Henry County nears completion of long-awaited dump station project

MT. PLEASANT — After a long journey to get there, Henry County Conservation is in the final phase of completing its new RV dump station. At Thursday's Board of Supervisors meeting, Conservation Director Caleb Waters reported that the infrastructure is nearly ready for full operation.

“We’re in the final stretch of the project,” Waters told the board. “Last week, the contractor came and installed the gate that will allow people in and out. We’re just waiting on the gate opener to be installed — hopefully next week.”

The dump station briefly opened for limited use over Memorial Day weekend, thanks to a conservation board member who volunteered time to oversee operations.

“We had, I think, seven individuals that dumped,” Waters said. “The floats, the alarm system is all hooked up. We’re just waiting on security cameras, security lights and the opener.”

The dump station includes a cul-de-sac loop and landscaping plans supported by Pheasants Forever, which donated pollinator seed for a central planting area.

“I didn’t really care to mow it weekly,” Waters said with a smile. “So, we’re going to have pollinator planting on the inside — a short mix with some flowers in it.”

In other updates, Waters emphasized a strict policy ahead of the Fourth of July: no fireworks in county parks.

“We have had a lot of issues with that in the past, getting phone calls at one o’clock in the morning,” he said. “Just want to advertise that a little bit.”

The department also welcomed a new staff member. Abby Pacha starts Monday as a naturalist and conservation technician.

“We’re very excited,” Waters said, noting that existing staff had been stretched thin during a busy spring program season.

Waters highlighted ongoing work with the Friends of Henry County Conservation to construct a new shelter house. A concrete pad should be poured by next week. The Daughters of the American Revolution are partnering on the project by relocating a historic monument nearby.

In the realm of land management, Waters discussed upcoming tree removal efforts made possible by a potential forestry grant. The county is working with DNR forester Lisa Alloway to target invasive species like honeysuckle, especially around Gibson Park.

Fundraising efforts for a new playground also continue. The department has raised nearly $50,000 in donations so far, with additional grant applications pending.

“We’re getting closer to our end goal,” Waters said. With matching funds from the playground company, the project’s total now exceeds $140,000.

Finally, Waters pointed to a community-led initiative, Preserve Oakland Mills, which is raising money to restore the park’s footbridge. The group is hosting a fishing tournament Saturday at Oakland Mills. More details are available on their Facebook page.

“We’ve got a lot going on,” Waters said. “But it’s all good stuff for the county.”

Comments: AnnaMarie.Kruse@southeastiowaunion.com