SOCIAL ASSESSMENT

Over 900 people participated in guiding the future of the state water trails plan. An online social assessment measured interest and support for various options for the future program in early 2009. Results were used to focus new water trail development and management strategies, establish minimum standards for state-designated trails, clarify the relationship between water trail impact and natural resources, and recommend how to implement trails on water bodies with variable water quality conditions. Project advisors applied their hands-on experience developing and using water trails to these social data in a working group fashion during summer 2009. Resulting strategies are being applied to the final water trails design manual and plan by ISU and DNR staff. See the below links for more information.

a. Participants in the social assessment included... b. Strategies for developing and managing new water trails... c. Iowa's water trails more than recreation ... d. A positive experience on Iowa water trails would include... e. Dams on Iowa streams...

Listening Sessions Held Statewide