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Story County Conservation
Connecting people with nature and improving natural resources -- making Story County a great place to live, work, and recreate.
Story County Conservation manages 3,500 acres of parks and natural areas, including lakes, campgrounds, and trails, and an additional 5,500 acres of roadside habitat through our Integrated Roadside Vegetation Management program. The environmental education staff serves Story County schools and the public with interpretive and informational programs for all ages. Story County Conservation's volunteer program provides volunteer opportunities to individuals and groups interested in making a difference in local natural resources.
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Dakins Campground Renovation
The "primitive" campground at Daking Lake will see some improvements Read on...
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Hickory Grove Lake refilling naturally - not usable yet
The Lake Restoration is complete and some fish stocking has taken place, but the lake needs to refill naturally with rainfall. Lake levels remain too low for recreation. Read on...
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Recycle cellphones and other devices at Conservation Center
Help save gorillas and other wildlife by recycling old smartphones and other devices! Read on...
Story County Conservation (SCC) strives to be wise stewards of our wildlife, lands, and water. This recently led us to adopt a rule requiring non-toxic ammunition for all hunting in SCC areas.
View this and all other SCC regulations here.
View a map of all county hunting areas.
More information about non-toxic ammunition can be found at https://www.blankparkzoo.com/conservation/bald-eagles/iowa-hunters-leading-the-way and www.huntingwithnonlead.org.
Thank you for helping to advance our conservation heritage.
Agendas and Minutes
Story County Conservation Board
The Story County Conservation Board meets the second Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at the Story County Conservation Center at McFarland Park (56461 180th St.), northeast of Ames. The public is encouraged to attend.
Subscribe to receive agendas and minutes when they are posted.
Agendas are available prior to the meetings.
Minutes are also available following approval.