Elkader Council hears Turkey River Recreational Corridor report
The Turkey River Recreational Corridor is primarily focused on land and trail development, expansion and improvement, while also leading and supporting marketing and promotional projects, historic preservation, water quality improvement, public facility improvements and art and cultural expansion. (Submitted photo)
By Willis Patenaude, Times-Register
The Turkey River Recreational Corridor (TRRC) presented its annual report at a recent Elkader City Council meeting, detailing the accomplishments of the board over the past year.
The formal 28E government entity, which is comprised of the Elkader, Clermont and Elgin communities, is tasked with developing and enhancing the existing natural resource base through the creation of land and water trails to serve as the catalyst for economic growth and development.
The communities and surrounding area, designated an Iowa Great Place, are linked by what TRRC Director Mallory Hanson described as “the special, scenic beauty of the Turkey River and the abundance of wooded hills and rich rolling plains, streams and rivers, diverse wildlife and recreational opportunities.”
As it stands, the TRRC is primarily focused on land and trail development, expansion and improvement, while also leading and supporting marketing and promotional projects, historic preservation, water quality improvement, public facility improvements and art and cultural expansion.
First coming into existence in 2010, the TRRC has seemingly been fulfilling this focus ever since, having used nearly $8 million in local, state, federal and private funds for projects and partnerships that work toward its mission.
Hanson claimed that, as a result, “the total economic impact of tourism expenditures in Clayton and Fayette County has increased by almost 35 percent from $40.85 million to $54.92 million.”
While it is obvious other factors are involved, and it is not entirely the result of the TRRC, the impact on the outcome is undeniable. Each project, whether intended to directly provide an economic impact individually, almost completely contributes toward the collective goal.
For Hanson, who has served as the director since 2014, revitalizing and sustaining the communities is of personal interest.
“The TRRC is a truly unique organization in that it connects government entities and partners across county lines…I have always had an interest in the corridor and personally believe in the impact of outdoor recreation opportunities on our local economies,” she said.
What projects has the TRRC been able to accomplish in the interest of its mission? This year, they achieved several, including receiving a $9,398.57 grant from the Upper Mississippi Gaming Corporation for development of a 360-degree Turkey River video and Turkey River Water Trail guide update and re-print in time for the 2021 season.
Six infrared TRAFx trail counter devices are now installed throughout the corridor to quantify trail use throughout the year. From May to November of 2020, the counters showed an average of 54 users per day with the highest use day showing a total of 565 users. Fayette County Conservation completed the lighting of the Elgin to Gilbertson Trail Bridge and Clayton County Conservation completed construction of the Motor Mill Trail.
Some projects, however, did not happen, mostly due to funding—a problem Hanson spoke about.
“Not all project funding applications are successful. This is due to the competitive nature of grants that are available to organizations statewide and sometimes nationwide. Funds are limited and funding availability is fluid. We are always working to leverage as many dollars as possible to benefit the corridor,” she said.
One of the major changes this year was the decision to promote a virtual/digital 2020 Turkey River Safari due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Normally, the Safari is a summer-long, self-led adventure for area residents and families to enjoy from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.
According to Hanson, “the Safari traditionally provides free safari adventure kits, including a guidebook and crayons, with information to explore 20 public locations across Clayton and Fayette counties. These kits are usually available at local public libraries and nature centers. Three hundred are printed and made available annually.”
However, despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, alterations to projects and some cancellations, such as the Motor Mill 5K, there was actually an increase in use of recreational sites and trails in the corridor in 2020, and not a single project was canceled.
Some of the most impactful projects the TRRC has been a major partner in include the development and designation of the Turkey River Water Trail, construction of the Elkader Whitewater Park, Elkader riverfront improvements, restoration of the Motor Mill Bridge, improvement of the Clermont public canoe access, Clermont community trail enhancement, Clermont Highway 18 beautification, installation of Elgin Public Art, completion of the Elgin/TRRC Trail, Elgin streetscape upgrades, Elgin Trail signage, construction and lighting of the Elgin to Gilbertson trail bridge and Motor Mill trail construction.
“I am most proud of the fact that all of these projects would not have been possible without the commitment and support of our contributing partners and board members,” Hanson said. “I am so lucky to be a part of an organization that is now 10 years old that has had such an incredible impact on our small rural communities. I am looking forward to seeing what we can accomplish in the next 10 years together.”
