In the November general election, Story County voters will have to make a $25 million decision.
The Story County Water and Land Legacy Bond will be used to further protect the county’s natural resources, including improving water quality in rivers and lakes, addressing safety issues, and expanding recreational opportunities such as parks and multi-use trails.
The bond will appear on the ballot for all eligible Story County voters on Tuesday, November 5.
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How will the bond improve recreational opportunities in Story County?
According to Michael Cox, director of the Story County Conservation Department, more than 70 percent of Story County residents visit local parks and trails each year, which is why the county is making an increased effort to invest in recreational opportunities and water quality.
“Improvements in water quality, habitat and outdoor recreation contribute to the quality of life in Story County and enhance Story County’s natural resources, making Story County a better place to live,” Cox said. “The bond funds the conservation and protection of land and water needed to maintain a healthy, natural environment for future generations.”
Cox said Story County Conservation will leverage the bond through contributions from private donors, grants and community partnerships. About 36% of the bond spending will go to county parks, 32% to water and habitat and 32% to trails and outdoor recreation.
60% of the votes are required for the bond to be accepted.
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Water quality and flood protection
Story County officials hope to use the $25 million for flood control and riverbank stabilization on the Skunk River. Projects include extending the Skunk River greenbelt southward and stabilizing riverbanks to reduce nutrient loss.
The county also plans to use the bond to ensure stable, long-term water quality and habitat for forests and prairies, including:
- Improving the Skunk River oxbows to help mitigate flooding through flood retention and improve habitat
- Creating an aquatic habitat for rarer species in the oxbow wetlands of the Wicks Wildlife Area
- Maintaining water quality at Hickory Grove Beach through a tiered viewing area and wastewater treatment area
- Enabling fish and mussel passage in the Skunk River by rebuilding Hannum’s Mill Dam
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Adding hiking trails and parks
Story County officials also want to expand the local bike and hiking trail network. If the request is approved, the county will use part of the $25 million to improve the trail network and other facilities at the Deppe Family Conservation Area. They also hope to build a bike path connecting Ames and Slater and plan to connect the city of Ames to McFarland Park via a multi-use trail.
The county proposed using the bond to create more opportunities for outdoor recreation, including fishing, hunting, hiking, camping and canoeing.
Story County focuses on environmental education
Story County officials hope to use part of the bond for an environmental education and nature center in McFarland Park.
In addition to a full-day educational facility for programs, camps and classrooms, initial plans call for an outdoor recreation initiative in McFarland Park to provide a place to come together, learn and engage with nature.
“This bond will help us ensure that the people of Story County can enjoy wild places and wild things today and in the future and improve their quality of life,” said Jim Pease, chairman of the Story County Conservation Board, in a press release. “It is an investment in our water quality, our lands and our parks that will pay off immediately and for years to come.”
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Celia Brocker is a government, crime, politics and education reporter for the Ames Tribune. Reach her at [email protected].
