FOS July 2020 Update: Holiday Riding and Camping and Cancellation of Work Day

Cancellation of July 8 Group Work Day.

The FOS Board and the Shimek DNR staff have decided to cancel the July 8th scheduled FOS Work Day.  The wet conditions we are currently experiencing make it unlikely that we can do any work on the dirt trails nor can we paint or stain unless the wooden tables and posts have thoroughly dried.  These issues combined with the continuing risk of COVID-19 mean we are cancelling this group work day.

Holiday Camping and Riding

If you are camping and riding over the holiday at Shimek, please stay off the dirt trails which are closed to avoid damage to them while they are so wet.  Right now the Wet Weather Trails are open, but rains are still in the forecast.  The trails status is posted by DNR  at https://www.iowadnr.gov/Places-to-Go/State-Parks/Alerts-and-Closures In addition a phone message is left on the DNR Shimek Headquarters phone at 1-319-878-3811 regarding trail status.  FOS also posts this information on Facebook as quickly as we learn of any changes, but our posts are unofficial.

Do your Part to Keep your Friends and Family Safe.

As you camp and enjoy the forest over this holiday weekend , please remember to follow the CDC guidelines to keep a safe distance from others and to wear face masks when around others as well.  Bring your hand sanitizer and use it often! We are all being asked to help slow the spread of this dangerous disease by not unknowingly infecting others when near them.  Many people have few if any symptoms while in the the early, highly contagious stages of the disease.  The person you save from COVID may be your best friend.

Dirt Trails are closed as of 6-10-20

Attention: June 10, 2020

Equestrians trail are CLOSED at Shimek Lick Creek due to HEAVY RAIN.

 Wet Weather Trails are OPEN. 

 PROTECT THE DIRT TRAILS--PLEASE STAY OFF THEM!

 

 

 

 

Kathy

 

 

Editor

 

 

 

 

 



Trails Open 6-1-20

6/3/20 Note: Please be aware the Dirt trails while open are still wet in low areas. Some places have damage from riders and are still soggy.

The summer heat is upon us.  Please remember to hydrate your horse and yourself.  Take a break under many of the beautiful trees and rest.  Let the summer breeze (if you can find one) cool you down during your ride.

Here are a few things to consider while out enjoying your ride, hike, or drive.

Please be courteous to anyone you meet along your path.  Share a smile, a tip of the hat, or even a brief conversation while observing their and your social distance.  Be mindful of each others needs or concerns.

 It's been a long stressful few months of uncertain times.  Let's help everyone feel good about being out and enjoy your time in the forest.

May the sun shine fully in your face, may the breeze softly blow against your back, and may you find peace in your venture throughout the forest.

Happy Trails

Kathy

Editor 

Campground Updates from DNR 5-20-20

Update from DNR Shimek Technician Patrick Thomas and Forester John Byrd:

Lick Creek Equestrian Trails continue as Wet Weather Trails Only open. It is very wet at Shimek. Dirt trails closed.
Pit toilets to open in Shimek on Friday May 22, Bitternut and White Oak campgrounds will have one pit toilet open only all other pit toilets will reopen.

Forest visitors are reminded to avoid gatherings of groups larger than 10. DNR staff will continue to remind and educate visitors to practice physical distancing while enjoying the Forest. Visitors should also be aware of the following guidelines:

In campgrounds, only campers with overnight reservations will be allowed. NO CAMPGROUND VISITORS.
Only six overnight occupants per campsite will be allowed, unless immediate family contains more than six.
Communal picnic tables and grills are open for use at your own risk.

Reminder everyone: no visitors will be allowed in the campgrounds.

Day riders can use the day parking areas.

Thank you for your patience and flexibility. We appreciate your support of Iowa state forests and parks as we all work together to keep each other safe.

Kathy

Editor

DNR Trail closure 5-15-2020

 

 

Heavy Rain has closed the dirt trails at this time.

 

 

FOS MAY 19 Workday Cancelled due to COVID-19 Concerns.



The FOS Board of Directors has cancelled the May 19th Work Day scheduled at Shimek Forest's Lick Creek Unit. We thank everyone that was planning to come work and help our DNR staff with cleanup and maintenance that day. However, with concerns about COVID-19 and its transmission, we are choosing not to have any group gatherings, even out-door work days at this time.

We would encourage those of you going to Shimek to ride horses or hike, for birding or mushrooming or viewing wildflowers while social distancing to please take along a trash bag and help pickup cans/trash that have been tossed along the paths or into the woods.

 An hour doing this by everyone who goes out to the forest and we would have all that trash gone! If you do--be sure to wear disposable gloves when handling trash/bottles/cans. If you do, let us know--even send pics! Send to FOShimek@gmail.com.


 

 

 

 



We appreciate your help and will let you know when a FOS Group Work Day is scheduled.

  Stay safe. 

 

 

Kathy

 

Editor

Changes Regarding Campgrounds at Shimek

PLEASE CONTINUE TO USE SOCIAL DISTANCING AND PRECAUTIONS. 

CHANGES Regarding Campgrounds in Shimek and all state forests and parks effective May 8th.
Today, Governor Reynolds issued a new proclamation opening campgrounds in the state of Iowa, effective Friday, May 8, 2020.
The Iowa DNR will open state campgrounds at 8:00am on Friday, May 8 to campers with self-contained restrooms only. Self-contained is defined as a tent or pop-up camper with a portable toilet or an RV with a functioning, self-contained bathroom. Walk-in campers may begin registering at 8 am.
Friday, May 8 - Sunday, May 10: walk-in only, first come, first served basis
Monday, May, 11: reservations will go into effect
The DNR’s campground reservation system will begin accepting reservations starting Friday, May 8 at 9:00am.
All other reservations will continue as reserved beginning May 15, unless otherwise notified directly by the DNR. The DNR extends an apology to those that had reservations scheduled during the May 8 – May 14 time period. Those reservations will not be honored because refunds have already been issued and the transactions are complete.
While state parks have seen a great influx of visitors at our parks, it is expected to see the same at the campgrounds. Parks staff will be closely monitoring these areas to avoid gatherings of groups larger than 10. Staff presence throughout the parks and campgrounds will remind and educate visitors to continue physical distancing while enjoying some of Iowa’s most beautiful public places. Campers should also abide by the following guidelines:
Visitors will not be allowed in the campgrounds, only those occupying the campsites
Campfires at the individual campsites will be limited to campers occupying that campsite
Six occupants per campsite, unless immediate family contains more than six
Some pit latrines are now open in busier day use areas
All modern restrooms and shower buildings, including water fountains, remain closed
Communal picnic tables and grills are open for use at your own risk
Playgrounds, day-use rental lodges and shelter houses will remain closed
Cabins, yurts and shelter houses will remain closed
Visitors centers, nature centers and museums within state parks will remain closed
Beaches remain open, but will be monitored closely
Some campgrounds may be closed due to construction or maintenance issues, so please check the specific closure information below for each park before planning a camping trip.
For the latest closure information for state parks, campgrounds and trails, visit: www.iowadnr.gov/Places-to-Go/State-Parks/Alerts-and-Closures
The DNR highly recommends practicing physical distancing so that the parks and campgrounds remain open as a viable option for recreational opportunity. Campers should assume personal responsibility and abide by the guidelines set forth.
Iowa has 68 state parks and 4 state forests for visitors to enjoy with hiking trails, lake recreation and camping, to learn more visit: www.iowadnr.gov/Places-to-Go/State-Parks or www.iowadnr.gov/Things-to-Do/Camping

Review the below Iowa State Parks alerts, closures, and important information.

 

 

Kathy

 

Editor

 

All equestrian trails are OPEN as of 5/1/20.

Update from Forester John Byrd and Technician Patrick Thomas.

All equestrian trails are OPEN as of 5/1/20.  Due to the expected high number of riders on the weekends, we are opening the Upper Day Use Parking area each day from 8:00 AM until 8 PM on Friday, Saturday and Sunday (Not open during the week and not at night).  The Lower Day Use Parking area will continue to remain open as it is now. There is still NO CAMPING in any campground at this time.  Please park your trailers in a manner that makes the day use areas conducive for use by other trailers. 

Effective May 1, 2020 one pit toilet in the Lower and Upper Campgrounds, along with Martin Pond will be open for use. These toilets will be unisex.

Here’s how you can help protect yourself and others from COVID-19:

• According to State of Iowa recommendations, limit your group size and stay at least 6 feet away from other visitors.
• If you have been sick in the last two weeks, please stay at home for your health and the safety of others.
• Avoid popular areas where people may congregate 
• Please maintain distance between you and other visitors according to guidelines and recommendations by health officials. Please take into consideration the health of others when spending time outdoors.  
• Pack extra hand sanitizer. Sanitizer will not be easily available due to limited supplies. Be sure and bring your own and use frequently.

Thank you for your patience and flexibility. We appreciate your support as we all work together to keep each other safe.

April 24, 2020 Iowa state parks extend closures into May The DNR is extending closures of campgrounds and other park facilities through May 14, 2020 to help protect the health of visitors and staff during the COVID-19 health emergency. State parks and forests remain open for day-use opportunities, but visitors are reminded to strictly abide the social distancing rules and not gather in groups. Facilities that will remain closed through May 14 include: Campgrounds, including youth and group camps Bathrooms, including pit latrines and port-a-potties Playgrounds  Cabins, shelters and lodges Visitor centers and museums All programs and events at state parks are cancelled or postponed through at least May 14, 2020. Watch for updates at iowadnr.gov Please be aware that as conditions change, so may policies on park visitation and overnight stays. The DNR will work with guests to cancel reservations affected by this extension. If you have reservations for the month of May after the closure dates and feel cancelling your stay is the safest choice, we will waive the cancellation fee for visits (cabins, campsites, lodges, shelters) with arrival dates through May 31, 2020. A transaction fee of $4.00 ($6.00 for reservations originally made by phone) will still apply. To cancel your May reservation, call (877) 427-2757. Remember to stay home if you feel sick, wash your hands regularly, avoid touching your face, and bring supplies from home including disinfecting wipes, hand sanitizer and other hygiene products. We will keep you informed of any changes moving forward. Please visit the DNR's COVID-19 web page for more information about how COVID-19 is affecting DNR events, facilities and services. Thanks for your continued assistance.

No Additinals Campground Reservations through May 31, 2020

Update re COVID-19 Policies effective now for Shimek Forest Campgrounds (4/13/20).
We learned yesterday that people could not make new May campground reservations at Shimek, so Technician Patrick Thomas has obtained clarification for us. The DNR campgrounds are closed through April 30 as previously described. In addition, there is now a closure for ADDITIONAL RESERVATIONS for all campgrounds and all facilities through May 31. At this time, DNR is expecting to honor all May reservations already made, but does want to prevent any additional reservations from being made. As you can tell from the media, the situation with COVID in Iowa is changing rapidly so be patient, stay safe. Trails are still open for day use, with the lower campground day parking lot available. PRACTICE SOCIAL DISTANCING - see the post on the FOS FB site about how to do that when riding or walking! We will let you know if there are any further changes.