Webster County Conservation

Webster County, Iowa | Water

Overview

ISG partnered with the Webster County Conservation Board (WCCB) to provide a comprehensive assessment of all WCCB lands and facilities. The resulting “Parks, Facilities, and Recreation Master Plan” (Master Plan) provided solutions and recommendations to the environmental and recreational goals of the organization, while serving as a catalyst for redevelopment in the surrounding region.

Opportunity

WCCB’s 2017 Strategic Plan identified the critical need to prioritize a system for maintenance, growth, and enhancement of its lands and natural resources.

Solution

In collaboration with the WCCB, Webster County Board of Supervisors, staff, and master planning steering committee, ISG facilitated a comprehensive planning process for Webster County. Providing a framework for implementation, the Master Plan included an inventory and analysis of existing parks and amenities, phasing and permitting schedule, conceptual renderings and site plans, and construction-ready opinions of probable cost for the proposed improvements. Priority goals laid out in the Master Plan included environmental education, a new nature center, diverse recreational opportunities, land management, and safety. Communication strategies were outlined to bring greater awareness to the WCCB’s mission and initiatives, and a redesigned staff and facility model were offered to expand strategic partnerships for maximum impact. ISG’s financial experts also recommended funding resources that aligned with improved programming and enhancement goals.

To address WCCB’s capacity building, a centralized maintenance facility was proposed. Concepts were provided for two potential locations, as well as three conceptual designs for a new nature center that would also serve as the WCCB’s administrative offices. Lastly, building on strategic planning from the “Des Moines River and Lizard Creek Water Trails Corridor Plan”, ISG assessed the feasibility of designing water access points along the Des Moines River and Lizard Creek, and offered detailed recommendations and implementation strategies. The Master Plan served the dual purpose of balancing environmental and recreational goals, while acting as a catalyst for the redevelopment of the City of Fort Dodge’s historic downtown River District.

Key Points
  • Master planning
  • Collaboration with WCCB supervisors, board of directors, staff, and steering committee
  • Feasibility assessment of water access points
  • Conceptual designs of nature center and administrative offices
  • Capacity building strategies
  • Catalyst for regional redevelopment efforts
  • Fundraising and design for center
  • Facility master plan in 2019, specifically narrowed down potential sites for the County’s Conservation Education Center, selected site was the Riverfront site
  • Led to Conservation Education
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