ALCOHOL

Q: Is a keg of beer allowed in any Jasper County Conservation areas?

A: Possession of beer in a keg or any alcohol in a container larger than a quart is not allowed.

ANIMALS AND PETS

Q: Where can I let my dog run/swim free?

A: All pets much be on leashes no longer than 6 feet in length in all Jasper County Conservation parks and preserves.

Q: Where do you allow horseback riding?

A: Horseback riding is not currently allowed in any of the Jasper County Conservation areas.

BOATING

Q: On which Jasper County owned lakes can I use my boat?

A: Boats are allowed only at Ahrens Access of Jacob Krumm Nature Preserve.  However, only electric (and NOT gas powered motors) are permissible.

CAMPING

Q: What is the charge for camping at Jasper County Conservation parks?

A. The Jasper County Conservation Board charges $7/unit/night.  Primitive camping with vault latrines  are available at Ashton Wildwood Park and Mariposa Recreation Area.

Q: How long can I camp at a Jasper County Conservation camping area?

A: No party may occupy any camp area for more than 14 days out of a 17 day period.

Q: Where can I have a campfire in Jasper County Conservation  parks?

A: Fires may be built only in grills and fire rings provided by the Jasper County Conservation Board.

Q: When do the parks open for camping?

A: Weather permitting, Ashton is open year-round  and Mariposa is open beginning April 1.

Q: Is there a list of camping rules available?

A: A list of camping rules can be obtained by clicking here.

FISHING

Q: Are there restrictions regarding the bait that I use to fish in Japer County Conservation managed areas?

A: The use of live minnows is prohibited.

FLOWER AND SEED COLLECTION

Q: Can I pick flowers out of the prairies at Jasper County parks?

A: No- it is illegal to remove, injure, or destroy any tree, flower, shrub, plant or other vegetation, or any rock or mineral in any county owned areas.  We do, however, permit the collection of fruits, nuts, berries, and mushrooms, as long as no damage is done to the parent plants.

Q: Can I dig wildflowers out of the road ditch?

A: No- the grasses and flowers in the ditches serve as wildlife habitat and enjoyment for travelers.  The ditches and the plants contained in ditches are the property of the county.

HOURS

Q. What are the operating hours of Jasper County Conservation facilities?

A. All persons are required to vacate county areas between the hours of 10:30 pm and 5:00 am except in specific areas designated for overnight camping.

HUNTING

Q: Can I use my tree stand on Jasper County Conservation areas?

A. No permanent blinds or tree stands are allowed.  However stands or blinds that are portable, capable of being moved by one person from one location to another, capable of being removed daily, and ones that do not cause damage to any natural features are allowed.

Q: Can I target/trap shoot on county areas?

A. We do not allow target or trap shooting on any of our areas.

SHELTERHOUSES

Q: Where are shelterhouses located in Jasper County Parks?

A: There are shelterhouses at Mariposa Recreation Area (1), Ashton Wildwood Park (2), and Jacob Krumm Nature Preserve (2).

Q: How do I rent a shelter?

A: Currently, Jasper County Conservation does not charge for the use of  shelterhouses- they are available on a first come basis.  We do, however, keep track of usage, so arrangements to use a shelter should be made with the Conservation Office by calling (641) 792-9780.

SKIING

Q. Where, in Jasper County, can I cross country ski?

A.  The Jasper County Conservation Board manages almost 25 miles of recreational trails.  The Chichaqua Valley Recreation Trail is an abandoned railroad right-of-way that has been converted to a recreation al trail beginning in Baxter and ending in Bondurant, in Polk County.  The black-topped trail is perfect for walking, jogging, bicycling, rollerblading, and cross country skiing in the winter.  Rest stops and picnic shelters are found in Baxter, Ira, Mingo, and Bondurant.  These areas, as well as Valeria, offer parking for trail access.

The Rock Creek Recreation Bike Trail is a black-topped bike trail that begins at Rock Creek State Park and ends in Grinnell, in Poweshiek County.  The 4 mile trail consists of challenging terrain nestled in the scenic beauty of the Rock Creek Lake watershed.  In the spring, summer and fall it is used primarily for biking, jogging and walking; and cross country skiing in the winter.  

Many other natural trails are available for cross country skiing in Jasper County.  Jacob Krumm Nature Preserve and Clear Creek Wildlife Area have trails that may be used for hiking, running, cross country skiing, and snowshoeing.

SNOWMOBILES AND ATV'S

Q: Can I ride my snowmobile or ATV in Jasper County Conservation Board areas?

A. The Jasper County Conservation Board does not currently allow snowmobiles or ATVs in any of our areas.

SWIMMING

Q: Which Jasper County Conservation Board parks allow swimming?

A:  Swimming is prohibited in all areas managed by the Jasper County Conservation Board.