The following portions of the State Code entitled Conservation and Public Parks apply to all County Parks.
461A.35 Prohibited Destructive Acts. It shall be unlawful for any person to use, enjoy the privileges of,
destroy, injure or deface plant life, trees, buildings, or other natural or material property, or to construct or operate
for private or commercial purposes any structure, or to remove any plant life, tree, buildings, sand, gravel, ice,
earth, stone, wood or other natural material or to operate vehicles, within the boundaries of any state park,
preserve, or stream or any other lands or waters under the jurisdiction of the commission for any purpose
whatsoever, except upon the terms, conditions, limitations and restrictions as set forth by the commission.
461A.36 Speed Limit. The maximum speed limit of all vehicles on state park and preserve drives, roads and
highways shall be thirty-five miles per hour. All driving shall be confined to designated roadways. Whenever the
commission shall determine that the speed limit hereinbefore set forth is greater than is reasonable or safe under
the conditions found to exist at any place of congestion or upon any part of the park roads, drives or highways,
said commission shall determine and declare a reasonable and safe speed limit thereat which shall be effective
when appropriate signs giving notice thereof are erected at such places of congestion or other parts of the park
roads, drives or highways.
Comments of Speed Limit: In addition to the speed limit provision provided for in this section of the code,
the Conservation Board may at its discretion establish other speed limits under the authority of 321.236 of
the Code of Iowa.
This brochure is intended to help you use and enjoy your County parks. The rules and regulations
governing the use of the park area are intended to protect the park visitor/user and the park itself
from abuse and misuse. In addition to the rules and regulations adopted by a Conservation Board,
state laws apply to conduct in County Parks. County Parks include any and all types of areas and
facilities under the jurisdiction and control of the Conservation Board. Section 461A.35 through
461A.57 of the State Park Law applies to County Parks unless they have been modified by the
conservation Board. The traffic laws of the State of Iowa apply to County Park roads in the same
manner as they do on state highways. Other sections of the law concerning alcoholic beverages
and destruction of public buildings, apply in all county parks. All persons are presumed to know
the law.
WOODBURY COUNTY CONSERVATION
461A.37 Excessive Loads. Excessively loaded vehicles shall not operate over state park or preserve drives,
roads or highways. The determination as to whether the load is excessive will be made by the director or the
director’s representative and will depend upon the load and the road conditions.
461A.38 Parking. All vehicles shall be parked in designated parking areas, and no vehicle shall be left
unattended on any state park or preserve drive, road or highway, except in the case of emergency.
461A.39 Hitching to Trees. No horse or other animal shall be hitched or tied to any tree or shrub, or in such a
manner as to result in injury to state property.
461A.40 Fires. No fires shall be built, except in a place provided therefore, and such fire shall be extinguished
when site is vacated unless it is immediately used by some other party.
461A.41 Removing Plants, Flowers or Fruit. No person shall, in any manner, remove, destroy, injure or deface
any tree, shrub, plant, or flower, or the fruit thereof, or disturb or injure any structure or natural attraction, except
that upon written permission of the commission certain specimens may be removed for scientific purposes. This
section shall not apply to activities of the commission or its officers, or employees when caring for and managing
state-owned land and waters under the jurisdiction of the commission. This section shall not apply to the
gathering or removal of any tree, shrub, plant, flower, fruits, structures or natural attractions under terms,
conditions, limitations and restrictions adopted by the commission as rules under chapter 17A.
For exceptions to 461A.41 see Section 4 of the county park rules and regulations.
461A.42 Use of Firearms, Explosives, Weapons, and Fireworks Prohibited – Exceptions.
1. The use by the public of firearms, explosives, and weapons of all kinds is prohibited in all state parks and
preserves, except preserves or portions of preserves designated as hunting areas by the state advisory board on
preserves upon the request of the commission. However, any person may use a bow and arrow with attached bow
fishing reel and ninety-pound minimum line attached to the arrow to take rough fish under rules and regulations
prescribed by the commission.
2. Use of fireworks, as defined in section 727.2, in state parks and preserves is prohibited except as authorized by
a permit issued by the department. The commission shall establish, by rule adopted pursuant to chapter 17A, a
fireworks permit system which authorizes the issuance of a limited number of permits to qualified persons to use
or display fireworks in selected state parks and preserves. A person violating this subsection is guilty of a serious
misdemeanor. The court may order restitution for damages caused by the violation which may include, but is not
limited to, community service. The court may also require that the violator provide proof of restitution.
For exceptions to 461A.42 see section 5 of the county park rules and regulations.
461A.43 Littering Grounds. No person shall place any waste, refuse, litter or foreign substance in any area or
receptacle except those provided for that purpose.
461A.44 Prohibited Areas. No person shall enter upon portions of any state park or preserve in disregard of
official signs forbidding same, except by permission of the director or the director’s representative.
461A.45 Animals on Leash. No privately owned animal shall be allowed to run at large in any state park or
preserve or upon lands or in waters owned by or under the jurisdiction of the commission except by permission of
the commission. Every such animal shall be deemed as running at large unless the owner carries such animal or
leads it by a leash or chain not exceeding six feet in length, or keeps it confined in or attached to a vehicle.
For exceptions to 461A.45 see section 6 of the county park rules and regulations.
461A.46 Closing Time. Except by arrangement or permission granted by the director or the director’s authorized
representative, all persons shall vacate state parks and preserves before ten thirty o’clock p.m. Areas may be
closed at an earlier or later hour, of which notice shall be given by proper signs or instructions. The provisions of
this section shall not apply to authorized camping in areas provided for that purpose.
For exceptions to 461.46 see section 25 of the county park rules and regulations.
461A.47 Camping. The Commission is hereby authorized to fix fees for camping and other special privileges
which shall be in such amounts as may be determined by the commission upon a basis of the cost of providing
and reasonable value of such privileges.
461A.48 Camping Areas. No person shall camp in any portion of a state park or preserve except in portions
prescribed or designated by the commission.
461A.49 Time Limit. No camping unit shall be permitted to camp for a period longer than that designated by
the commission for the specific state park or preserve, and in no event longer than for a period of two weeks.
461A.50 Registering – Vacating. Any person who camps in any state park or preserve shall register the person’s
name and address with the park custodian and advise the custodian when the camp is vacated.
461A.51 Camping Refused. Custodians are given authority to refuse camping privileges and to rescind any and
all camping permits for cause.
461A.57 Penalties. Any person violating any of the provisions of sections 461A.35 to 461A.56 and section
111.85 is guilty of a simple misdemeanor.
350.5 Regulations – Penalty – Officers. The county conservation board may make, alter, amend or repeal
regulations for the protection, regulation, and control of all museums, parks, preserves, parkways, playgrounds,
recreation centers, and other property under its control. The regulations shall not be contrary to, or inconsistent
with, the laws of this state. The regulations shall not take effect until ten days after their adoption by the board
and after their publication as provided in section 331.305 and after a copy of the regulations has been posted near
each gate or principal entrance to the public ground to which they apply. After the publication and posting, a
person violating a provision of the regulations which are then in effect is guilty of a simple misdemeanor. The
board may designate the director and those employees as the director may designate as police officers who shall
have all the powers conferred by law on police officers, peace officers, or sheriffs in the enforcement of the laws
of this state and the apprehension of violators upon all property under its control within and without the county.
The board may grant the director and those employees of the board designated as police officers the authority to
enforce the provisions of chapters 321G, 461A, 462A, 481A, and 483A on land not under the control of the board
within the county.
350.10 Statutes Applicable. Sections 461A.35 through 461A.57 apply to all lands and waters under the control
of a county conservation board, in the same manner as if the lands and waters were state parks, lands, or waters.
As used in sections 461A.35 through 461A.57, “natural resource commission” includes a county conservation
board and “director” includes a county conservation board or its director, with respect to lands or waters under the
control of a county conservation board. However, section 461A.35 through 461A.57 may be modified or
superseded by rules adopted as provided in section 350.5.
Rules and Regulations #97-1
Section 1. Definitions: Pursuant to the authority of Chapter 350.5 of the Code of Iowa, the Woodbury County,
Iowa, Conservation Board hereby promulgates and places into effect the following regulations. The following
terms, as used in these regulations, shall for the purpose of these regulations have the meanings assigned hereto,
unless a different meaning is clearly indicated.
A. The term “Board” shall mean the Woodbury County, Iowa, Conservation Board.
B. The term “Department” shall mean the Department of Conservation.
C. The term “director” shall mean the director of the Department of Conservation.
D. The term “area” shall mean all or any part of the land and/or water owned, leased, managed or by other means
under the control of the Board.
E. The term “authorized representative” shall include Park Officers and other persons designated from time to
time by the director.
F. The term “special use permit” shall mean any use permit, issued by the Department, pursuant to authority
delegated by the board, and signed by the director or his authorized representative.
G. The term “camp” or “camping” shall mean the use of a shelter such as a tent, trailer, boat, boat trailer, motor
vehicle, tarpaulin, or sleeping bag for temporary residence at a campground.
H. The term “campground” shall mean any area designated by the Board for camping.
I. The term “family campground” shall mean any campground designated by the Board for camping by families
or groups consisting of six persons or less.
J. The term “group campground” shall mean any campground designated by the Board for camping by groups
consisting of seven persons or more.
K. The term “campsite” shall mean a segment of a campground designated by the Board for camping by a
camping unit or camping party.
L. The term “camping unit” shall mean either a single tent not larger than 144 square feet in size at its base, boat,
boat trailer, pickup camper, motor home or converted bus, recreation trailer, or a motor vehicle used for a camp
by a camping party, except those shelters used exclusively for dining purposes, plus, at the option of the said
camping party, a second tent or an additional tent no larger that 144 square feet in size at its base, if the same is
used and occupied by members of a family.
M. The term “camping party” shall mean any individual, family, or informal unorganized group of not more
than six persons occupying one campsite.
N. The term “camping day” shall mean a period or any portion of a period from 4:00 p.m. of one day to the
established check-out time for the following day.
O. The term “family” shall mean a parent or parents with their dependant minor children and not more than two
minor guests.
P. The term “youth group” shall mean a group consisting of minor members of an established organization and
under the leadership of at least one competent, mature adult for each eight minors in the group and using any
number of camping units or occupying a group campground.
Q. The term “adult group” shall mean any group of adults, whether or not organized into a formal organization.
R. The term “capacity” shall mean the maximum number of camping parties or camping units that the Board
shall from time to time determine may occupy an area, campground or campsite.
S. The term “official signs” shall mean signs provided for in the Iowa Department of Transportation Manual on
Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Iowa Streets and Highways and other signs designated from time to time by
the Board.
T. The term “noise” shall mean any sound of such a nature as to seriously and unreasonably interfere with the
peace and enjoyment of nearby park users.
U. The term “commercial activity” shall mean any activity carried out by a private party or organization for the
purpose of economic gain or profit.
V. The term “community service activity” shall mean any activity carried out by a nonprofit organization for
the purpose of raising funds for charitable or community service purposes.
W. The term “general public events” shall mean an event sponsored by any private organization or individual to
which the general public is invited by advertising (distributing hand-bills or posters) or any like method.
X. The term “private party group” shall mean any group or organization that cannot be classified as
commercial, community service, general public or special event and that reserve a facility will be considered a
“private party group” and will not be subject to the provisions of Section 13.
Y. The term “organized social gathering or special events” shall mean any gathering or activity which will
attract a large number of participants and/or spectators for which the area is not designed to accommodate.
Z. The term “blind” is defined as a constructed place of ambush or concealment for the purpose of hunting,
observing or photographing any species of wildlife.
Section 2. Scope: The provisions of these regulations shall apply to all areas.
Section 3. Fees and Charges:
A. Fees or charges made for services or for the use of land, facilities, equipment, materials or supplies on any
area to be collected by the Department or authorized concessionaires shall be prescribed and approved by the
Board.
B. It shall be unlawful for any person or persons to enter or use any facilities for which entrance fees or user fees
are prescribed without payment of same, except those persons on official business or authorized by special use
permits.
Section 4. Collection of Fruits and Nuts:
Section 461A.41 of the 1999 Code of Iowa entitled “Removing plants, flowers or fruit” is hereby modified under
the authority of Section 350.10 of the 1999 Code of Iowa as follows: It shall be lawful to collect the fruit of all
nut and berry producing plants or mushrooms for non-commercial home use, provided that the collector does not
otherwise damage the parent plant.
Section 5. Use of Firearms: Section 461A.42 of the code of Iowa entitled “Use of firearms prohibited –
exceptions” is hereby modified under the authority of Section 350.10 of the Iowa Code as follows: The
POSSESSION AND USE of fireworks and explosives are absolutely prohibited in all county park and
conservation areas under the Board’s jurisdiction. Firearms and weapons of all kinds are prohibited in or on all
areas EXCEPT as otherwise provided by law or for which a special use permit has been issued. However, it shall
be lawful to use or carry firearms to hunt or pursue game birds or wild animals in or on all areas designated as
hunting areas by the Board during dates established by the Board. It shall also be lawful to use firearms in or on
shooting ranges designated by the Board at all times during the year. Target shooting shall be restricted to
designated ranges.
Section 5.1 Blinds and Tree Stands Restricted: The use or construction of blinds or tree stands is prohibited
except as provided herein. No person shall cut or in any way sever or alter in any manner as to damage plant
material or any natural feature for the purpose of constructing a blind or tree stand. No person shall drive or
otherwise place any nails, spikes, pins or any other metal object into any tree for the purpose of constructing a
blind or tree stand. Portable blinds or tree stands capable of being moved by one person from one location to
another and which are capable of being removed daily may be used provided that such devices do not in any way
damage any natural feature.
Section 6. Training and Exercising Dogs: Section 461A.45 of 1999 Code of Iowa entitled “Animals on leash”
is hereby modified under the authority of Section 350.10 of the 1999 Code of Iowa as follows: It shall be lawful
to permit dogs to run at large for the purpose of training or exercising them in or on all areas designated as
hunting areas by the board or zones within areas not open to hunting except from March 15 to July 15 inclusive.
The Board may for cause close any area or portion of any area to all dogs and the training or exercising of dogs.
Section 7. Hunting Restricted: It shall be unlawful to hunt, pursue or in any manner molest any birds or wild
animals in or on any areas not designated as a hunting area by the board. The Department shall post all areas
designated as hunting areas with official signs to notify the public that this activity is lawful.
Section 8. Camping:
A. Violation of any state law or any county park rule and regulation by any member of a camping party is cause
for revocation of the camping permit and the entire camping party shall be required to leave the area.
B. Youth groups and adult groups who reserve any group camp shall have the exclusive use of the camp only if
they utilize fifty percent or more of the capacity of the campground.
C. When any campground is open and in a usable condition all charges and fees shall be in effect and shall be
enforced as set forth in the official fee schedule approved by the Board.
D. No camping party or camping unit of any kind shall occupy any campground more than fourteen consecutive
days. On all parks or areas with more than one campground this shall apply to the entire area and all campgrounds
in the area.
E. It shall be unlawful for more than one camping party or camping unit to occupy a campsite, except that up to
eight members of a youth group may occupy a campsite in a family campground on properties which do not have
a designated group camp area or when group camps are not available. When youth groups are allowed to use
campsites in family campgrounds reasonable provisions shall be made to allow them to exceed the equipment
limit imposed in Section 1.(L).
F. It shall be unlawful to park any motor vehicle outside the parking area designated at each campsite, and not
more than one licensed vehicle (including motorbikes), in addition to the camping unit, is permitted to any
campsite.
G. All campers shall maintain quiet and avoid excessive noise in the campgrounds between the hours of 10:30
p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
H. Campsites cannot be reserved. In order to register for a campsite, a camping unit must occupy a campsite.
I. No camping unit or party shall move from its assigned campsite to another campsite without prior approval
from the director or his authorized representative.
J. Campers shall restore their campsite to the same approximate condition or better than when they found it.
K. Check-out time at all campgrounds is 4:00 p.m. except as follows: The director or his authorized
representative has authority to extend the check-out time to 8:00 p.m. when it is in the public interest and furthers
the orderly management of the facility.
L. Campsite registration must be in the name of a person 18 years of age or older who will occupy the camping
unit on that site for the full term of the registration.
Section 9. Noise Producing Devices: It shall be unlawful to operate or use any radio, television, stereo, musical
instrument, electric generating plants, power saws, electric insect zapping devices, or any similar equipment in or
on any area in such a manner as to create excessive noise and/or disturb other persons.
Section 10. Dog Sleds Restricted: It shall be unlawful to ride, lead, or otherwise allow the entry or use of any
land conveyance propelled by dogs and run on wheels, tracks or runners in or on any area, except for those trails
and roads which the board shall from time to time designate and those other areas for which a special use permit
has been issued.
Section 11. Public Address Systems Restricted: It shall be unlawful to operate or use any public address
system whether fixed, portable, or vehicular mounted, in or on any area except when such use or operation has
been approved in writing by the director or his authorized representative.
Section 12. Radio, Television or Telephone Equipment Restricted: It shall be unlawful to install aerial or
other special radio, telephone, or television equipment in or on any area without the approval in writing of the
director or his authorized representative.
Section 13. Permits Required for Commercial and Social Activity: It shall be unlawful to engage in any
activity listed below except by contract or special use permit issued by the Conservation Board, its director or
authorized representative on a non-discriminatory basis:
1. Washing or repairing cars or vehicles.
2. Commercial activity carried out for private gain or profit.
3. Community service activities of private, nonprofit groups.
4. General public events;
5. Organized social gatherings or special events.
Section 14. Use of Horses Restricted: It shall be unlawful to ride, lead or otherwise allow the entry or use of
horses or horse-drawn wagons on any portion of any area, except as provided herein. The Board shall from time
to time designate trails and roads for the use of horses and the director or his authorized representative may, by
issuing a special use permit, allow such activity on any area.
Section 15. ATV’s and Snowmobiles Restricted: It shall be unlawful to operate any snowmobile, tote bike, air
sled, swamp buggy, all terrain vehicle or any other land conveyance propelled by a gasoline or electrical engine
and run on wheels, tracks, or runners in or on any area, except for those trails and roads which the Board shall
from time to time designate and those other areas for which a special use permit has been issued.
Section 16. Trapping Restricted: It shall be unlawful to trap or attempt to trap any birds or wild animals except
as otherwise provided by law, in or on any area not designated as a trapping area by the Board. Trapping is
permitted on any area designated by the Board as a Public Hunting Area unless otherwise posted.
Section 17. Sledding Equipment and Activity Restricted: It shall be unlawful to use any part of a car body,
plywood or metal sheet, or any similar unsafe device for use in any downhill winter sports activities in, or on any
area. It shall be unlawful to build jumps or to otherwise alter surface conditions for downhill sports activities.
Section 18. Swimming Restricted: It shall be unlawful to swim, wade or engage in related water activities in or
on any pond or waters in or on any area, except for those swimming beaches specifically designated by the Board.
Section 19. Reserving Park Facilities: It shall be unlawful for a minor to reserve a park facility. If a group
consists of mixed adults and minors, a ratio of at least one adult to each eight minors must be maintained unless
the group is a “registered youth group.” A registered youth group may maintain different ratios if the group is
sponsored for the activity by the director or his authorized representative.
Section 20. Domestic Refuse Not Permitted: It shall be unlawful to deposit garbage, refuse or litter from any
household, business or any other place to any area for the purpose of disposing of the same in any refuse or litter
container there provided.
Section 21. Boats Unattended Not Permitted: It shall be unlawful to leave unattended any boat or other form
of water conveyance on or attached to any area for more than twelve consecutive hours. Any water conveyance
left in violation hereof shall be removed and stored at the expense of its owner, which expense shall not be less
than $25.00 per day. If not reclaimed within six months of its removal hereunder, such water conveyance shall be
considered abandoned and shall thereafter be disposed of.
Section 22. Motor Vehicles Unattended Not Permitted: It shall be unlawful to leave any motor vehicle
unattended on any area for more than twenty-four hours without the permission of the director or his authorized
representative. Any motor vehicle left in violation hereof shall be removed and stored at the expense of its owner,
which expense shall not be less than $25.00 per day. If not reclaimed within six months of its removal hereunder,
all such motor vehicles shall be considered abandoned and shall thereafter be disposed of.
Section 23. Official Signs: It shall be unlawful for any person to enter, use or occupy any area or facilities
within said area in disregard of any official signs.
Section 24. Possession and Consumption of Beer and Wine Prohibited: No person shall possess or consume
any beer or wine as defined in Section 123.3 (7) and Section 123.3 (37) of the 1999 Code of Iowa in the county
park and conservation areas under the Boards’ jurisdiction hereinafter listed except only in the designated
campgrounds by registered campers, and by permit only at reserved shelters and facilities:
a. Bigelow Park/Brown’s Lake f. Sioux City Prairie
b. Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center g. Snyder Bend Park
c. Midway Park h. Weedland Access
d. Owego Wetland Complex i. Wimson Park
e. Riverside Bluffs Area
Any beer or wine possessed in violation of this rule shall be confiscated by the director or his authorized
representative and destroyed. Additionally, the possession or consumption of hard liquor as defined in Sections
123.3(5), 123.3(3) and 123.3(33) of the 1999 Code of Iowa is absolutely prohibited in all county park and
conservation areas.
Section 24.1 Beer Container Regulated: No person or group shall bring, use or have in his, her or their
possession on any area, beer in a keg, or any other container larger than one gallon.
Section 25. Closing Time: All areas shall be closed to public use between the hours of 10:30 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
unless otherwise specified by the Board, in which case official signs will be erected giving the public constructive
notice of such change. The director or his authorized representative may issue special use permits in conformity
with Board policy which, when issued, shall allow groups or persons to observe other hours. The provisions of
this Section shall not apply to authorized camping by registered camping groups in designated camping areas.
Section 26. Exceptions: Nothing in these rules and regulations shall prohibit or hinder the Department, its
Supervisors, Park Officers, or duly authorized agents or any other peace officers from performing their official
duties.
Section 27. Violation and Penalties – Any person violating any of these rules shall be guilty of a simple
misdemeanor, and upon conviction shall be fined an amount not less than Fifty Dollars ($50) nor more than the
maximum amount allowable under law or be imprisoned in the County Jail not to exceed Thirty (30) days. A
separate penalty shall apply to each violation. [IA Code ∋ 467A.57 (1999)]
The Woodbury County Conservation Board intends to comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act
and all other local, state and federal laws pertaining to equal treatment. If anyone believes he or she has
been subjected to discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, sex, national origin, religion,
disability or age, they may file a complaint alleging discrimination with either: the Woodbury County
Conservation Board or the Office for Equal Opportunity, U.S. Department of the Interior, Washington,
D.C. 20240.