Sunshine and Soggy Roads

 Plenty of sunshine --leads to soggy roads

This photo was taken on 2/1/22. As you can see there was plenty of snow left in the ditches. As the sun became warmer the snow melted teasing us to get that trailer hooked up, loaded up, and heading to our favorite trails.

BUT Wait -- It's just not quite solid enough for heavy traffic.

Since this sunny weather--while short-lived, has people wondering about the roads into Lick Creek and the trails there, Technician Patrick Thomas made this report today (2/21/22):

" Unfortunately it's that time of year again where the roads are mostly soggy/ sloppy. I wouldn't recommend driving into the Lick Creek Unit with a truck and trailer at this time. The dirt trails are closed and are soggy and just as bad as the roads right now. Traffic on them would make a complete mess right now. I'm sure further into the timber shaded areas the dirt trails would be frozen underneath a thin layer of slick mud that could cause a horse to slip and fall. While the Wet Weather Trails (gravel) are open at this time, they also have a few creek crossings that could be Ice covered or muddy and very slippery at this time. Anyone choosing to ride there should be very cautious near all water crossings until the ground is no longer frozen under a top soft layer. We will have plenty of better riding weather in the future. We just need to wait for the trails to dry. " Note: We will advise you of significant changes to the road and trail status.

Let the sun shine fully in your face, be kind and courteous to others, and always treat others as you would like to be treated.

As the road improves, we will keep you posted.

Until then stay safe.

Kathy

Editor.

JANUARY 12, 2022- Dirt Trails are Closed

 First Closure of the Year

WARNING: ROADS INTO LICK CREEK UNIT ARE VERY TREACHEROUS NOW DUE TO MELTING/REFREEZING SNOW & ICE! 1/12/22.

As we all know, the drive into the Lick Creek Unit is very shaded.  The road will be very slick and still snow packed in places.  Please use extreme caution if you plan to make that drive.

As always, Stay safe

Kathy

Editor

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