09 Dec Wapsi-Great Western Trail
NE IA RC&D is working with Howard and Mitchell County Conservation Boards and Boards of Supervisors as well as community leaders from Riceville and Elma to complete a 33 mile multi-use trail that will be the first trail in the state to connect to the Minnesota trails system. The project incorporates community betterment to ensure the small community in the center of the trail is an inviting place for tourists to spend time and money. It celebrates history through art, education and opportunities for travelers to step back in time. Trail users will be able to walk or ride into the past on a trail that travels right through the heart of Old Amish and Mennonite country, through undeveloped natural areas and past the largest, soon to be constructed, wind farm in the state of Iowa. This trail project is expected to be a major economic, tourist, recreational, and health asset to the small rural communities and the rural residents in the area. NE IA RC&D is assisting with grant writing included submission of a CAT grant for this $6.5 million project.