This article is condensed (with permission) from the Bremer County Conservation Board's website at www.co.bremer.ia.us/new/wapsieriver.htmSince the early 1960’s, the Bremer County Conservation Board has been working on a greenbelt project along the Wapsipinicon River extending from Tripoli to Highway 3. A few parcels were obtained between 1960 and 1989, but it was the Resource Enhancement and Protection Act (REAP) that provided the funding spark to add additional lands to the greenbelt project. From 1989 to the present, 1,650 acres have been obtained for the project through REAP grants. The greenbelt project now totals 1,855 acres along the Wapsie. The greenbelt is home to a wide assortment of critters including a heron rookery, sand hill cranes with young, and families of river otters. In addition to improving water quality and providing habitat, the greenbelt project offers numerous recreational activities. Bird Watchers, Nature Photographers, Cross-Country Skiers, Hunters, Trappers, Hikers and Canoers can all find room within the 1,855 acres to pursue their own nature interests. |