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County parks and wildlife areas provide multiple uses

By Mike Webb, Director, Cerro Gordo County Conservation Board

A trail at the Lime Creek Nature Center
A trail at the Lime Creek Nature Center
County park and wildlife areas are truly multiuse areas. Knowing people enjoy different forms of outdoor recreation the Cerro Gordo County Conservation Board (CGCCB) offers many forms of outdoor recreational activities at each area we manage. While every outdoor activity may not be available at every area, each area does offer multiple activities.

The most common recreational activities available at CGCCB areas include; hunting, fishing, hiking, biking, nature viewing, photography, camping, picnicking, horseback riding, canoeing/kayaking, cross country skiing, snow shoeing and dog training. The CGCCB has many areas where a variety of these outdoor activities may be enjoyed. It is extremely important to check which activities are available at which area. You can pick up a brochure listing the activities at each site at the Lime Creek Nature Center or you may go online to check.

The following are a few examples of some CGCCB areas and what they have to offer. CGCCB has 3 modern campgrounds and although RV or tent camping may be the primary use of the area there are many other outdoor activities to do at or near the campground. There are hiking trails, native prairie flower viewing, fishing opportunities, biking, picnicking sites and, horseback riding areas, one campground has canoeing/kayaking opportunities and two campgrounds are near golf courses.

The areas designated as wildlife areas also offer an array of outdoor recreational opportunities. While hunting and fishing may be the most popular activities at these sites not all wildlife areas are open to hunting. Even though hunting is a popular activity at these areas, during the closed hunting season and at those areas where hunting is not allowed the areas can be enjoyed by hikers, anglers, wildlife viewers, photographers, snowshoer’s or dog trainers. Just remember when using wildlife areas that the primary nesting season is March 15 thru July 15 of each year and staying on the access roads provided is the best way to avoid interfering with nesting birds and mammals.

The final example of a quality multi use area is the Lime Creek Conservation Area. Not only does this area contain the Nature Center, it has hiking, biking and horseback trails, river fishing opportunities, two primitive campsites, cross country skiing and snowshoeing trails, woodland and prairie flora and fauna viewing, photography opportunities, picnic sites, a hunting area, canoeing/kayaking accesses and a dog training area.

Remember the above list is only a partial list so take time to check out CGCCB areas and see how many areas your outdoor recreational interests. Information on CGCCB areas can be found on line at www.co.cerro-gordo.ia.us or by stopping at the Lime Creek Nature Center, M-F 7:30am-4:00pm.

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