Mounting Block for all to use.

 Mounting Blocks

This is one of the best announcements we have made in a very long time!

I don't know about you, but I am excited to be able to dismount and mount safely along the trail. 

Sonny Gipe shoveling gravel into the mounting block form.

                                 

Finished product!

 

Announcing: Trail Side Mounting Blocks Installed!!! Forester John Byrd, DNR Forest staff member Ben Hassman and Sonny Gipe, FOS Board member got it done today!! Many thanks from all of us riders to this group. Sonny purchased the material, with donations from FOS members, and constructed the three wooden mounting blocks in his home shop. They are the same type as were constructed by FOS Past-President Ringo Covert for the campgrounds earlier. Today, using DNR equipment, the blocks (and gravel) were transported to their final locations and filled with gravel. So they are there now for your convenience in getting on and off your horse while riding. As Forester John Byrd said in announcing this: " Mounting blocks are installed at trail markers 3, 11, and 13. Come ride and try them out!"

Photos (courtesy of John Byrd) and a map are attached here. Many thanks for this convenience to everyone who helped. Now from FOS --we expect riders to keep this area clean--it is not a trash place nor is it realistic to have any trash containers out there--so please be sure you leave no trash there but as always, bring anything back you carry in and dispose of it or recycle properly in the campground.

Thank you (Sonny) for taking the time to construct the forms and help finish the project for all to enjoy. Also Thank you to the DNR staff that brought the rock and tools to complete this task.

As our riding season gets shorter, always remember to be kind, be courteous, and smile because it looks good on you! You never know who's day you will make with that simple gesture.

May your troubles be less, your blessing more, and may nothing but happiness come through your door.

Kathy

President/Editor

Volunteer Work Day September 23, 2023

Volunteer Work Day

The Iowa DNR held a Volunteer Work Day to upgrade a few of the camping sites and install some much-needed fire rings.

  

Sep. 23, 2023 was Iowa Volunteer Day. DNR Technician Patrick Thomas, Friends of Shimek Board Member Teresa Murray, and Dave Forsythe, DNR Summer Staff met at the Lower Campground to begin the installation of some new fire rings as part of the project to upgrade camping sites in the Lick Creek Lower Campground. Funding for the fire rings was provided by the Lee County Charitable Fund. They completed the installation of three new fire rings as shown in the photos. There are ten more to be installed to complete the project. Patrick thanked Teresa and Dave for their participation today.

I huge Thank You to those that could attend to assist with this project.

Kathy

President/Editor

Photos courtesy of Patrick Thomas.