$487,025 REAP grant awarded to Winneshiek County would establish "Neste Valley Recreation and Wildlife Area"

The Iowa DNR's Natural Resource Commission has officially approved a $487,025 grant to Winneshiek County to create the "Neste Valley Recreation and Wildlife Area."

The money would allow Winneshiek County to buy a 170-acre parcel of land.  The property includes over 17 acres of "Klossner muck soils," making it suitable for wetland restoration.  The property also has savannah oaks and native pastures.

The property includes 2.5 miles of abandoned rail bed along Dry Run Trail, which could be used to connect the Trout Run Trail with the Prairie Farmer Trail.

Long range plans call for the development of an interpretive center, a campground, cabins and the enhancement of existing historic buildings.