Emmet County Water Trails - Adopt-An-Access Program

This program is based on the Iowa DOT adopt a highway program. The Adopt-An-Access program will provide for individuals, groups or business to adopt an access along the Des Moines River in Emmet County. This program is designed to help and assist governmental organizations with maintaining the access.

While working along a river can be fun but safety of workers is a priority. Adopting organizations are required to hold safety meetings before work begins. Participants 14 years of age or younger require adequate adult supervision.  Do not leave young people unsupervised near the river for even a brief moment. Use a life jacket when you are working near the banks of the river. If you are in the water wading along the banks of the access remember to walk upstream to avoid becoming entrapped in an unseen snag.

Groups or individuals adopting an access will be responsible for that access for a minimum of two years. Litter removal must be done at least three times a year or as necessary to keep the area clean. Litter removal is automatically included in every Adopt-An-Access sponsorship even though the main project may be landscaping or another activity. Ideas on how to beautify our access are encouraged. The sponsor may remove any recyclables and take them to a recycler of the sponsor's choice.

Other improvements might include the planting of native grasses to provide habitat for songbirds. River accesses can also provide excellent habitat for other types of wildlife. Many access plantings can provide a source of food for wildlife.  Pheasants Forever is one source for native grasses and forbs (flowers).

Signs featuring the water trail logo will be erected by the ECWTA at no cost to the sponsor to recognize the efforts of adopting groups or individuals. It may take some time before the sign is erected.  In areas with many signs or very rough terrain, Adopt-An-Access signing may not be possible. Signing is not a requirement for Adopt-An-Access sponsorship. Sponsors may elect to adopt an access without signage.

Through this Adopt-An-Access Program sponsoring groups of individuals will gain positive recognition for their involvement in building a welcoming image for the Emmet County Water Trail and the water trails community throughout the state.

The ECWTA would like to thank the people and organizations that have stepped forward to help maintain our accesses!