OUTDOOR ALLIANCE OF STORY COUNTY
  • Our Work
    • Land Acquisition Projects
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    • Tedesco Corridor Trail
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    • Reconnecting the South Skunk River
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  • STORY COUNTY WATER AND LAND LEGACY BOND
    • The Nature Fix
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    • Economic Impact of Biking in Iowa
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RECONNECTING THE SOUTH SKUNK RIVER

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RECONNECTING the SOUth Skunk River

A crowd gathered for the dedication of Ames redesigned dam in North River Valley Park in May (2021). Though it looks different with all of the large rocks, the dam continues to recharge the aquifer. Ames relies on this aquifer for its water supply. The rocks breaks the dangerous downstream currents of the originally designed dam.

The rocks reconnect the upper section of the river to the lower section allowing the river to better support aquatic life. The water flowing over the rocks is aerated and better supports aquatic habitat too. Where similar dams have been modified for both habitat and recreation, the fishing improved. The rocks also create a way for paddlers to pass downstream on the South Skunk River Water Trail and enjoy a new whitewater play spot locally. 

Ames redesigned North River Valley Park dam was made possible by its partners.  Locally, the City of Ames, Story County Conservation, the Skunk River Paddlers, generous individuals and the Outdoor Alliance supported this project. There were also statewide groups that made this project possible: the Iowa DNR, Hawk eye Fly Fishing Association, Iowa River Revival and Iowa White Water Coalition. 

The redesigned dam also makes the river more inviting. The sound of the water cascading over the rocks is the river's invitation to take a moment at the waters edge.
Our Mission is enhancing outdoor recreation, education and conservation in Story County.
The Outdoor Alliance of Story County is a 501(c)3 non-profit. 

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  • Our Work
    • Land Acquisition Projects
    • Iowa's Water & Land Legacy
    • Tedesco Corridor Trail
    • Service Projects
    • Presentations
    • Access Ada Hayden
    • Reconnecting the South Skunk River
    • Ames Reads Leopold
    • Winter Hikes
  • 2025 Events
    • Past Events
    • Outdoor Groups & Calendar
  • STORY COUNTY WATER AND LAND LEGACY BOND
    • The Nature Fix
    • Economic Impact of Story County Parks
    • Economic Impact of Biking in Iowa
    • Investing in the Outdoor Links
  • Donate
    • Membership
    • Outdoor Alliance Endowment
  • About Us
    • Partners: Pulling Together
    • Goals
    • Another Outdoor Group
    • Our Logo
    • Our Name
    • Board of Directors
    • Annual Reports
    • Our Wish List
  • Contact Us