Story County's $25 million bond would enhance multi-use trails, parks and water quality

Story County voters have a $25 million choice to make in November's general election.

The Story County Water and Land Legacy Bond will be used to further protect the county's natural resources i.e. water quality in rivers and lakes, address safety issues and increase recreational offerings like parks and multi-use trails.

The bond will appear on the general election ballot for all eligible Story County voters on Tuesday, Nov. 5.

More: The Union Pacific Big Boy steam engine is visiting Boone and Ames in early September

How will the bond aid Story County's recreational opportunities?

More than 70% of Story County residents visit the local parks and trails annually, according to Story County Conservation Director Michael Cox, which is why the county is making a push to further invest in recreational opportunities and water quality.

"Improvements in water quality, habitat, and outdoor recreation add to the quality of life in Story County and improve the natural resources in Story County, making Story County a more desirable place to live," Cox said. "The bond funds preservation and protection of land and water which is needed to maintain a healthy, natural environment for future generations."

Cox said Story County Conservation will leverage the bond by utilizing contributions from private donors, grant funding, and community partnerships. About 36% of bond spending will go to county parks, 32% will go to water and habitat and 32% will go trails and outdoor recreation.

The bond requires 60% of votes in order to pass.

More: Basketball courts, a new location and sales tax: A look at Boone's new rec center plans

Water quality and flood prevention

Story County officials hope to use the $25 million to improve flooding mitigation and riverbank stabilization on the Skunk River. Projects would include extending the Skunk River greenbelt south and stabilizing the streambanks to reduce nutrient loss.

The county also wants to use the bond to provide stable, long-term water quality and habitat for woodlands and prairies, including:

• Improving Skunk River Oxbows to help with flooding mitigation through flood water retention and improve habitat
• Creating aquatic habitat for less common species at the Wicks Wildlife Area oxbow wetlands
• Preserving water quality at Hickory Grove Beach through a tiered overlook and water runoff treatment area
• Allowing for fish and mussel passage in the Skunk River by modifying Hannum’s Mill Dam

More: Here's everything you need to know about the new school year in Ames

Adding trails and parks

Story County officials would also like to expand the local biking and walking trail network. If approved, the county will use parts of the $25 million to improve the trail network and other amenities at Deppe Family Conservation area. They also hope to erect a bike trail that connects Ames and Slater while they envision connecting the city of Ames to McFarland Park via a multi-use trail.

The county proposed using the bond to provide more outdoor recreation opportunities, including fishing, hunting, hiking, camping and canoeing.

Story County is focused on environmental education

Story County officials hope to use some of the bond for an environmental education and nature center at McFarland Park.

In addition to a full-time educational facility for programs, camps and classrooms, initial plans call for an outdoor recreation initiative at McFarland Park meant to gather, learn and engage with nature.

"This bond will help us ensure that present and future Story County folks have wild places and wild things to enjoy and improve their quality of life," Jim Pease, Chair of the Story County Conservation Board said in a press release. "It’s an investment in our water quality, in our land, and in our parks that will pay dividends immediately and for many years to come.”

More: A Downtown Vision: Accomplished Main Street executive joins Ames program

Celia Brocker is a government, crime, political and education reporter for the Ames Tribune. She can be reached at CBrocker@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: Story County's $25 million bond would enhance multi-use trails, parks and water quality