  Bring your hand sanitizer and use it often! We are all being asked to help slow the spread of this dangerous disease by not unknowingly infecting others when near them.  Many people have few if any symptoms while in the the early, highly contagious stages of the disease.  The person you save from COVID may be your best friend.