Ask The Answer Person: "Who takes responsibility for removing downed trees on the Upper Iowa River?"

Posted: Thu, Jun 27, 2019 4:52 PM

There is a DNR map with current hazards identified for the Upper Iowa River: https://www.iowadnr.gov/Things-to-Do/Canoeing-Kayaking/Where-to-Paddle

(Paul e-mails: "Who has responsibility or who takes responsibility for removing the trees that fall into/across the Upper Iowa River? Many comments on the recent news stories about river rescues by law enforcement or kayakers or tubers or canoeists wonder why "they" haven't yet removed these obstacles that have played a role leading to the need for rescue from the river.

The Upper Iowa River provides recreation from above Bluffton to Lower Dam that is part of the "destination" draw for Decorah and Winneshiek County. Seems this is something that would be in our collective interest to keep the rivers safer. I do believe that partially submerged trees out in the waterway do represent one of the more serious safety concerns and our otherwise smooth running river attracts many with little experience dealing with current and obstacles.")

The Answer Person says: "The Upper Iowa River is not a water slide at Wisconsin Dells. It's a wild river with submerged trees occurring naturally.

We have posted a separate story about the efforts by crews from Skyline Construction to remove the latest submerged tree which caused a problem, but theirs was a volunteer effort. The Iowa DNR is NOT responsible for clearing downed trees on the river, nor is any other governmental group.

The Answer Person doesn't want to "blame the victims." On the other hand, it would seem prudent to do a better job of publicizing the challenges of canoeing/kayaking/tubing the Upper Iowa River, especially for young children. This could be done by posting signs at river landings or by printing flyers that could be handed out at canoe rental/kayak rental businesses. There is risk in heading out on a river trip--and Winneshiek County emergency responders will keep getting called to the Upper Iowa when people aren't prepared for those risks."