A group of trail supporters recently gathered in Storm Lake to discuss a proposed Iowa Great Lakes Connection Five-County Trail.
The proposed trail would follow the Highway 71 corridor to complete a bike trail from Spirit Lake to Carroll through Dickinson, Clay, Buena Vista, Sac, and Carroll counties. Group organizer Kathy Fueston says the group hadn’t gotten together since 2013 prior to meeting on March 18th…
A new trail would run from Spencer to Lake View. The project would connect to existing trail systems on each end including the Iowa Great Lakes Spine Trail to the north and the Sauk Rail Trail to the south. Smaller loops could possibly connect other communities.
According to Fueston, the next section of the project to be built will be from Dickinson to Clay counties…
Fueston, who’s been working on the project for 20 years, says the trail as currently proposed would stay along Highway 71 from Okoboji to Early. Group members feel the five counties working together could have more impact on seeking grants and donations than if they were working separately.
Fueston says a core group will be formed to meet on a quarterly or as-needed basis, which she says will give them a better idea of a timeline to complete the project. The next meeting is planned in June. The core group will consist of two representatives from each of the five counties.
Fueston says project representatives attended the Iowa Bicycle Coalition Expo in January…
The leaders of the group foresee the project eventually growing into a 220-mile paved trail from Okoboji to Des Moines, and potentially beyond.
Anyone who has questions or wants to donate to the cause can email fuesty@outlook.com or call 712-363-3936. Questions can also be directed to local trail representatives.
Buena Vista County Supervisor Kathy Croker updated the board on the project this week.
