Sac City Parks, Recreation and Natural Resource Board

Sac City Parks, Recreation and Natural Resource Board Sac City PRNR strives to balance recreation with natural resources in a seamless manner, outlying the natural beauty of our natural resources.

What a difference a week and a half does!! Our public nature trails are starting to boom with color.
05/24/2025

What a difference a week and a half does!! Our public nature trails are starting to boom with color.

What a great time of year to walk one of our many nature trails in Sac City. Our maintenance of mowing trail has begun ...
05/14/2025

What a great time of year to walk one of our many nature trails in Sac City. Our maintenance of mowing trail has begun for the year.

Today we burned one of our newest parcels of land. This burn was well past due. We look forward to the coming spring rai...
03/27/2025

Today we burned one of our newest parcels of land. This burn was well past due.

We look forward to the coming spring rains to bring new growth to our grassland. Special thanks to Sac City Fire Dept, Sac City Maintenance, as well as a few volunteers. We continue to improve our Natural Resources to benefit future generations.

Today we started our spring burning efforts. These burns are used as a tool to maintain our grounds. Several hundred yea...
03/14/2025

Today we started our spring burning efforts. These burns are used as a tool to maintain our grounds.

Several hundred years ago the fires were natural and wild. These fires kept invasive trees from taking over the landscape. Today we bring fire in a controlled manner to help us in our management of lands. These areas will explode with new growth often within days of a burn.

ADA-Compliant Hiking Trail Upgrade Estimated at $6,000Plans are moving forward to upgrade the lower loop of the Chautauq...
03/11/2025

ADA-Compliant Hiking Trail Upgrade Estimated at $6,000

Plans are moving forward to upgrade the lower loop of the Chautauqua Trail to meet accessibility standards. The project will involve applying approximately 160 tons of one-inch chip limestone to create a smoother, more stable surface. The estimated cost of materials is around $6,000, which includes delivery, but the limestone will need to be spread manually.

A rough estimate of the material needed was determined based on the trail’s length. In addition to resurfacing the lower loop, work will be done to improve the transition onto the bridge, ensuring it can be easily navigated by individuals using wheelchairs and other mobility aids.

Spreading the limestone will require equipment and labor. A water plant employee and an apprentice have access to two bobcats, which may be used to assist with distribution. One suggested approach involves dumping the material in piles along the trail, allowing it to be leveled by use of a bobcat.

The upgrade aims to improve accessibility while maintaining the natural setting of the trail. Discussions on finalizing funding and logistics will continue at upcoming meetings.

Photos: Images from the Chautauqua Trail

Controlled Burns Planned to Clear River Log JamsThe removal of three large log jams along the river was discussed at the...
03/05/2025

Controlled Burns Planned to Clear River Log Jams

The removal of three large log jams along the river was discussed at the March 4, 2025, Parks, Recreation & Natural Resources Board meeting. The blockages, which built up over the winter, are obstructing the waterway and need to be cleared to prevent further accumulation.

The board considered several options and plans to move forward with controlled burns as the primary method. At least one jam will be burned as a test, with additional burns scheduled if the process proves effective. Volunteers will take turns standing watch to ensure the fire stays contained.

The log jams are located near the cemetery loop, with one just over the bank from the north entrance, another visible about 50 yards upstream, and a third around a bend on the opposite side of the river. The largest of the three is expected to be the first target for removal.

There was brief discussion of alternative methods, including using chainsaws to break up the debris. Some cutting has already been done, but the burns are expected to be the most effective approach for clearing the most obstructed areas.

The plan will be coordinated in advance, with a general alert sent out when a burn is scheduled. The process will be managed carefully to minimize environmental impact and prevent unintended damage to the surrounding area.

We are all stewards of the lands and need to be vigilant that we are not spreading invasive species. We battle several ...
02/25/2025

We are all stewards of the lands and need to be vigilant that we are not spreading invasive species. We battle several of these as well as many others. Once introduced it can take years to revert back to natives. We look forward to providing informational kiosks along the nature trail in the future.

02/21/2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 16, 2024
Sac City Awarded $75,000 REAP Grant to Revitalize Blighted Land
Sac City, Iowa – The City of Sac City is excited to announce that it has been awarded a $75,000 grant through the Resources Enhancement and Protection (REAP) program. These funds will be used to transform a six-acre blighted parcel located North of the old grain elevator and adjacent to the Raccoon River in Sac City.
The REAP grant will enable Sac City to clean up and restore polluted land, creating a sustainable green space and enhancing the overall quality of life for its residents. This project aligns perfectly with the REAP program’s mission to protect, enhance, and restore Iowa’s natural resources.
By removing old tires, debris, and other pollutants, the city will eliminate significant environmental hazards and create a healthier ecosystem. The restored land will be replanted with native plants and wildlife, providing essential habitat for pollinators, birds, and other beneficial species.
In addition to environmental benefits, the project will include the expansion of the City’s nature trail system. This trail expansion will offer residents expanded opportunities for outdoor recreation, education, and community building. The trail will also attract visitors to Sac City, boosting the local economy.
Sac City is committed to long-term sustainability and believes that this project will have a lasting positive impact on the community.
About the REAP Program
The REAP program is a voluntary, statewide program designed to protect, enhance, and restore Iowa’s natural resources. Through financial and technical assistance, REAP supports projects that improve water quality, conserve soil, protect wildlife habitat, and create recreational opportunities.

02/21/2025

Sac City Secures 21-Acre Land Donation to Expand Parks and Trails

Sac City, Iowa – United Bank of Iowa has donated over 21 acres of woodland to the City of Sac City, significantly enhancing the city’s park system and recreational opportunities. The land is located north of Old Highway 20 and east of the North Raccoon River.

Though United Bank of Iowa had generously allowed the Parks, Recreation & Natural Resources Board to develop the land for two years, the official gift of the property was finalized on December 17, 2024. The donation was secured through the tireless efforts of City Administrator Jamie Lawrence, with strong support from the Parks, Recreation & Natural Resources Board.

Plans for the land include expanding trails, adding picnic areas, constructing a mountain biking challenge trail, and building a walking bridge to connect it to the future OHV park on the west side of the river.

"This land will be a tremendous asset to our community, providing a space for residents and visitors to connect with nature, enjoy outdoor activities, and create lasting memories," said Sac City Mayor Scott Bundt.
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TL;DR: United Bank of Iowa officially donated 21 acres of woodland to Sac City on December 17, 2024. The land, located near Old Highway 20 and the North Raccoon River, will feature expanded trails, picnic areas, a mountain biking challenge trail, and a walking bridge connecting to the future OHV park. Mayor Scott Bundt called it a "tremendous asset" for the community.

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470 N 5th St
Sac City, IA
50583

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