First Day Hike

 

First Day Hike

Welcome to 2022

First Day Hike at Shimek Forest -Black Oak Lake

Join DNR Technician Patrick Thomas for a guided hike at 9:00AM on January 1, 2022 . This will be a 2.5 mile, moderate difficulty hike with one water crossing. Meet at the Black Oak Parking lot. (See x on the map) The guided hike will start at the parking lot and go toward marker 6 then to marker 5 and on to marker 4.. At marker 4 go up the long steady hill to marker 3 then out to the road and back down to the parking lot. (See marker numbers on the map). Current weather predictions are for highs in the 20's and snow. There is no building there for shelter. We will advise if cancelled. For any questions, cancellation information and if you plan to attend, please email Patrick Thomas Patrick.Thomas@dnr.iowa.gov, or call (319) 931-7805.

You can use the Iowa State Park Passport to check into Shimek Forest Black Oak or state parks from Friday, December 31, 2021 through the end of Sunday, January 2, 2022. Your check-in counts as an entry into a prize drawing for a 2-night stay at Lake Darling State Park, Brighton, Iowa!

Please dress accordingly, and be safe.

Kathy

Editor

Trails are Open 11-5-2021

 The trails are OPEN.  

There are still muddy spots.  The leaves on the trails can also be very slick.  Please use caution when riding the dirt trails.

Forester John Byrd notified us that all equestrian trails are open. Exercise caution regarding hunting seasons. Dates posted on our Facebook site and blog. FOS Board Member Marsha Achenbach rode the trails this morning and made the following comment: "Stay alert on the footing. Dirt trails not exactly "dry". Building leaf cover keeps moisture there and keeps the trails still slickery. Also covers up erosion areas, rocks, tree debris. Had good ride this AM on some dirt trails-- just hope riders are aware and ride safe. Beautiful out there."

Stay Safe!

Kathy

Editor

Fall rain closes dirt trails.

 Fall is definitely in full swing.  The temperatures have dropped to the seasonal cool, damp, wet characteristics that goes along with fall.  Leaves are dropping with a hint of color starting to show in the trees.  It is the time of year that campfires and hot cocoa warm the soul.  The campgrounds are open to all that want to brave the cool weather.  

As many of you know with the unpredictable fall weather, changes have been implemented as to where we can safely ride and enjoy the forest.

Forester John Byrd reported that Shimek Forest had 2.4 inches of rain yesterday (10/24). As a result, the dirt trails are muddy and have been closed. The Wet Weather Trails remain open at this time. 

Get out and enjoy the brisk fall days as long as they last.  Winter will be upon us soon enough.

May your days be bright and your soul filled with cheer.

Until we meet on the trail again, stay safe and stay warm.

Editor

Kathy

Workday at Shimek 9-25-21

DNR and Friends of Shimek Workday a big success.

DNR Technician Patrick Thomas and Forester John Byrd were joined by nine Friends of Shimek volunteers for the annual DNR Volunteer Work Day in Shimek Forest's Lick Creek Unit on Saturday, 9/25/21..a lovely morning for working. John Byrd updated the volunteers on activities in the forest and Patrick assigned tasks including removal of downed trees in hard to access locations, picking up trash tossed by riders, cleaning firepits and staining table planks and other wooden surfaces as part of the

Paint Iowa Beautiful grant.

Bill and Linda Fiordeliese painted new planks to be used on picnic tables as part of the Paint Iowa Beautiful Grant from Diamond Vogel Paint Company. DNR Technician Patrick Thomas assisted by staining the wood on the mounting blocks as well as helping with the staining of the boards. Patrick setup the materials for the project as well.

Neal Hartman and Bob Bender on horseback and Debbie Miller on Ms. Kitty, with chain saws onboard, went out to trail areas not easily accessible by ATV to clear down trees. 

It was a beautiful fall day to be out riding and working.  It was an enjoyable day to say the least.

Fall colors are showing up.  I would encourage you to check out the multiple colors of foliage within the forest.

As always, be respectful of fellow riders, hikers, and now hunters along your trail.  Continue to be mindful to social distance, and use precautions as needed.

May the trails you ride be peaceful and filled with merriment!

Editor

Kathy

Photos by Jo Watson

2021 Shimek Forestry Field Day

 

Each year specialists come from across the state to teach Iowans in Southeast Iowa about current forestry issues. ISU Extension and Outreach of Lee County, Iowa DNR and the Iowa Woodland Owners Association will host the 43rd Anniversary of Forestry Field Day on October 5, 2021 from 8:30 am to 3:05 pm at White Oak Campground (Donnellson Unit) in Shimek State Forest.

Topics to be discussed this year will include timber market update, Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) update, Iowa Woodland Owners Association and Tree Farm update, forest management for birds, insects and disease threats to Iowa forests, and exploring the forest understory.

According to Whitney Weisinger, ISU Extension and Outreach Program Coordinator, "The Shimek Forestry Field Day is a perfect example of how Iowa State University Extension & Outreach brings science-based research to real-world applications for landowners. Through programs such as this, the Lee County Extension and Outreach office has been improving the lives of area residents for over 100 years!"

To register for the event please contact Whitney, at the Lee County Extension Office, at 319-835-5116 or weisinge@iastate.edu by September 28, 2021. Registration cost is $15.00 per participant payable the day of the event.

ISU Extension and Outreach is part of an educational network supported by Iowa State University, local county governments, and the United States Department of Agriculture. ISU Extension and Outreach works to provide learning opportunities for citizens of Iowa by providing unbiased, research-based information that will improve quality of life.

JOHN BYRD • Area Forester Shimek State Forest Iowa Department of Natural Resources c 319-878-3811 33653 Rte J56, Farmington, Ia 52626

Annual Iowa Volunteer Day September 25, 2021

Shimek State Forest Work Day Event

9-25-21

If you would like to lend a helping hand, meet with DNR Patrick Thomas at 9 am.

As always, stay safe and utilize social distancing.

Enjoy your time in the forest!

Kathy

Editor

 

Lick Creek Bridge is now OPEN.

The Lick Creek Bridge is now OPEN for traffic.

However, the bridge 1.5 miles west of Donnellson is CLOSED for replacement. The estimated reopen date is Mid November.

 8/23/21 Updates on Bridges between Farmington and Donnellson and impact on Lick Creek entrance.

#1: The new Lick Creek Bridge is open and the entrance off of Hiway 2 to Lick Creek is clear and much improved with asphalt, as reported by DNR Technician Patrick Thomas.. However, there is still some work going on near the bridge so drive with caution in the area. Access to Lick Creek entrance from Farmington should now be much easier.

#2: According to the Iowa Department of Transportation’s Fairfield construction office, replacement of the Iowa 2 bridge over Sugar Creek, 1.5 miles west of Donnellson in Lee County, will require closing the roadway to traffic beginning TODAY and expected to complete in mid-November, weather permitting. DOT says motorists will be detoured around the work zone with a marked detour using Iowa 2, Lee County roads W-46 and J-40, and U.S. 218. (Note--This is the route originally posted by DOT for going around both bridges and shown on the map on the FOS FB page. Other routes may can be used now to access Lick Creek but that is not known at this time.)

Please continue to follow the detour routes to access the Equestrian trails.

Update noted by Lora Conrad

Post by

Kathy

Editor

Trails are open 8-18-21

 The trails are open!!!

Forester John Byrd has opened the trails.  There are some wet boggy spots so please use extra caution to avoid injury to animal and rider.  These wet soggy areas still need time to dry.  

The entrance to the Lick Creek Unit is now open for use.  DOT has completed the shoulder work.  

The bridge at Lick Creek will be open for use on Monday, August 23.  However, the bridge west of Donnellson on Highway 2 will be replaced next.

May your next trip to the forest be an enjoyable one.

Kathy

Editor

Dirt Trails are CLOSED 7-31-21

UPDATE 7-31-2021

Advised by DNR officer Patrick Thomas

The Dirt Trails are now CLOSED due

 to the 

recent heavy rainfall. 

 

 The WWT is still available for use at the present time.  

Please refrain from using the dirt trails as it takes longer to reopen when there are deep pockets made in the trails.

As always, have a safe and enjoyable time during your ride, hike, or visit to the forest.

Kathy

Editor

Trails are OPEN 7-22-21

The trails are OPEN as of today 7-22-21.

John Byrd, Area Forester, has advised the trails are now

OPEN.  There are probably some wet spots that need to be avoided if at all possible.  For the most part, the trails are in good shape and ready to ride

Can you find this hidden treasure within the forest?

As the temperatures rise, be mindful to stay hydrated.  It is important to take breaks to rest your animals and yourself often.  Remember to drink plenty of fluids and offer your animal water frequently.

Happy trails to you, until we meet again.

Happy trails to you, keep smiling until then.

Put a song in your heart and a smile on your face.

Enjoy your ride!

Kathy

Editor

 

Successful Workday 7-7-21

A very long overdue workday took place on 

July 7-7-2021

A huge THANK YOU to all the volunteers that made this workday an enormous success.  

THANK YOU

Forester John Byrd, DNR Patrick Thomas and Ringo Covert for organizing this event.

Covid may have slowed the work days down, 

but it didn't stop progress from being made at a later date.

Wednesday July 7th Friends of Shimek held a Workday. First one since COVID began. FOS President Ringo Covert was the Coordinator . Forester John Byrd and four of his crew worked with ten FOS Volunteers to get a lot done in the campgrounds. Assignments are being discussed in this early morning photo as people arrived.

 

Cans were sorted and 

bagged to be hauled 

away for redemption

Ann, Pam, Addison, 

and Marsha did a 

great job organizing

them.

Tie rails were taken down and new sturdy one were put up to replace the old ones.  A much needed improvement for safety of rider and animal.

Out with the old....

           In with the new.

The stalls were also given a fresh layer of lime stone.  Unfortunately, several needed to be cleaned prior to any maintenance being done to them. Alan, Ringo, and Bob did a great job leveling and raking the lime in each stall. 

Fire pits were cleaned.  Let's chat a little about fire pits.  They are intended to burn wood, charcoal, or wood chips.  They are not intended to be trash collectors.  Aluminum cans, glass bottles, plastic bottles, silverware, or bags do not burn.  They leave a very big mess that someone has to clean out before the next person can use it.  Please bag those items and place them in the trash dumpster provided near the manure pits.

Bill and Linda Fiordelise cleaned the firepits.

Thoughts to ponder - are you willing?

Friends of Shimek are always looking for new (young or young at heart) volunteers to join the work days.  Anyone and everyone is welcome to come help make Shimek Forest a beautiful place to spend time riding, hiking, camping, or just a drive through on a Sunday afternoon.  There is a serenity about this park that makes a person just relax and enjoy the time spent within the forest.

Watch for the next post on a future work day.  It will be posted on our Facebook and Blog pages.

Until then - May you always have a song in your heart, a smile on you face, and find that peace to carry you on.

Kathy

Editor

Help raise funds

 Additional stalls are in the works. 

Would you like to help make this possible?

Friends of Shimek is raising funds to add 2 stalls to each of the three horse shelters in the Lick Creek Unit. We need $4,000 which combined with the $2,000 from a Lee County Charitable Fund grant would enable the DNR Crew to add two stalls to each of the three horse shelters this summer...six new stalls.. As of today, 7/10, we have received $1,100 in donations for the shelter expansion and another $500 for trail maintenance. We very much appreciate each person who has donated to-date.

CAN YOU HELP? Send a check made out to Friends of Shimek to Lee County Bank, c/o Debbie Miller, FOS Treasurer, 2501 Ave. L, Ft. Madison, IA 52627.

Use of the stalls is free for paid overnight campers on a first come-first served basis.

Being able to secure your horse/mule/donkey in a stall is a comforting feeling as you are sitting around the campfire visiting with friends or when you turn in for the night.  Each stall provides ample room for your animal to rest and relax.  The stalls also provide shelter from inclement weather, pesky flies, and the hot sun. 

Please consider the well being of your prize possession (horse/mule/donkey) if you would like to contribute for the construction of more stalls.

May the trails your ride be a blessing to you and others you encounter along the way!

Kathy

Editor

Work Day Scheduled for July 7th

 Any and all available volunteers are welcome to lend a helping hand.

FRIENDS OF SHIMEK FOREST (FOS) JULY 7 WORK DAY –

  CAN YOU COME HELP? 

Come join other friends of Shimek at the Lick Creek Lower Campground on Wednesday, July 7th at 8:30 AM at the gravel circle as you first arrive at the campground. Forester John Byrd will give us an update on what is happening at Shimek. Then he and Work Day Coordinator Ringo Covert will assign work day tasks, volunteers will sign liability forms and volunteer log. After a morning of work, all will return to the Lower Campground at noon to report back on progress, then rest a while with friends. Bring a sack lunch (if you like), water provided. Don't forget your blaze orange Friends of Shimek work vest if you have one. There will be some loaners available to identify all of us as volunteers. Remember—no previous volunteer experience necessary. The threat of COVID-19 is not gone, so people will be distributed around the camp to work and out onto the trails to work. Extra care to socially distance, wear gloves and masks as appropriate is advised.

Areas where work is needed include the following. In campgrounds: putting gravel around hitching rails, fire rings cleaned, lime placed in stalls, sort recycle cans. On the trails: pick up cans and bottle, clear downed trees, cut back multi-flora. If you plan to bring an ATV and/or chains saw, please contact Forester John Byrd in advance (319-878-3811).

Should weather cause cancellation, it will be posted on FB and sent to the FOS e-mail list and to anyone who has responded that they will attend. RSVP, if desired, to FOShimek@gmail.com.

Lets make some Happy Trails 

Kathy

Editor

Dirt Trails are closed again. Wet Weather Trails are open.

 

Effective 6-24-21 per Shimek DNR staff

The dirt trails are CLOSED.  Too much rain has left them wet, slippery,  or standing in water.

The Wet Weather Trail is open for use.

We will post a new alert once the dirt trails are open for riding again.  

Please spread the word on the trail conditions.

Until we meet again.

Happy Trails

Kathy

Editor

Trails Are OPEN 6-3-21

 

On June 3, 2021 Forester John Byrd  opened the dirt trails for riding.  There are still some boggy spots so please avoid those areas if at all possible.

Remember to share the trails with a smile and a kind word as you pass by other riders or hikers.

Go enjoy this beautiful weather in one of the most colorful forests in this area.

Happy Trails

Kathy

Editor

Dirt Trails are CLOSED - Camping Fee Increase reminder

 Spring brings rain showers!

The dirt trails have been closed for the time being.

May 1st Camping Fee Increases

Lick Creek Unit - Upper & Lower campground rates will be $13 per night.

Bitternut & White Oak campground will be $9 per night.

The weather is finally getting to be nice enough to enjoy camping and riding.  As we know spring showers pop up quite frequently, so go prepared for any unexpected weather conditions.

Have fun, enjoy your ride, bike, or hike, and continue to be respectfully of everyone you meet along the trail.

Stay Safe! 

I hope to see you on the trail soon!

Kathy

Editor. 

Trails are OPEN 4-16-21

The Trails are Open.

We are expecting rain and colder temperatures in the next few days.  Please avoid the very soggy, wet areas so they will dry properly.

There was a  rider out checking trails this am after they were opened: Riders should exercise caution as some dirt trails remain slick—especially in the creek bottoms and heavier timber.

As always, stay safe- be courteous of fellow riders- do your part to keep the trails clean - allow plenty of social distancing space between riders - but most of all - enjoy your time in the forest!

Happy Trails

Kathy 

Editor

Bridge is now closed as of April 7, 2021

 Lick Creek Bridge is officially closed!

There is access to Lick Creek road.

Want to ride in the Lick Creek Unit of Shimek? 

You can still get there - you just have to travel a little bit further to reach your destination.  

 Reminder: According to DOT, they will close Highway 2 for through traffic between Farmington and Donnellson beginning April 7th. Traffic from Farmington to the Lick Creek entrance WILL BE OPEN! See this Map from DOT. To get to the Lick Creek entrance which is immediately west of the "Lick Creek Bridge Project" on the map, you must drive from Farmington east on Highway 2. (They are replacing the Lick Creek Bridge. ) You may encounter construction crews and equipment on that section of highway 2, so you need to be extra careful and expect possible delays.

As always, please stay clear of the construction site.  Be mindful of any construction equipment or workers along the road or site area.  

Let make the best of this inconvenience and still enjoy a summer full of camping, riding, and hiking.

I hope to see you along the trail one day soon!

Kathy

Editor

Road and bridge closures on Hwy 2

Be advised Highway 2 west bound (Donnellson to Farmington) traffic will be closed starting March 29, 2021 at 8 am.

Please plan accordingly!

Bridge closure on Iowa 2 east of Farmington begins at 8 a.m. Monday, Mar. 29  

Posted on: March 22, 2021

FAIRFIELD, Iowa – Mar. 22, 2021 – Replacement of the Iowa 2 bridge over Lick Creek (4.3 miles east of the junction with Iowa 81) east of Farmington, and the bridge over Sugar Creek (1.8 miles west of U.S. 218), will require closing the road to traffic over the Lick Creek bridge beginning at 8 a.m. Monday, Mar. 29, until late-June, weather permitting, according to the Iowa Department of Transportation’s Fairfield construction office.

Once the Lick Creek bridge opens, the Sugar Creek bridge will close for construction. The bridge projects will be coordinated so the Iowa 2 bridges are not closed at the same time.

Lick Creek Project: This project involves removing the existing steel girder and floor beam bridge and replacing it with a single span beam bridge. The project will also involve raising the grade, erosion control, paving the shoulders, and installing new guardrail.

Sugar Creek Project: This project involves removing the existing steel I-beam/concrete beam bridge and replacing it with a pretensioned, prestressed concrete beam bridge. The project will also involve raising the grade, erosion control, paving the shoulders, and installing new guardrail.

Detour Route: Through traffic on Iowa 2 will be detoured using U.S. 218, Lee County Road J-40/160th Street, and Lee County Road W-46/100th Avenue. It is anticipated the detour will be in place for most of the construction season. Local traffic will have access to Iowa 2 except for the bridges crossing over Lick Creek and Sugar Creek (see map).

Additional shoulder construction and micro surfacing operations will be active along Iowa 2. Flaggers, pilot cars and signalized lights will be in place to assist motorists in getting around the work zones.

The Iowa DOT reminds motorists to drive with caution, obey the posted speed limit and other signs in the work area, and be aware that traffic fines for moving violations are at least double in work zones. As in all work zones, drivers should stay alert, allow ample space between vehicles, and wear seat belts.

The latest traveler information is available anytime through our 511 system. Visit 511ia.org; call 511 (within Iowa) or 800-288-1047 (nationwide); stay connected with 511 on Facebook or Twitter (find links at https://iowadot.gov/511/511-social-media-sites); or download the free app to your mobile device.

It’s easy to subscribe to Your 511 and sign up to receive the email/text alerts. Visit https://new.511ia.org/#login to sign up. For instructions and help for this feature, visit https://www.511ia.org/help/section/how-to-create-and-manage-a-511-account.html.

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Contact: Hector Torres-Cacho at 641-469-4007 or hector.torres-cacho@iowadot.us

Camp Fee Increase Reminder 2021

 

Camp Fees have increased. 

 Before you drop your deposit in the box, make sure you have enclosed the correct amount.

WHOA!

Just a friendly reminder of the DNR fee changes statewide announced earlier this year.

Lick Creek overnight camping fee for both Upper and Lower campgrounds has increased.

New Fee is $13 per night 

October 16, 2021 to April 30, 2022 the fee will be $10

Have a wonderful time camping, riding and hiking this coming season.  Let's hope the weather cooperates and gives us some beautiful days on the trails.  Stay safe and enjoy yourself.

Editor

Kathy

Update on the road into Shimek 3-10-21

 

The news we have all been waiting for has arrived! 

Update on roads and trails at Shimek Lick Creek Unit. 

Forester John Byrd advised today (3/10) that roads are clear and passable now. Wet Weather Trails are open and good for riding. 

All dirt trails still closed due to some very slimy spots and downed trees. Please stay off of the dirt trails - they will be opened as soon as firm enough for riding. 

Campgrounds are clear of snow but ground off the gravel pads VERY soft so take care if you pull into a camping space to stay on the pad.

Upper day parking is clear. Lower day parking is still partly occupied by logs, but they are being removed.

As always, be mindful of fellow riders and hikers.  We need to share the trails in a joyful and cheerful manner.  Take time to be respectful and responsible for the items you carry along.  (if you have room to carry a bottle, can, or snack in, you have room to bring it back out with you.)  Please help keep the trails clean and well maintained.

Have a safe and wonderful time within the forest.

Happy Trails

Kathy

Editor

Road condition update as of 2-25-21

Entrance to Shimek Forest 

Oh the weather outside is delightful. I'm so ready to go riding it is frightful. 

Oh wait - winter is not quite over yet!

It's so hard to wait!  Here is want the conditions look like at Shimek Lick Creek right now.  We better think twice before hooking up and heading out.

Update on the status of Lick Creek Roads - Road and Equestrian Campgrounds in Shimek as of 2/25/2021.  As the snow turns to icy slush, road conditons are, if anything, even worse that earlier as the mud season creeps even closer.  John Byrd, Forester said: "The roads are VERY SLOPPY."

This is the entrance view to Lick Creek Unit. 

 As you can see it is still snow, ice, slush, and then mud covered.

And then there is the Concrete Hill to manipulate.  I'm pretty sure this would be a very challenging endeavor to maneuver this hill with a trailer in tow and actually make it safely up the hill.  As the saying goes, things that go up must come down.  One way or another.  

The campgrounds do look so lovely and peaceful though - at least for the moment...but looks can be deceiving as we all know.

Lower campground

Upper campground

The campgrounds looks so lovely and peaceful.  I could envision a few snowball fights and a couple snowmen scattered throughout the camp sites.  A hot campfire would be enticing. We could be sipping on warm coffee or hot chocolate to take the chill away.

Oh, but it would be best to wait until all the road conditions are safe, ice and snow has melted away, and the muddy sloppy mess is a bit more solid.

In due time, we can enjoy a nice hot campfire, hot coffee and chocolate, and the ever present merriment of fellow campers.

Spring is coming - the geese are heading North.  It won't be too long before the trails will be buzzing with riders and hikers.

Until then - May the sun shine brighten your winter spirits, may you find peace in the clear blue skies and warmer weather.

Photos courtesy of Patrick Thomas, DNR Technician. By the way- he was not pulling or attempting to pull a trailer on these road conditions.

Kathy

Editor