The Friends of Palisades-Kepler State Park is launching a $33,500 campaign for trail repair and upgrade at The Pal. The “Trail Repair Fundraiser” is to ensure first responders have safe access to trails and to provide safer trails for hikers for years to come.
In 2021, The Friends initiated a conversation with Iowa DNR and local first responders (police, ambulance and fire fighters) with the question, “What can we do to assist you when you’re called out to an emergency at the park?”
One request was, “Repair the trails so we can get our equipment down.” It is estimated that 250,000 hikers traverse the trails at The Pal in any given year. This, along with water erosion, has undercut the treads on the trails, making them dangerous for hikers as well as for first responders.
A tour of the trails with Iowa DNR, and the Conservation Corp of Minnesota & Iowa showed that the ravine along Cedar Cliff Trail was not approachable from either direction. The nearest access was Cool Hollow Trail, which was compromised after years of use as well as by the 2020 derecho. Iowa DNR decided on a two-stage project. Phase 1 is to reinforce the tread along Cool Hollow, which, upon completion, will make it possible to complete Phase 2, which requires moving equipment down to Cedar Cliff to reset stones.
As part of this “Trail Repair Fundraiser,” The Friends of the Pal has taken on the challenge to raise at least half of the funds required. Cool Hollow is on the schedule for Spring 2023 repair with an estimated cost of $10,500. Cedar Cliff will be repaired in Spring 2024 at an estimated cost of $23,000. When completed, the reinforced treads will give first responders a safe way to move equipment to Cedar Cliff Trail and will make the trails safer for hikers for years to come.
The Friends know that raising the funds will be a challenge, but with the support of our local communities we know it can happen.
Donations can be made through the following:
1. Our CauseTeam Fundraiser: https://www.causeteam.com/causepages/detail/friends-of-palisades-kepler-state-park
2. Our PayPal Account: [email protected]
3. Our account at Hills Bank: Friends of Palisades Kepler State Park, C/O Hills Bank, 720 1st Ave SE, Mount Vernon, Iowa, 52314.
4. Or send a check: Friends of Palisades-Kepler State Park, PO Box 104, Mount Vernon IA 52314
The Friends of Palisades-Kepler State Park was formed in 2018 with a mission of bringing awareness to The Pal and working with the Park Ranger to preserve and maintain the park. The Friends sponsor regular volunteer opportunities and educational events at the park.