Timber Improvement Project Could Temporarily Close Four Mahaska County Parks Beginning November 4th

Tommy Van Renterghem from Mahaska County Conservation stopped by the Oskaloosa News studio on Monday to talk about timber health.

OSKALOOSA, Iowa – Starting November 4th, visitors to several Mahaska County parks may find some areas temporarily closed and see maintenance crews as Mahaska County Conservation begins a major woodland improvement project.

The department has received approximately $150,000 through a Forestry Resiliency Grant administered by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

Tommy Van Renterghem from Mahaska County Conservation recently stopped by the Oskaloosa News studio to talk about the project and what residents need to know before visiting the parks involved.

This four-year project will focus on Cedar Bluffs, Eveland Access, White Oak, Quercus, and Evertrue.

Aerial Spraying Could Cause Temporary Closures

The main thing visitors need to know right now is that aerial spraying is planned between November 4th and November 18th at four locations:

* Eveland Access
* Evertrue
* White Oak
* Quercus

Contractors will use drones to spray an aquatic-approved glyphosate herbicide on about 143.5 acres to target invasive honeysuckle.

Only certain areas will be sprayed, not the entire parks.

Honeysuckle spreads quickly, crowds out native plants, and makes it harder to get through wooded areas.

Spraying needs to happen after most trees have lost their leaves but while honeysuckle is still green. The exact dates will depend on the weather and wind.

Instead of closing the parks for the whole two weeks, conservation officials plan to close them only during spraying. Some closures might last just a day or two.

What Visitors Need to Do

Hunters, hikers, and other visitors should check park conditions before heading to any of the four affected parks.

Mahaska County Conservation will put up signs and share updates on its Facebook page. Staff will also keep an eye on access points during spraying.

If you plan to visit Eveland Access, Evertrue, White Oak, or Quercus, call 641-673-9327 first to make sure the park is open.

Visitors need to stay out of closed areas, even if they can get to them from nearby private property.

Brush Removal Planned at Three Parks

Contractors will also start removing invasive brush at White Oak, Quercus, and Cedar Bluffs this fall and winter.

Crews might use hand tools, chainsaws, herbicides, and heavy equipment to clear out unwanted plants.

These parks should stay open during brush removal,but some trails might close for a short time. Visitors should steer clear of areas where crews are working.

Improving Woodland Health

Mahaska County Conservation looks after 21 parks and almost 2,000 acres, all with a small field staff.

The grant will pay for contractors to put forestry management plans into action at the five properties.

The goal is to control invasive plants, protect native vegetation, and help county woodlands stay healthy for the long term.

If you have questions about the project or park closures, call Mahaska County Conservation at 641-673-9327 or check their Facebook page for updates.