Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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.

No, we do not currently allow ATVs on any of our areas.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Story County Conservation personnel will not physically respond to wildlife calls. Contact your local DNR Conservation Officer.

Yes, black powder rifles are allowed. No rimfire, center-fire rifles or handguns are allowed.

Kegs are allowed by permit only at Dakins Lake and at Oriole Ridge Lodge, Snow Bunting Lodge and Meadowlark Shelter at Hickory Grove Park.

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.

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.

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).

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.