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

Shimek Forest Road Conditions

 

Ready to get the horse loaded up? The weather will be great!

But --wait a little bit longer!

I am just a eager as the next person to hit the trails.  I'm ready to get some fresh air after being cooped up all winter.  We need to be a little bit more patient.  Hopefully, we will get this snow melted, the trails firmed up, and  ready to ride once all the conditions are more favorable to ride.

Start making that list of things to do once the weather allows us to be out in the woods.

I can hardly wait to see everyone along the trails.

Until then - be safe - be healthy.  

Spring is just around the corner.

Happy Trails are coming!

Kathy

Editor

Shimek Camping Fees have changed

 

It's February!

Is anyone ready to load up the camper and go camping?

Check out the fee changes before you head to your favorite camp site.

It will soon be time to hit the trails.  Let's start planning the ways we can help with trail maintenance.  We need to be mindful of down trees, briars that are hanging out in the trail, and the always ongoing trash that accumulates along the trails.  Our forest is a beautiful place to ride and enjoy it's serenity.  We all need to pitch in to keep it that way.

Winter will soon be over.  Spring is around the corner.  Trail riding is coming into focus.

  Until we meet on the trail, be safe!

Kathy 

FOS Editor

Photo and fee update by

Lora Conrad

Winter in all its glory.

 

Winter Wonder Land

January the month that is usually long and dreary.  It is normal the month that we just must settle into winter and make do.  There is nothing extremely special about it.

What a surprising winter start this year.  I cannot remember ever having such a beautiful expression of wintery splendor than the first week of this month produced.  Snow, rain, freezing rain, and frost made for a scene of wonder and merriment. We were blessed to get a glimpse of the forest this year during the winter.  The winding, curvy uphill road covered in this wintery mix leading up to the Lick Creek campgrounds usually doesn’t allow for many to reach the top; let alone experience the trees in their shiny glory. 

Take a look at some of the most magnificent looking winter wonderland trees within the forest.

As you can see the road is snow covered and the trees are hanging with sparkling frozen ice covered with a layer of frost.

These trees are standing tall as if to say "Look at me.  See how tall I stand"

There is something soothingly peaceful about these soft pine needles covered in snow.

                                                                                               Gently swaying is the brilliant winter sun.

Looking through a tunnel of dancing delight.

I hope you enjoy these photos as much as I have.  They are absolutely stunning.

Let each day begin with new wonders and adventures.  

Let this year bring peace and joy to you.

Photos Courtesy of Ross and Kathy O'Day

Kathy 

FOS Blog Editor 

Reflections of 2020

 Reflections on 2020

There wasn't much positive about they year 2020 or was there?  We have the choice to focus on all the negative or dig deep and reflect on the positive.  I don't know about you, but positive thinking sure sounds better to me.

Let's take a look at some of the events that happened within the Forest in 2020.

January 1, 2020 - DNR hosted at First Day hike coordinated by Patrick Thomas. There were 43 people who attended this event. Friends of Shimek supplied snacks.  What a fun way to start the year off.

March 7th - Friends of Shimek held a Volunteer Recognition Dinner at Little Mexico in Mt. Pleasant.  Gary and Denise Schieffer were recognized as Bennett Volunteers of the year.  Ann Bennett, DNR John Byrd, and Patrick Thomas as well as the Hoaglin Foundation were honored.  A total of 31 volunteers were recognized.  It was a fun filled evening with many memories shared by all.

March 18th- Friends of Shimek was awarded 5 gallons of stain by Diamond Vogal under the Paint Iowa Beautiful program.  This stain will be used to refinish the picnic tables throughout the various Shimek Forest camp locations.

As many of us know COVID started having a huge impact on how we could socialize, work, and enjoy the parks.  Many of the work days were cancelled.  The use of the camp sites were restricted.  

People began to get creative with "social distancing."  The day parking areas became filled to capacity with trucks and trailers just about every weekend.  People were tired of being cooped up so many of them hit the trails hiking, biking, or horse back riding.  Everyone was courteous to allow plenty of space between each other.  You could hear the sound of people visiting, laughing, and having a good time while out on the trails. More people were camping.  The use of the equestrian campsites were booked full most all weekends.   

September 26th - DNR Patrick Thomas coordinated a Volunteer workday.  The tables were spaced safely apart to allow volunteers to have sufficient room to stain the picnic tables.  All the tables had been pressure washed and were ready for the stain to be applied.  The tables looked beautiful once completed.

October 13th - DNR personnel John Byrd and Patrick Thomas hosted the Director of DNR and the Assistant Director for a morning of trail riding at Shimek.  They were joined by Bonnie Moothart, Doug Moothart, and Ann Bennett.  A delicious lunch was provided for all participants.  A few FOS volunteers collected, sorted, and bagged cans for recycling.  

October-November - The DNR crew worked diligently on resurfacing the Wet Weather Trails.  The roads were cleared, built up where needed, leveled, and new fine lime chip rock was applied to the trails.  The Wet Weather Trails looked so clean and fresh.  We are grateful for these trails. 2020 provided an excessive amount of rain which closed the dirt trails a large portion of the prime riding season.  These Wet Weather Trails allow for people to continue to get out for exercise and fresh air.  

 As you can see if we look real hard, we can find something positive even during a very challenging negative year.  If we focus on the negative, then there is very little room to find the positive in all situations.  I choose to look for the good and positive.  How about you?

Covid is not over.  It doesn't seem to be slowing down.  

Covid will not beat us, unless we let it.  Let's have a better 2021.

This coming year lets try to:

Challenge someone to help clean trails

Organize an activity to improve the campsites

Volunteer some time to clear trails and trim low hanging branches

Initiate a safe organized workday.

Develop ways to be helpful.

Let's let this COVID become a useful tool this coming year.

May your 2021 be a blessed year.  May you find the "good" in all the circumstances the New Year holds.  

Happy Trails this coming year!

Kathy

Editor

THE WILLIAM M. AND DONNA J. HOAGLIN FOUNDATION, INC. (Foundation)

  

                                        Shimek State Forest Wet Weather Trails                                     

This Project was begun after the completion in 2019 of a separate project funded by the Lee County Charitable Fund, and FOS to repair several areas with major weather damage on the Wet Weather Trails at Shimek. The complete re-rocking of over six miles of trails to prolong the life of the trails was begun in fall 2019 and concluded by the end of November 2020. Forester Byrd planned and scheduled the project to perform the work at the best possible time for protecting the trail surfaces. He selected a smaller grind lime-chip size rock for the flatter trails which will be easier on the horses feet and used road rock on the more sloping, vulnerable areas. All work has been completed as documented in the photo page attached.

 All Wet Weather Trails are entering the 2020-21 winter in excellent condition. Never has this been more valuable for the Forest and for the equestrian community in southeast Iowa. Due to the impact of COVID-19 in 2020, the usage of the trails has rocketed as people turned to more outdoor activities for recreation. Forester Byrd estimates that the usage on the trails has at least quadrupled as compared to last year. (There are no precise numbers as so many riders are day-riders.) FOS Board members and Forester Byrd express their appreciation to the Foundation for the support to provide area citizens a high quality, safer trail system for riding in wetter weather.

Documentation and pictures

by Lora Conrad

Editor

Kathy

Shimek State Forest Hike on Your Own First Day Hike 2021 Recommendation

 

Join the First Day Hike Challenge in Iowa State Parks DES MOINES – The Iowa DNR and Travel Iowa invite Iowans to participate in the 2021 First Day Hike Challenge to ring in the New Year through the digital State Park Passport. The challenge takes the place of traditional guided hikes due to COVID-19. “We are looking for ways to encourage both outdoor fun and social distancing,” said Todd Coffelt, Bureau Chief of Parks, Forests and Preserves. “First Day Hikes are a popular tradition in state parks, and the passport is a great way for people to enjoy winter hikes on their own or with their families.” With the First Day Hike Challenge, park visitors can check into any of the more than 50 participating state parks on the passport from Friday, Jan. 1 through the end of Sunday, Jan. 3. Every check-in will qualify for a prize drawing of a 2-night stay at a 2-bedroom cabin at Lake Darling State Park near Brighton. Restrictions will apply on the cabin stay, with reservation fees and other business rules applying. Visitors can go to as many parks as they wish during the weekend -- every check-in counts as a contest entry.  Additionally, visitors will find trail suggestions and directions from park staff under the “More Info” tab for each park entry on the passport. Last year, more than 4,300 people participated in hikes on New Year’s Day across Iowa. Hikers can expect to be surrounded by the quiet beauty of nature in winter, and experience spectacular views, beautiful settings and the cultural treasures offered by Iowa’s State Parks. Participants should dress for the weather, including warm, sturdy boots for winter conditions. For more details on First Day Hikes in Iowa’s State Parks, and to find links to sign up for the Parks Passport, visit www.iowadnr.gov/firstdayhikes.