HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-08-13-D01 REAP Grant Application - Little Walnut Creek Headwaters Wetland.
AGENDA ITEM:
CITY OF WAUKEE, IOWA
CITY COUNCIL MEETING COMMUNICATION
MEETING DATE: August 13th, 2018
AGENDA ITEM:Consideration of approval for the submittal of a Resource Enhancement and
Protection (REAP) grant application for the Little Walnut Creek Headwaters
Wetland project.
FORMAT:Resolution
SYNOPSIS INCLUDING PRO & CON: The REAP grant application is for land acquisition for the
creation of a stormwater wetland at the headwaters of Little Walnut Creek.
The proposed project location is west of 10th Street between Hickman Road
and Meredith Drive. This property is currently floodplain surrounded by farm
land. The creation of a stormwater wetland will provide flood retention and
water quality benefits for Little Walnut Creek. This project will create many
benefits that will enhance the quality of life for residents in Waukee by
providing a connection to the natural resources of a wetland area. In addition,
this project would become part of the Little Walnut Creek Greenbelt trail
system, providing many trail connection opportunities to the Waukee Youth
Sports Complex, Racoon River Valley Trail and remaining metropolitan area.
This project corresponds with goals set in the Walnut Creek WMA Watershed
Plan which include flood retention, nutrient reduction, and streambank
stabilization.
FISCAL IMPACT INCLUDING COST/BENEFIT ANALYSIS: The grant amount is for
$125,000. The total property acquisition is estimated at $1,560,000. The
remaining $1,435,000 will be covered using SRF Sponsored project funds.
COMMISSION/BOARD/COMMITTEE COMMENT:
STAFF REVIEW AND COMMENT:
RECOMMENDATION: Approve the resolution of support.
ATTACHMENTS: I. REAP Grant Application
PREPARED BY: Beth Richardson
REVIEWED BY: Rudy Koester
PUBLIC NOTICE INFORMATION –
NAME OF PUBLICATION:
DATE OF PUBLICATION:
D1
THE CITY OF WAUKEE, IOWA
RESOLUTION 18-
SUPPORTING AN IOWA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
ENHANCEMENT AND PROTECTION FUND (REAP) GRANT APPLICATION
[LITTLE WALNUT CREEK HEADWATERS WETLAND PROJECT]
IN THE NAME AND BY THE AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF WAUKEE, IOWA
WHEREAS, the City of Waukee, Dallas County, State of Iowa, is a duly organized
Municipal Organization; AND,
WHEREAS, Waukee City staff recommends applying for REAP grant funding related to the
Little Walnut Creek Headwaters Wetland Project.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City of Waukee City Council that it
hereby supports the Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) grant application for the
Little Walnut Creek Headwaters Wetland Project.
Passed by the City Council of the City of Waukee, Iowa, and approved the 13th day of August,
2018.
____________________________
William F. Peard, Mayor
Attest:
___________________________________
Rebecca D. Schuett, City Clerk
RESULTS OF VOTE: AYE NAY ABSENT ABSTAIN
Anna Bergman
R. Charles Bottenberg
Courtney Clarke
Shelly Hughes
Larry R. Lyon
IOWA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
Resource Enhancement and Protection
06/2016 cmc 1 DNR Form 542-0279
REAP GRANT APPLICATION
Email application to tammie.krausman@dnr.iowa.gov by August 15th by 4:30 P.M.
Please use the following format for the electronic application:
• Application should be one file (including all appendices, letters, etc.), saved as a pdf.
• Name file: ApplicantName.Shortprojectname.FY17.pdf
• File cannot exceed 20MB or 20,480KB. Compressed pdfs will be accepted.
1. GRANT PROGRAM
Private/Public Open Space County Conservation City Parks and Open Spaces
(For Private/Public - Name of DNR Field Staff involved in project: )
2. APPLICATION CONTACT
APPLICANT: City of Waukee CONTACT PERSON: Rudy Koester
EMAIL: rkoester@waukee.org TELEPHONE: 515-978-7388
APPLICANT MAILING ADDRESS: 805 University Avenue CITY & ZIP CODE: Waukee, IA 50263
PROJECT 911 ADDRESS (if available): N/A COUNTY: Dallas
LATITUDE/LONGITUDE COORDINATES: 41.633223, -93.891470
(To find Lat/Long Coordinates: Go to Google Map. Right-click on the primary public access point for the project. Select What's here?
In the search box at the top of the page, the coordinates will appear.)
3. PROJECT DESCRIPTION & COSTS
a. TITLE: Little Walnut Creek Headwaters Wetland
b. PROJECT SUMMARY: (Maximum of 75 words summarizing the REAP Grant request)
Creation of a CREP style stormwater wetland including land acquisition at the headwaters of Little Walnut
Creek west of N 10th Street (U Avenue) between Hickman Road and Meredith Drive. The wetland will aid in
flood retention and provide water quality benefits for Little Walnut Creek and Walnut Creek. The wetland will
meet the recommendations outlined in the Walnut Creek WMA Watershed Plan.
c. TYPE OF PROJECT AND COSTS: (For activities associated with this grant request only).
Land acquisition* Costs related to land acquisition: $ 1,560,000
Development Costs related to development: $ 300,000
Other, please describe: Costs related to other activities: $ 15,000
AMOUNT OF REAP GRANT REQUESTED: $ 125,000
d. Amount of local or match money*: $1,750,000
*25% minimum match is required for Private/Public Program only. No match is required for city and county
grants.
4. PROJECT TIMELINE
a. Is the project a portion of a larger, overall project to be implemented over a multi-year period?
No Yes, Number of years: Estimated overall cost:
b. ESTIMATED PROJECT DATES
Start: Summer 2019 Completion: Spring 2020
06/2016 cmc 2 DNR Form 542-0279
5. ACQUISITION SCHEDULE (Acquisition Projects Only)
Code*
Parcel
Number
on Map
or Photo
# of
Acres
Estimated
Date of
Acquisition
Average
Price Per
Acre
Estimated Value
of Land
Acquisition
without
incidentals
Estimated
Value of
Existing
Improvements
to be Acquired
Total Cost
1 Wetland
Area 78 January 2019 $20,000 $1,560,000 $0 $1,560,000
TOTAL
Parcels &
Acres
TOTAL
Appraisal Costs $3,000
*Code:
1. Negotiated Purchase
2. Condemnation
3. Donation
Survey Costs $10,000
Other Incidental Costs $2,000
Grant Total Land Acquisition Cost $1,575,000
Overall Cost per Acre Including Incidental $20,192.31
6. SIGNATURES
Upon signing in the space provided below, the applicant agrees to conform with the requirements in the following two paragraphs
pertaining to ADA/Section 504 accessibility guidelines and civil rights assurance. (City and County Projects Only)
ASSURANCE OF COMPLIANCE WITH AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES AND CIVIL RIGHTS ACTS
I, the undersigned, certify that the [City of Waukee or County Conservation Board] has reviewed Section 504 of
the Rehabilitation Act of 1975, Title II of the American with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975,
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and the Iowa Civil Rights Act of 1965, each Act as amended, and agrees to abide by
all requirements from the Acts, associated regulations, guidance documents, and to any other related requirement
imposed by federal or state law or the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, related to this project. Applicant-
Recipient further agrees and gives full assurance that it will immediately take any and all measures necessary to
effectuate the referenced laws and shall not, on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, age, physical or mental
ability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, or retaliation, allow any person to be excluded from
participation in, be denied the benefits of, or otherwise subject to discrimination under or from any project or activity
undertaken by the Applicant-Recipient for which the Applicant-Recipient receives REAP grant dollars or other assistance
from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
This assurance is binding on the Applicant-Recipient, its successors, transferees, and assignees, and the person or
persons whose signature appears below are authorized to sign this assurance on behalf of the Applicant-Recipient.
Asst. Public Works Director - Engineering
Applicant’s Signature and Date Applicant’s Title
PRIVATE/PUBLIC GRANTS ONLY
Applicant’s Signature and Date Applicant’s Title
06/2016 cmc 4 DNR Form 542-0279
(a) Homosexuality or bisexuality.
(b) Transvestism, transsexualism, pedophilia, exhibitionism, voyeurism, gender identify disorders not resulting from physical impairments,
or sexual behavior disorders.
(c) Compulsive gambling, kleptomania, or pyromania
(d) Psychoactive substance abuse disorders resulting from current illegal use of drugs.
“Major life activity” as defined in Iowa Code section 15.102(12)”b”(2) includes “functions such as caring for one’ self, performing manual tasks,
walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, or working.”
“Minority Persons” as defined by Iowa Code section 8.11(2)“b” means “individuals who are women, persons with a disability, African Americans,
Latinos, Asian or Pacific Islanders, American Indians, and Alaskan Native Americans.”
7. GRANT NARRATIVE
The outline below must be followed exactly. Use exact headings and reference numbers in the order presented in the
outline. This section will be used by the REAP Review and Selection Committee for scoring purposes.
I. Project Location
Describe the location of the project relative to the county and nearest city. Include section, township and range if
rural; give specific street location if urban and 911 address of project location. Include a project location map that
highlights the project area and has sufficient detail to allow the area to be easily located by vehicle for on-site
monitoring inspections.
II. Project Description
If acquisition, include number of acres and describe the resources and existing facilities/improvements on and
adjacent to the property. Also describe its prospective use and management goals. If rare, unique, or high quality
representative plan and animal species and communities occur on the site, provide a listing of them. If
development, describe the facilities to be constructed, existing facilities in the project area and the natural
resources in the area. Include pictures of project as necessary. If this project is part of a larger project, very clearly
detail the portion that this application is covering. If this application is for the continuation of a project that
previously received a REAP grant, provide a status report of the project elements that were previously funded.
Explain relationships (both positive and negative) between the project and existing nearby local, state and federal
areas. Do not put project justification and benefit statements in this section. Include them in Section IV. Sports
complexes, play grounds and dog parks do not qualify for REAP funds. The minimum width of a multi-use or biking
trail is 8 feet, while 10 feet is recommended.
III. Development Plan, Project Boundary Map and Aerial Photo
Clearly differentiate between the project being proposed, existing facilities and proposed future development.
Plans and maps should include roads, easements, railroads, water features and any other developments on or
immediately adjacent to the site. Identify land use types, e.g. residential, row crop, pasture, industrial,
commercial, recreation/conservation, etc. Include color pictures as necessary. Clearly show the overall project
boundary. For development projects, be sure to include dimensions of facilities. For acquisition projects, identify
the individual tracts using the parcel numbers listed in the table in Section 5: Acquisition Schedule. It is preferred
that plans be on 8 ½” x 11” paper, larger sized paper must be folded into 8 ½” x 11.” Aerial photos should be in
color and well-labeled.
IV. Project Benefits, Needs, Justification and Urgency
Describe project justification and need. Make references to the County REAP plan, current Iowa Statewide
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP), Iowa Wildlife Action Plan and other plans that help direct
conservation and recreation programs. Do not include entire plans in the application. Identify benefits to be
06/2016 cmc 5 DNR Form 542-0279
derived from the project in terms of populations being served and resource management/protection. Explain any
urgency for development and/or acquisition action that may exist.
V. Environmental, Economic and Social Impacts of Project
Describe permanent and temporary environmental impacts of the proposed project and future related actions, if
any are contemplated. Impacts are defined as direct or indirect changes in the existing environment, whether
beneficial or adverse. This discussion should also include expected impacts caused by users, as well as impacts on
economic, cultural, aesthetic and quality of life.
VI. Historical, Archaeological and Architectural Features/Impacts
Describe any resources of historical nature on the project site, such as buildings, Native American burial mounds,
historic trails, architectural features and archaeological elements. Explain impacts on these resources that will be
caused by the project.
VII. Local Participation
Explain the extent of public participation in the formulation of this proposed project. Describe the process and
mechanisms used and the findings. Do not include actual public participation reports, board meeting minutes and
petitions; rather reference their existence and conclusion in this section.
VIII. Considerations Given to Minorities, Elderly and Disabled
Proposed projects, must meet the requirements described in the Assurance of Compliance with Americans with
Disabilities and Civil Rights. Explain how development projects meet these requirements.
IX. Itemized Costs
List all items and their costs to be included in the acquisition and/or development of the current proposed project.
Include types of construction, dimensions, lengths, capacities, etc. Engineering and appraisal fees may also be
included. The itemized cost listing will be the basis for determining what items are eligible for REAP funding. Items
not listed will not be eligible for assistance under the grant agreement. Below is an example of the headings for
the budget:
Project Component Description Project Cost REAP Request Total
X. Public Communications
A description of the public communications plan shall be included in every project. If the grant is approved for
funding, this plan must be implemented. The plan must include how the applicant will inform and advise users
about the importance of the project and plans to promote the project to expected user groups upon completion
of the project and into the future.
XI. Agreements and Easements
If applicant does not possess all fee title interest in property, please explain. Additionally, explain contractual or
joint agreements with other parties for operation and maintenance of the site and facilities. Enclose copies of any
such agreements and other ownership conditions on the property.
XII. County Resource Enhancement Committee Comments
Prior to submittal, the county Resource Enhancement Committee must approve grant applications and the
Chairperson must sign the application in Section 6. A summary of comments by the County REAP Committee
should be included in this section.
06/2016 cmc 6 DNR Form 542-0279
8. PROJECT SCORING CRITERIA (weight factors in parentheses)
Make sure that all criteria are addressed in the application.
Private/Public Open Space Grant
Level of significance (3)
Resource representation (3)
Level of threat (3)
Relationship to existing public land (3)
Relationship to state, local and regional
plans (3)
Rare or unique species or communities (2)
Public benefits (2)
Tourism and economic development (1)
Geographic distribution (1)
Multiple use potential (1)
Available funds relative to project costs (1)
Quality of public communications plan (1)
County Conservation
Relationship to state local and regional
plans (4)
Quality of site and/or project (3)
Public demand or need (2)
Project uniqueness (2)
Urgency of proposed action (2)
Multiple benefits to be provided (2)
Economic benefits to local, regional or state
area (1)
Quality of public communications plan (1)
City Parks and Open Spaces
Relationship to state local and regional
plans (4)
Quality of site and/or project (3)
Public benefit served (2)
Local support (2)
Environmental benefits (2)
Quality of public communications plan (1)
For more information about REAP Grants, visit:
http://www.iowadnr.gov/Environment/REAP/REAPGrants.aspx
Contact for all grants: Tammie Krausman, REAP Coordinator
Tammie.Krausman@dnr.iowa.gov
(515) 725-8443
Resource Enhancement and Protection Grant Program
Little Walnut Creek Headwaters Wetland
City of Waukee, Iowa
August 15, 2018
I. Project Location
This grant application is for land acquisition for the creation of a CREP style
stormwater wetland at the headwaters of Little Walnut Creek in Waukee. The
property is located west of N 10th Street (U Avenue) between Hickman Road
and Meredith Drive in Section 20, Township T-79N, Range R-26W. The
property is approximately 78 acres, subject to final design of the wetland.
II. Project Description
This property is at the headwaters of Little Walnut Creek and is currently
floodplain surrounded by farm land. The project consists of creating a CREP style
stormwater wetland that will aid in flood retention and provide water quality
benefits for Little Walnut Creek and Walnut Creek. The wetland will be created
by constructing an earthen berm in the area of concentrated flow to trap and
temporarily hold water before slowly releasing it.
III. Development Plan
This project consists of land acquisition and construction of the wetland.
Following land acquisition, construction is expected to begin in the summer of
2019. Much of the area will remain as it is and will be flooded by constructing
an earthen berm. Native plantings will be planted around the perimeter of the
wetland and within low marsh areas. Recreational trails will be added around
the wetland in the future. The trails would allow biking, hiking, and nature
observation.
IV. Project Benefits
The project will have many benefits that will enhance the quality of life for
residents in Waukee along with downstream communities in the Des Moines
metropolitan area. The primary benefits of the project are aiding in flood
retention and protecting the water quality of Little Walnut Creek. Water is one
of the most important natural resources the City can protect, thus making it one
of the highest priorities of the City. The City is committed towards
implementing successful projects that will result in treatment of their
stormwater.
The project corresponds with goals set in the Walnut Creek WMA Watershed
Plan. Problems identified in the plan include loss of topsoil, streambank erosion,
construction site pollution, pollutant loading and transport, and flooding
implications all exacerbated by the way agricultural and urban uses have
changed the character of the watershed. Nutrient and phosphorus counts are
high in the upper reaches of the watershed where agricultural uses dominate.
Bacteria counts and sediment loads provide challenges, along with flooding, in
the lower reaches.
The recent flooding events in the Des Moines metropolitan area, especially
along Walnut Creek have shown the necessity and benefits of flood retention at
the headwaters of the creek. Regional detention basins are currently being
constructed in the vicinity of the project for the new high school/recreation
fields and a large residential and commercial development called Stratford
Crossing. The flood retention at this location will work in conjunction with the
nearby regional detention basins to greatly reduce downstream flooding.
It is anticipated that this area will also be the start of a greenway though Waukee
along Little Walnut Creek that will protect the creek and will likely include a
recreational trail. Development is occurring rapidly throughout Waukee and
this area of town is especially expected to grow quickly due to the previously
mentioned new high school. It is very important to protect these waterways
before development expands further. This project will enhance the existing
floodplain and will allow wildlife to continue to thrive in the area. A trail from
this location will ultimately connect to the Raccoon River Valley Regional Trail
along Hickman Road through the trail connections being constructed with the
new high school and Stratford Crossing projects. The Dallas County REAP
Committee plan sets these types of areas as priorities for acquisition.
Environmental, Economic, and Social Impacts
Some of the project is located within the regulatory floodplain. Preliminary
plans will be prepared by engineers to address any floodplain development
issues related to the project. The City will be able to educate the public about
wetlands and water quality enhancement with the construction of this project.
The project will also serve as regional detention for future residential
development in the area. This will cause the area to be desirable for new homes
and will have economic and social impacts that residential developments bring.
V. Historical, Archaeological, and Architectural Features/Impacts
There are no known historical or archaeological features or impacts.
VI. Public Notice and Participation
Public participation will be critical to this project. The City will notify residents
adjacent to or near the project location about the project and the benefits that
will result from the project. The proximity of the project in vicinity of the new
high school will easily allow educational opportunities for students to learn
more about water quality practices. The City will hold an open house for the
general public before construction starts on the project. The open house will be
hosted by the City and be attended by project partners to describe the practices
and intent of the City completing the project. Once the project is complete the
City will consider a field day to showcase the project to residents of Waukee
along with all project partners.
VII. Consideration Given to Minorities, Elderly, and Handicapped
Any future trail improvements on the property will be designed to meet ADA
requirements.
VIII. Agreements and Easements
The City will be the owner of this land for the benefit of the residents and
visitors of the City. There are no known easements across the property.
IX. Itemized Cost Estimate
An itemized cost estimate is shown below. The total estimate is $1,875,000.
Item Price
Wetland Construction $214,000.00
Contingency $45,000.00
Engineering Design $20,000.00
Engineering Land Acquisition $10,000.00
Engineering Construction Services & Staking $10,000.00
Inspection $10,000.00
Legal $5,000.00
Administrative $1,000.00
Property Acquisition (78 acres x $20,000/acre) $1,560,000.00
Total $1,875,000.00
The requested amount of $125,000 is a small portion of the entire estimated
cost of the project. Some local and matching funding has already been
obtained and additional funding is the process of being procured. The City of
Waukee has received funding from the SRF Sponsored project program in the
amount of up to $1,250,000. The City is also applying for additional SRF
Sponsored project funding in the amount of $169,000. It is anticipated that
several downstream communities will be willing to invest in the project due to
the flood storage that will benefit them. The Nature Conservancy has also
shown interest in fundraising for the project.
X. Photographs
Photographs of the area are shown below.
XI. County Resource Enhancement Committee Comments
The Dallas County REAP Committee has reviewed the project. The minutes from
their meeting are attached.
XII. Public Communications
If awarded a grant, the City will publish notice of the grant on the City website
and all City social media accounts. Information may also be provided to the
Des Moines Register and Dallas County News. REAP project signs will be
placed at the site noting that the wetland was created with assistance of REAP
funds.
As mentioned previously, the City will notify residents adjacent to or near the
project location about the project, will hold an open house for the general
public before construction starts on the project, and will consider a field day to
showcase the project to residents of Waukee once the project is complete.
Wetland Area
Stratford CrossingDevelopment
Little Walnut Creek
Future Trail
R
a
c
c
o
o
n
R
i
v
e
r
V
a
l
l
e
y
T
r
a
i
l
Raccoon River Valley Trail
Regional DetentionWater Connection
Regional DetentionWater ConnectionT AVE.US 6 290th ST.CH R22 U AVE.280th ST.
US 6 HICKMAN RD.6th ST.4th ST.LAUREL ST.
ASH
W
O
R
T
H
D
R
.8th ST.LOCUST ST.N. WARRIOR LN.7th ST.WARRIOR LN.3rd ST.WINDFIELD PK
WY.
MAPLE ST.10th ST.SE LAUREL ST.NE BADGER LN.NE SUNRISE DR.
NE FOX RUN TRL.MELROSE DR.NE VENTURE DR.9th ST.N. LITTLE WALNUT CREEK DR.LINDEN DR.KAYLIN DR.ELM ST.
SE MELROSE DR.
NE COYOTE DR.5th ST.NE CARDINAL LN.ASHLAND CT.N. 6th ST.SE WINDFIELD PKWY.
NE GRACEWOOD DR.NE ELK RUN DR.NE DARTMOOR DR.NE KINGWOODNE OLIVEWOODS. WALNUT LN.NE BADGER LN.
LAUREL ST.NE DARTMOOR DR.N. WARRIOR LN.9th ST.N. 6th ST.PROJECT NO. 275306AUGUST 10, 2018
VEENSTRA & KIMM, INC.
0 1,000500
Feet1" = 1000'±
WAUKEE, IOWAVICINITY MAPFIGURE 1
Wetland Area
270th ST.T AVE.CH R22 U AVE.280th ST.N. WARRIOR LN.S. WALNUT LN.N. WARRIOR LN.N. WARRIOR LN.PROJECT NO. 275306AUGUST 10, 2018
VEENSTRA & KIMM, INC.
0 800400
Feet1" = 800'±
WAUKEE, IOWACONCEPTUAL WETLAND AREAFIGURE 2
918 AC.
270th ST.T AVE.S AVE.280th ST.CH R22 U AVE.S AVE.PROJECT NO. 275306AUGUST 9, 2018
VEENSTRA & KIMM, INC.
WAUKEE, IOWACONCEPTUAL WATERSHED AREAFIGURE 3
0 800400
Feet1" = 800'±
1
DALLAS COUNTY REAP MEETING
August 8, 2018
The meeting was called to order by Chairman, Mike Wallace, at 9:00 a.m. at the Dallas County
Conservation Board office at Forest Park Museum in Perry, Iowa. Those in attendance were:
Representing City of Clive:
Todd Seaman, 515-202-5165
tseaman@cityofclive.com
Representing City of Perry:
John Anderson, 515-351-1840
john.anderson@perryia.org
Sven Peterson, 515-465-2481
sven.peterson@perryia.org
Representing City of Waukee:
Matt Jermier, 515-707-0147
mjermier@waukee.org
Rudy Koester, 515-978-7388
rkoester@waukee.org
Representing Veenstra & Kimm:
Jordan Kappos, 515-225-8000
jkappos@v-k.net
Representing Dallas County Conservation Board:
Mike Wallace, 515-465-3577
mike.wallace@co.dallas.ia.us
Approve Agenda
Todd Seaman moved and Matt Jermier seconded to approve the agenda as presented. All
members present voted “aye”.
Select County REAP Chair and Vice Chair
Todd Seaman moved and John Anderson seconded to re-elect Mike Wallace as Chair and Matt
Jermier as Vice-Chair of the REAP committee. All members present voted “aye”.
Review minutes of the last Dallas County REAP committee meeting
Matt Jermier moved and John Anderson seconded to accept the August 9, 2017 minutes as
written. All members present voted “aye”.
Review projects from the past year
1. DCCB grant request for land acquisition of 79.68 acres of forest ground near the Big
Bend 640 acre wildlife area was not funded.
2
2. City of West Des Moines grant request to construct Phase I of the Sugar Creek Trail
funding was unknown.
3. City of Clive grant request for land acquisition for the Northern Neighborhoods
Greenbelt in the amount of $125,000 was funded.
4. City of Urbandale grant request for Walnut Creek Trail funding was unknown.
Review and comments on 2018 applications
1.) Mike Wallace, Director of the Dallas County Conservation Board, will submit a REAP
grant request for land acquisition habitat for 79.68 acres of forest ground near the Big
Bend 640 acre wildlife area. This area is open to hunting, fishing, bird watching, nature
appreciation, canoeing and hiking on undeveloped trails through re-established prairie
and an oak-hickory forest. Big Bend is adjacent to the Middle Raccoon River, which is
designated as a Protected Waters Area by the DNR because of the natural resources,
ecological communities, landform variations, rare plants and animal species. This
particular parcel of a larger piece is adjacent to the Dallas County Conservation Board’s
land; the grant application request is for $344,360.
Committee Comments: The committee expressed the importance of the opportunity to
acquire a large area in the center of a property that would allow control and access to the
river. Acquiring land that protects grassland and forest areas is crucial and emphasizes
REAP’s mission. This area being a regional wildlife corridor and efforts to protect this from
development is a great benefit to the environment. This project will be adjacent to current
DCCB property along the river. Studies show a high volume of bird species and unique
plants in this area. It’s important to note that there are two active barn owl nestings on this
area. This is a high quality area. It is part of the Middle Raccoon River which is designated
by the DNR as a Protected Waters Area River.
2.) City of Redfield will submit a REAP grant request to construct a Story Walk. StoryWalk
combines the pleasures of reading wonderful children’s books aloud with all the joys and
benefits of walking together outdoors. This grant application is for $50,000.
Committee Comments: This project has been successful in surrounding towns. It inspires
parents, teachers and other adults to take young children outdoors to enjoy reading stories.
It also encourages physical activity outdoors.
3
3.) City of Clive will submit a REAP grant request for land acquisition for the Northern
Neighborhoods Greenbelt. This is the last section of undeveloped area of Clive and is
about 14 acres. It is part of the Greenbelt Master Plan with a pond and wooded areas.
The grant application is for $125,000.
Committee Comments: It is important to add park grounds and potential trail connections.
This section is part of the Master Plan and includes previous REAP grants for this area.
There is already some interest in purchasing lots to build houses for this area. It is a great
asset to develop the finger trails of the Greenbelt into the neighborhoods. The development
to the east and south have already started.
4.) City of Perry will submit a land acquisition grant for approximately 15 acres north of the
Soccer Complex. This is an urgency grant request for this piece of property to avoid
development. This will enhance the success of the 2014 REAP project. The grant application
is for $100,000.
Committee Comments: The enhancement of the water quality and wetland in this area is
critical. This project will improve wetland areas and utilize an area for increased wild flowers
and habitats as well as influence the water level of the pond. The urgency of acquiring this
piece before it becomes developed is critical. The water volume control will assist with the
pond and water quality efforts.
5.) City of Waukee will submit a REAP grant request for land acquisition for wetlands at the
headwaters of Little Walnut Creek. The project consists of creating a CREP style storm water
wetland that will aid in flood retention and provide water quality benefits. The grant
application is for $125,000.
Committee Comments: The enhancement of the water quality and wetland in this area is
critical. This project will assist other communities downstream with flood retention. It will
provide water quality benefits for Little Walnut Creek and Walnut Creek. This will assist in
educational enhancements for students at the close proximity of the new high school. There
will be great improvements with watershed management, storm water management and
water quality.
4
Review and Discuss Dallas County REAP 5 year plan
The committee discussed the Dallas county five year REAP plan. Todd Seaman moved and Matt
Jermier seconded to amend the priorities as follows: land acquisition, trails, water trails, trail
connections, Greenbelt/Watershed management plans and implementation, and the
development of recreational areas. All members present voted “aye”.
There being no further business to discuss at this time, Chairman Mike Wallace adjourned the
meeting at 10:05 a.m.
Submitted by:
Sherry James, DCCB Staff