"Unprecedented numbers" of canoers and kayakers are creating parking logjams at Upper Iowa River access points

Coldwater Creek photo courtesy of Winneshiek County Sheriff's Office

People are heading in droves to the Upper Iowa River.  Winneshiek County Sheriff Dan Marx says there were "unprecedented numbers (of parked vehicles) from Malanaphy Spring north" over the weekend.

Those numbers created some problems, however.  Vandalism was reported at Chimney Rock.  Parked cars blocked the access to a field near Daley Bridge.

Winneshiek County officials have been working to draft a new "no parking" ordinance covering certain areas of the canoe landings.  Sheriff Marx says once that ordinance wins final approval, the County Road Department can install signs telling illegal parkers they risk having their vehicles towed.  "We'll send a clear message—pay attention to the signs," Marx said Monday at a County Board meeting.

Malanaphy Spring photo courtesy of Winneshiek County Sheriff's Office