OGDEN, Iowa—The Boone County Conservation Board held a special meeting on Tuesday evening with a full crowd at the Leonard Good Community Center in Ogden. The majority of those in attendance were on hand because of a report that the Conservation Board was closing the golf course and club house at Don Williams.  Marilyn Jordan, current Chair of the Conservation Board said that is not the case. The golf course and club house will be open this year. That prompted the follow-up question “Well what about next year”.

The County Conservation Board is responsible for nine properties in Boone County. The majority of the revenue generated by County Conservation comes from the Don Williams Recreational Area, whether it be from the golf course, camping, cabin and shelter rentals or dock fees. All revenue is then put into the county’s general fund. Many felt that any dollars raised for the golf course should remain with the golf course, but that’s never been the case. The recent budget adopted by the Boone County Supervisors contains the County Conservation Budget. The Supervisors approve an allocation for County Conservation and those dollars need to be used for all operations including pay for five full-time employees as well as seasonal employees.

Over the past several years, projects included improving and upgrading campgrounds.  A number of grants were received to off set costs of those improvements. Several grants and pledges have been directed to an extension from the High Trestle Trail to Swede Point Park, a trail extension slated to begin this year.

The Conservation Board is also faced with a waterline improvement project from Ogden to Don Williams. The current line has had several leaks resulting in significant water loss.

From Tuesday’s meeting, a club house replacement project seems to be a pretty high priority.

The next Boone County Conservation Board regular meeting will be held on Monday, April 11th at 6:00 p.m. and will be scheduled for the 4th floor conference room at the Boone County Courthouse.