Story City dam area, August 2003 (prior to modifications).

Danny surfs just days after the first dam modification (8/25/07 - 900 cfs @ Ames gauge)

Three rock weirs were constructed by the IADNR in Sept/Oct 2008 (9/19/08 at approx 145cfs - Ames Gauge)

(10/15/08 @ 115 cfs)

(11/07/08 @ 690 cfs - the mean discharge that day was 734 cfs)

(11/7/08 @ 690 cfs)

(11/11/08 @ 305 cfs)

”WARNING - RAPIDS AHEAD“ signs have been placed at Story City and at Soper's Mill. The DNR has installed portage signs here nearer the dam.

Bridge signs have been installed at E18, 150th, 170th, 190th, East 13th, Lincoln Way and 16th Streets, 265th and at 280th Street. As of '08 Riverside and R70 remain. Signs are missing at E18 and 280th.

The E18 Access requires ongoing weed control, both on the hillside and on the switchback trail. A LIVE Three Ridge Mussel was found in the river here during an SRN biological assessment!

The E18 launch/landing area - typical (3/26/08) We may someday want to consider an improvement here.

The Navy removed a fuel barrel from above the Anderson access that Jeff reportedly had been tracking for months! A horse-drawn shovel (used for trenching in field tile) was also recovered that day. (9/6/08)

Grant projects were kicked off with a scheduled workday in February '05. A major thaw that week caused us to have more volunteers than we could use, but also gave us the opportunity to take a short paddle once our work was complete!

The steps at the Anderson access have held fast structurally, but the jetty itself has eroded, and as expected - the stairs do silt in. (March '07)

(3/26/08)

(3/26/08)

(4/27/08)

The Bear Creek Winter Camp Out... continues? (3/1/08)

Piper shares her knowledge and enthusiasm, this time at Soper's Mill. But there weren't many people rolling on this day! (4/15/08)

Danny at Soper's (4/15/08 at something near 550 cfs - Ames Gauge)

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(9/19/08 at around 145 cfs - Ames Gauge)

Unfortunately this is NOT following a Navy Day.

The '08 floods eroded well into the north bank at Hannum's Mill, making the portage a little more difficult than we've become accustomed to.

(Initial shaping of the dam area by Manatts - 6/27/05)

The warning signs we installed (at the Hannum's Mill dam) have been replaced with new signs conforming to the DNR's Water Trail standards. (8/05)

Spring thaw (3/11/08)

Ever wonder what happened to the big cottonwood that once lay across the dam?

The Sleepy Hollow Access saw a few days of intense activity in preparation for an ADA - accessible ramp, but much work remains. (Sept 07)

The DNR had equipment in the area (Story City), making it convenient to do some preliminary clearing. (9/17/08)

A new view of the river! Note that there has been no garbage or yard waste dumped in this area since! Wayside or “miles-to-next” access signs (barely visible at left) have been installed at all locations except Story City.

Greg and Don take part in “Stash the Trash”, on the river through Ames (3/29/08)

Recent floods have stripped soil and vegetation from the jetties at River Valley Park and elsewhere. (Nov 08)

Once only a vision in the 2003 federal Recreational Trails Program Grant Application, an ADA accessible access has become a reality.

Dave Thompson (NPS Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program) provided these drawings for the FRT application, and has provided continued assistance on a number of grant applications and projects.

After multiple meetings with designers, contractors, and city staff, an extended bidding process and additional phone calls and discussions, Dave Kraemer, our project manager, finally saw construction begin late in '08. (10/28/08)

Low bid was from Manatt's inc, but through that contact a local Scout became involved and it became his Eagle Scout project...

Looking upstream (11/13/08)

Additional work - establishing native vegetation and protecting the Geoweb against further flooding, remains.

The Water Trail sign at River Valley Park was the first of its kind to be put into service!

Piper continues to work with the city towards some alteration or modification of this dam.

An early season float from River Valley to Askew. - Remember to renew those registrations! (May '03)

The City of Ames has installed street signs at 13th, Lincoln Way, and South 16th.

The biggest ever SRN, offloading at the new SE 16th Access. Our thanks to Dave K and to city staff for making this happen - We look forward to further development of the area, including the greenbelt trail.

On the 2008 Waffle Float (a very cold and windy day) we paddled the Skunk from South 16th to Askew. It was a good pick! (12/6/08)

The Skunk River Navy picked up over 80 tires between SE 16th and Ken Maril, which meant a long walk to the 265th Street Access! (9/27/08)

Is anyone watching the freeboard on that canoe?

At 265th Street - so close!

The Spring Skunk Float, at 265th. (5/5/07)

John and I paddled on to Askew that day, and found a bit of debris at the take-out.

John can personnally attest as to the depth of the river here! (5/5/08)

After an early season flood. (3/16/08)

(3/16/08)

Though the river leaves a thick layer of silt (as shown again here), it is washed away as water moves through the ditch during the next rain event. (4/18/08)

More troubling is the erosion of rock following the heaviest rains. - We've had to make repairs almost annually. (7/18/08, after repairs by Greg and Dave)

The Skunk River Water Trail. Just off the map, work is progressing on the Heart of Iowa Trail bridge south of Cambridge, and a new access (the Shreck Access) is being developed at Hwy 210 as part of a larger DOT bank stabilization project.

Off the river, the SCC Partner's Spring Festival continues to draw paddlers of all ages. (5/6/07)

We'll be there to assist! (5//6/07)

And we hope to see you at the GAAR! (Great Ames Adventure Race, August '08)