FAQs • Story County, IA • CivicEngage

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Can I snowmobile in Story County Conservation areas?: Snowmobiling is allowed on the lake ice only at Hickory Grove, East Peterson, and West Peterson Parks, and on the Praeri Rail Trail and Heart of Iowa Nature Trail when there is measurable snow.

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Conservation

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1. Can I dig wildflowers out of the ditch?: No. The Integrated Roadside Vegetation Management (IRVM) program has spent many years restoring and establishing native plantings in the road ditches for wildlife habitat and travelers' enjoyment. The ditches and the plants in them are the property of the county.

2. Do I have to use non-toxic shot in any of the public hunting areas?: It is unlawful to hunt migratory game birds or resident game or furbearers with a firearm while possessing ammunition other than nontoxic ammunition approved by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services in all SCC owned and managed areas. Skunk River Flats, Doolittle Prairie, and Colo Bog are not subject to this regulation but are subject to all State wildlife regulations.

3. What if I want to have a large event in a SCC area?: If your event will have 250 people or more, or you are charging a fee for admission or services, you will need to apply for a special events permit with our office at McFarland Park.

4. Can I ride an ATV in Story County Conservation areas?: No, we do not currently allow ATVs on any of our areas.

5. Can I pick flowers out of the prairie?: No, State Code 461A.41 prohibits the collection or defacement of plants, flowers, or fruits. Prairie seed may not be collected from any SCC area without prior written permission from the director or authorized representative.

6. Can I snowmobile in Story County Conservation areas?: Snowmobiling is allowed on the lake ice only at Hickory Grove, East Peterson, and West Peterson Parks, and on the Praeri Rail Trail and Heart of Iowa Nature Trail when there is measurable snow.

7. Can I target / trap shoot on county areas?: We do not allow target / trap shooting on any of our areas. There are several private ranges in the area and we also encourage membership in the two area Isaac Walton Leagues.

8. Can I use a tree stand on SCC areas?: Yes, but it must be portable, capable of being moved by one person from one location to another, capable of being removed daily, and can not cause damage to any natural feature.

9. How big do bass have to be before I can keep them?: All state regulations apply to our areas. For lakes, the minimum length for black bass (largemouth, smallmouth, spotted) is 15-inches. Streams have a 12-inch minimum length.
For more complete information on length limits and special restrictions obtain a copy of the Iowa Hunting, Fishing, and Trapping Regulations from your local sporting goods store.

10. How do I remove a wild animal from my property?: Story County Conservation personnel will not physically respond to wildlife calls. Contact your local DNR Conservation Officer.

11. I know that Peterson Park is Bow and Shotgun only, but can I use a black powder gun?: Yes, black powder rifles are allowed. No rimfire, center-fire rifles or handguns are allowed.

12. Is a keg of beer allowed in a county park?: Kegs are allowed by permit only at Dakins Lake and at Oriole Ridge Lodge, Snow Bunting Lodge and Meadowlark Shelter at Hickory Grove Park.

13. Is paintball allowed in public hunting areas or parks?: Paintball is not allowed in any area owned or managed by Story County Conservation. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources also does not allow paintball on areas they own or manage.

14. Where can I let my dog run / swim free?: All pets must be on leashes at all times in our areas designated as refuges. In addition, pets must be on leashes from March 15 - July 15 in our public hunting areas. Leashes should not be longer than 6 feet.

15. Where do you allow horses?: Horses are allowed on all public roads and parking areas. They are also allowed on designated trails, which include the Heart of Iowa Nature Trail and the Praeri Rail Trail ( please stay on the grass); all the trails at Peterson Park; and the section of the Skunk River Greenbelt from E-18 to the Anderson Canoe Access (150th Street).

16. Why are beach hours different from park hours?: Our beaches are open from sunrise to sunset. Public safety is our prime concern. It becomes more difficult for rescue operations to be successful in the dark.