Category: Local Government

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Decorah City Manager

Press Contact: Travis Goedken, 563-382-3651

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City of Decorah Awarded $298,795 State Recreational Trails Grant for Carlson Park Project

 

Decorah, IA (November 13, 2024) – Today, the Iowa Transportation Commission approved $3,523,206 for nine State Recreational Trails Program projects. The State Recreational Trails Program was created in 1988 with the purpose of developing and maintaining recreational trails and trail-related facilities for both motorized and non-motorized trail users. The City of Decorah is thrilled to announce the award of a $298,795 State Recreational Trails grant from the Iowa Department of Transportation, dedicated to advancing the Carlson Park Project. This project includes the development of approximately 5.7 miles of mixed-use trails, designed to enhance outdoor recreational opportunities for both residents and visitors.

The Carlson Park Project has been made possible through a collaborative effort with Northeast Iowa Resource Conservation & Development (RC&D) and the Carlson Park Trail Coalition volunteers. Their hard work and commitment were instrumental in securing this funding, which will support the creation of trails accessible to walkers, cyclists, and other outdoor enthusiasts.

The Carlson Park trails will provide community members and visitors with improved access to Decorah’s natural landscapes and opportunities for healthy outdoor activities. The project aligns with Decorah’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life through sustainable recreational spaces that encourage wellness, accessibility, and environmental stewardship.

For more information on the Carlson Park Project and the trail development, please contact City Manager Travis Goedken at 563-382-3651.

 

 

This is an official city press release.  Modifications of any kind are prohibited without express written consent of the author.  Any reprint or broadcast of this information must include this entire communication.

 

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The City of Decorah is announcing the opening of the City’s Downtown Economic Development Grant Program’s application period.  Applications are due to City Hall or citymanager@decorah.iowa.gov by 4:00P on Friday, November 22^nd.  Applications will be reviewed by the committee and recommendation of award anticipated to be considered at the December 2^nd council meeting.  All awardees will be required to enter into the Grant Agreement to receive funding.

• Decorah Downtown Grant Application
• Downtown Economic Development Program
• Decorah Downtown Development Grant Agreement

Any questions should be directed to Travis Goedken at citymanager@decorah.iowa.gov.

FORESTRY FIELD DAY

CITY OF DECORAH URBAN FOREST REVITALIZATION PROJECT

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If you like to like to get to know your local parks better, join me and Decorah Parks Dept. personnel on Saturday, November 9th at 1:00 pm for a walk through the Palisades park area. On our walk we will discuss the local forest ecosystem, the importance of managing that ecosystem, and some challenges that our local forests face, chiefly: invasive plants and pests. This will be a rather informal event; our group will walk the paved roadways and stop at several points to discuss relevant topics. The floor will be open to questions the entire time. Any questions relating to trees, shrubs, forestry, or ecology are welcome.

Who: General public, nature enjoyers, natural resource professionals, bird watchers, hunters, farmers, landowners etc.

What: Forestry Field day with DNR/WMI Forestry Specialist Maison Hubrig

When: Saturday, November 9th at 1:00pm

Where: Palisades Park, Decorah, IA  – Meet at parking area on Ice Cave Rd.

Why: To discuss the importance of forest management, invasive species, and tree I.D. and general forestry knowledge.

This event is a great opportunity for anyone, from homeowners to farmers or forest landowners to spend an afternoon with a forester and other professionals. Even if you have never seen a tree in your life, you are welcome to join us. There’s no telling what the weather will be like on the day, so dress appropriately. Bring water or snacks if you need them, and any mobility equipment necessary. We will be on a paved road the majority of the time. We may optionally poke into the brush at points, but if you are unable to go off trail there will be no issue. There are some moderate slopes at this park, even though the roads are paved, they may present difficulty for those with disabilities or impaired mobility. The possibility of ice on the road should not be ruled out on this date. Be prepared for anything Mother Nature might throw at us. This event will take 2-3 hours, depending on turnout and questions.

Any questions about this event can be directed to me at the contacts below.

Maison Hubrig

WMI Forestry Specialist

Department of Natural Resources 1811 240th St.

Ionia, IA 50645

563-608-0086

Maison.Hubrig@dnr.iowa.gov

https://www.iowadnr.gov