Conservation Department hopeful despite continued dump station issues

MT. PLEASANT — Henry County Conservation Department sees many positives even in the midst of continued difficulties with a down dump station.

According to Conservation Director Caleb Waters, they are about two-thirds of the way through the camping season, and have continued to see good numbers despite the lack of dump station.

Waters further informed the Board of Supervisors recently that the camp grounds are already full for the upcoming Labor Day weekend.

We've had a few complaints here and there about not having a dump station, but it is what it is,” Waters said. “We're working on it and moving forward, we're going to build a new one.”

“We've got a lot of hurdles to overcome, because everywhere that we would like to put it is in the flood plain,” he said. “So, that is restricting us.”

According to Waters, the conservation department has entered into an engineering service agreement with French Reneker Associates Inc. from Fairfield to begin moving forward with the project.

“It's not going to be a cheap date,” Waters commented.

This initial agreement with French Reneker is estimated to cost $27,000 for services like pulling data and permitting.

As frustrating as the dump station situation is for the conservation department, Waters did deliver some good news at the recent Henry County Department Heads meeting.

“On a positive note, we had a new naturalist start on July 17,” Waters said.

According to Waters, their new naturalist Kendall Prehn is a Wisconsin native that comes from a position out of California.

“She has been a great fit to the Department already,” Waters commented.

Waters expressed gratitude for the addition to the conservation staff after he and Operation Supervisor Dalton Thompson spent extra time the last few weeks helping with programing as they worked to fill the position.

Now that the position is filled, Waters says the Conservation Department is looking to fill a position for a part-time conservation technician.

“So that would just kind of involve helping around the parks with maintenance and operating equipment,” he said.

The job posting, found on Henry County’s website, also states the position will include wildlife habitat management, facility repair and construction.

This part time position will include a percentage of some health insurance and vacation. More information about this position and how to apply is available on the Henry County website, mycountyparks.com/jobs or at the Conservation Board Office.

The Conservation Department board is also currently looking to fill one board opening.

Applications for this position are available at the Henry County Auditor’s Office and are due back to the auditor’s office by Aug. 18 at 4 p.m.

Interested parties may call the auditor’s office for additional information.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com