The Conservation Board has long promoted Buchanan County’s natural resources gems, and this effort was given an important boost recently whan a grant was awarded to develop a Water Trail on the Wapsipinicon River.
Made possible through the efforts of the following agencies and organizations:
- Iowa DNR Water Trails Access Program
- Buchanan Co. Four Seasons Trail Association
- Buchanan Co. Conservation Board
- Northeast Iowa Resource Conservation and Development, Inc.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Buchanan County Conservation Board
319-636-2617
bccbdan@iowatelecom.net
A NATURAL RESOURCE GEM
The Wapsipinicon River is a natural resource gem in the rural landscape of Eastern Iowa, and is affectionately known locally as “the Wapsi”. The river corridor in Buchanan County is famous for its quality backwater wetlands and associated woodland habitat, and as such is listed as a Protected Water Area (PWA). The wooded corridor provides the bulk of wildlife habitat and quality fishing for Buchanan and several other Northeast Iowa counties. In addressing qualities for designating the Wapsi as a Protected Water Area, the Iowa DNR stated, “The Wapsipinicon River has the longest continuous stretch of natural and scenic river corridor in (the area), and quite possibly in the entire state.” The Wapsi is the prominent natural feature in Buchanan County, with many public areas. Call 319-636-2617 for more information about public lands along the Wapsi.
RIVER ROUTES
- Cutshall Area to Independence
- Independence to Quasqueton no portage around the Independence Dams
- Quasqueton to Troy Mills Access
Map and guides are available at several locations, including: Heartland Acres Agribition Center, Independence Parks & Recreation, City of Quasqueton, Independence Area Chamber of Commerce, Buchanan County Tourism and Buchanan Co. Conservation Board, and Wapsipinicon Mill Museum.