Hamilton County Conservation has full plate, during busiest time of year

The project list for the Hamilton County Conservation office doesn't seem to get shorter, as the summer season is in high gear, and upkeep of the county parks and wildlife conservation areas doesn't slow down.

According to Brian Lammers, executive director of the conservation office, the staff is focused on maintaining the parks. The parks, the cabins and the camping areas are in full use and then periodically they see a spike. When the city pool was closed due to glass fragments, Briggs Woods and the lake were dramatically busier.

"We noticed a definite uptick in usage," he said, "it was like it was during our COVID year."

But the Conservation Board is moving forward as it considers projects underway. During the board meeting on Thursday, members were making decisions on the signage that is needed within the park facility.

"The goal is way-finding," said Lammers, "When you drive in, you can explore and enjoy the park, finding your way easier."

This was a problem identified by the First Impressions Committee report provided by the State Tourism Office earlier in the year. Lammers, facing budget cuts, found the money to correct the problem with a grant from the hotel/motel tax.

"The grant allows us to do this," he said, "It will be done this fall, before the end of the year."

The way-finding signage will direct visitors to the cabins, the scenic trails, the waterfalls, and other points that currently are not clearly marked.

The funding situation will be an ongoing issue. During the meeting, Darcy Swon spoke with the board about a new Legacy Fund that will be set up through Enhance Hamilton County.

They currently have an endowment fund, which only allows spending the interest. There is also a Friends account, but this fund will allow people to donate directly to a project specifically in the conservation office and it can be used immediately, Lammers said.

The advantage to this approach is that it is project based, and not using tax dollars. An example of this would be for funding the Nature Center.

Lammers has been partnering grants for programs that are mutually beneficial for the county and the conservation program. The Metcalf property, which will be started after harvest, is funded through private donors, organizations and grants. The property will begin with the restoration of the wetlands and seeding with native prairie grasses.

Other projects that are near completion include a new kayak launch that will attach to the dock in the Briggs Woods Lake. They have purchased one to test it.

"It's an apparatus to stabilize when people get in and out of their kayak," said Lammers, "It gets people in safely. "

The conservation office rents kayaks for use, at a cost of $10 for two hours.

In addition they are expecting the arrival of the new handicapped hunting blind.

"It's ordered and on the way," he said.

The strategic planning sessions and the planning for the nature center round out their efforts, as they maintain a focus on the summer season, and look ahead to events that add to the quality of life for all the citizens and visitors to Hamilton County.