About Us
Our projects and programs include helping private landowners establish wildlife habitat, providing environmental education programs, to providing public parks and recreation areas for hunting, fishing, hiking, camping, boating, biking, skiing, horseback riding, and nature study.
Other opportunities provided by MCCB include trails; our largest trail system is the Wapsi Great Western Line Bike trail. This recognized State Trail is a hard surface trail that stretches across fifteen miles of Northeast Mitchell County providing recreational opportunity for bikers across Iowa. This trail will
It 2014 The Board took over the operation of the Mitchell Mill Dam and entered into a 15 year loan agreement to purchase the generation equipment. This purchase should ensure that the recreational benefits provided by the Dam last long into the future.
In addition, the Conservation Board is responsible for managing the Mitchell County Recycling Center.
The Mitchell County Conservation Board was established by the residents of Mitchell County by a majority vote during the primary election held in 1956.
Once established, a county conservation board has authority and responsibilities, according to the Code of Iowa, to “acquire county museums, parks, preserves, parkways, playgrounds, recreational centers, county forests, wildlife and other conservation areas and to promote and preserve the health and general welfare of the people”.
Since beginning in 1956, the Mitchell County Conservation Board has worked to meet these objectives.
Today the Board manages over 3,000 acres of public lands and has a staff of eight full-time employees.
Mitchell County Conservation Board Members:
Bridget Chatfield
Lori King
Pat Wagner
Mark Ross
Mike Palsic
Public lands overview
The Mitchell County Conservation Board owns and manages over 3,000 acres of wildlife habitat.
Multiple use activities on wildlife management areas continue to increase each year.
The Conservation Board supports the acquisition of additional public lands for the protection of ecosystems, wildlife habitat, and public recreation with priority given to adjacent lands and target areas that contain sensitive, rare, or endangered habitats or species.
The Public is welcomed and encouraged to use these lands to experience and recreate in nature.
Multiple use activities on wildlife management areas continue to increase each year.
The Conservation Board supports the acquisition of additional public lands for the protection of ecosystems, wildlife habitat, and public recreation with priority given to adjacent lands and target areas that contain sensitive, rare, or endangered habitats or species.
The Public is welcomed and encouraged to use these lands to experience and recreate in nature.
Recreation Opportunities
🌲🎣 Discover the outdoor wonders of Mitchell County! 🌲🚴🛶
Whether you’re an avid angler, hiker, camper, or thrill-seeker, Mitchell County has something for everyone.
Here are just some of the incredible activities and amenities that await you:
Mitchell County Conservation Board oversees more than 3000 acres usable for hunting.
🎣 Enjoy a variety of fishing options, from the impressive Cedar River to the numerous trout streams.
Cast your line and reel in some memorable catches!
🚶 Explore 36 miles of soft hiking trails that wind through picturesque landscapes of dirt, grass, and paved paths.
Get lost in nature and discover hidden gems along the way.
🏕 Unwind and reconnect with nature at one of our 6 full-hookup campgrounds, offering over 200 sites.
Prefer a more primitive experience?
We have 13 primitive sites and 4 cozy cabins to choose from.
🚴Pedal your way through over 14 miles of paved trails, enjoying the fresh air and scenic views.
Get your heart pumping in this cyclist’s paradise!
🛶 Embark on an unforgettable adventure along the 32-mile water trail, or try your paddling skills on the small, floatable streams.
Immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature.
🏄Join our guided paddleboard floats down the Cedar River.
Feel the gentle current beneath your feet and enjoy the unique perspective from the water.
📸 Capture the beauty of over 47 stunning natural areas, spanning across 3000+ acres.
From breathtaking landscapes to awe-inspiring wildlife, you’ll never run out of subjects to photograph.
Observe and appreciate the local wildlife at various public areas. Bring your binoculars and create unforgettable memories in nature.
⛷Glide through 20 miles of groomed trails during the snowy season.
Embrace the winter wonderland and experience the thrill of cross-country skiing.
🏔Explore groomed snowshoeing trails or venture off the beaten path for a backcountry snowshoeing adventure.
Embrace the peacefulness only found in winter landscapes.
🐴 Saddle up and explore over 20 miles of scenic trails.
Experience the beauty of Mitchell County on horseback and create a bond with your trusty steed.
🚵 Conquer over 3 miles of thrilling single tracks and groomed snow trails.
Feel the rush of adrenaline as you navigate the terrain on your bike.
Mitchell County truly is a nature lover’s paradise, offering diverse activities
and endless opportunities for exploration.
Plan your next adventure and make lasting memories in this outdoor haven! 🌿🌟
#MitchellCountyAdventures
#NatureLoversParadise
#OutdoorAdventure
Management Objectives
GOALS:
- Using sound science based management practices MCCB will strive to provide healthy, sustainable, and resilient ecosystems in all wildlife areas.
- Protect and preserve sensitive wildlife species and ecosystems such as: remnant prairies, wetlands, fens, oak savannas, and cold water streams.
MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES:
Prescribed fire, prairie restoration, reconstruction, and management, mowing, spraying, grazing, invasive species removal, timber stand improvement, stream bank enhancement, food plot production, as well as wetland restoration and management.
HABITATS :
Rivers, Streams, wetlands, riparian forest, upland forest, oak savanna, native prairie, and other specialized habitats native to Iowa.
OUTCOMES :
- Mitchell County Conservation Board manages diverse fisheries, wildlife, and plant resources as well as the habitats upon which they depend.
- These areas are protected for their ecological values and for public recreational use and enjoyment.
Recreational Acres
100
+
Camping Parks
0
Number of Rentable Cabins
0
Founded
0
Our Staff
Andy Taets
Recreation & Resource
Outreach Specialist
Phone: (641) 420-5517
Office: (641) 732-5204
Daniele Dorsey
Office Manager
Office: (641) 732-5204
Chelsea Rowcliffe
Naturalist
Phone: (641) 330-0765
Office: (641) 732-5204
Austin Walk
Natural Resource Technician
Phone: (641) 330-8986
Office: (641) 732-5204
Brad Olson
Trails Technician
Phone: (641) 426-6212
Office: (641) 732-5204
Brian Huffman
Parks Supervisor
Phone: (641) 425-8879
Office: (641) 732-5204
Matt Nicholson
Maintenance Technician
Phone: (641) 832-0228
Office: (641) 732-5204
Connor Slifka
Conservation Tech
Phone: (563) 203-1582
Office: (641) 732-5204
Christine Huffman
Recycling Attendant
Office: (641) 732-5204