Trails: Open or Closed or WWT?
Are the Equestrian Trails at Shimek Open, Closed or Ride WWT Only?
Shimek Forest - Lick Creek Unit has about 25 miles of equestrian trails of which over 6 miles are Wet Weather Trails (WWT). This system has been developed under the direction of Forester John Byrd and with funding support to begin the system with two grants from the William M and Donna J Hoaglin Foundation. DNR and FOS fund WWT maintenance each year, as their budgets permit. Thanks to a grant from the Lee County Charitable Fund, there is an additional section under development to help riders stay off the Highway right of way and funds to correct some problems that have developed under this springs onslaught of rain.
The equestrian trails have three riding status categories---OPEN, Wet--Ride WWT only, and CLOSED. Forester John Byrd has prepared the following rules for riding on the Shimek trails in the Lick Creek Unit. We will have a place to ride on all but the soggiest of days---if we follow the rules. If riders do not follow the rules and ride on and damage the dirt trails when the WWT only is open, then the trails will have to be closed more often to protect the dirt trails. So --riders--please follow the rules and don't damage the resource and punish all riders! For your information---the DNR website states that riding on closed Iowa trails carries a fine of $127.50!!
The equestrian trails have three riding status categories---OPEN, Wet--Ride WWT only, and CLOSED. Forester John Byrd has prepared the following rules for riding on the Shimek trails in the Lick Creek Unit. We will have a place to ride on all but the soggiest of days---if we follow the rules. If riders do not follow the rules and ride on and damage the dirt trails when the WWT only is open, then the trails will have to be closed more often to protect the dirt trails. So --riders--please follow the rules and don't damage the resource and punish all riders! For your information---the DNR website states that riding on closed Iowa trails carries a fine of $127.50!!
See below for the WWT Rules and map.
ATTENTION USERS
Wet Weather Trail (WWT) Rules
The WWT system at Shimek includes rocked trails that can withstand riding under wetter conditions than other trails. It is marked by the red line drawn on the map posted on the end of the message kiosk on a large sign at each campground. (The WWT has gravel on it, the other trails are dirt.
- Signs have been installed at the entrance to many of the dirt trails to be sure you know they are NOT part of the WWT. All WWT are gravel.
- To know if trails are open, closed or WWT-only, check the recorded phone message at 319-878-3811 or
- Note that if Shimek is not listed on the Closure Information page, that means that all trails are open. If there is a listing, the date on the closure information site is the last time the status changed...it is still the current status.
- When the WWT system is open for riding and the other trails are closed, please refrain from riding other trails. If there is traffic off the WWT system during these partial closures, then ALL trails will be closed during wet conditions in the future.
- If conditions require it, all trails including the WWT system will be closed. Recorded and online messages will inform, "All trails, including WWT, are closed." No trails are to be ridden when all trails are closed.
- Please be respectful of these trail rules. The Iowa DNR and other partners have invested many resources in the WWT system. The WWT system is provided for riders to enjoy riding at Shimek State Forest when conditions are wet. Thank you for your support in protecting our resources.
- There is about 6 miles of WWT (red in map ) and an additional mile or more of Lick Creek Road that riders can use as WWT ( double dash lines in map).
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NOTICE
This Blog represents the Friends of Shimek State Forest and not the Department of Natural Resources. Please notify FOS of any problems with the material posted here through comments here or via e-mail to FOShimek@gmail.com
does that apply to horse riding only? What if hiking?
ReplyDeleteThese rules are for riders. You can still walk on foot on the trails. However, you will find some very muddy, hard to walk areas on dirt trails that are closed to riders due to rain or spring thaw. There are also miles of hiking only trails in other areas (Donnellson, Keosauqua and Farmington Units) of Shimek Forest that would have fewer trouble spots during wet weather.
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