Odessa Water Trail Launch
See photos from the field day
More than 50 paddlers and a couple dozen onlookers got up early Sunday morning to help launch Louisa County’s newest attraction. The Odessa Water Trail was officially opened in a ceremony featuring presentation of the Iowa water trail designation by Department of Natural Resources director Rich Leopold to Mallory Smith of Tri-Rivers Conservation Foundation.
The paddlers were mainly visitors to the county wanting to see this unique area from their canoes and kayaks. They started the two and half hour trip from Snively Access Campground and after traversing the main lake headed immediately into a narrow channel filled with lotus plants.
The trail includes three routes that wind through the backwaters, timbered chutes and open water of Port Louisa National Wildlife Refuge and the Odessa Wildlife Management Area. A fourth route takes paddlers onto the Mississippi River.
There were plenty of chances for participants to spot wildlife in the abundant habitat along the way. Bald eagles, pelicans, great blue herons, egrets, cormorants, blue-winged teal, wood ducks, broad-winged hawks, turtles and rough-winged swallows all made appearances along the six and half mile paddle.
Odessa is just the third water trail in Iowa to earn official state designation. Iowa’s water trail grant program also helped fund the trail and Community Foundation of Louisa County provided additional funds. Other individuals donated their time and money to the cause.
DNR water trails coordinator Nate Hoogeveen praised the local groups for providing an opportunity for economic development. According to Hoogeveen, $34.3 million Americans participated in paddling sports in 2005 and contributed $4.8 billion to the national economy.
The Louisa County Conservation Board has found in recent years that paddling programs draw a lot of interest. “Our biggest problem is coming up with enough canoes for people who don’t have their own,” said conservation board naturalist Katie Hammond. “Last May we ended up having an outfitter in Riverside bring over canoes.”
The board’s next paddle will be on the Iowa River October 6 and Hammond said seats are going fast.
The Odessa Water Trail is a collaborative effort that include Tri-Rivers Conservation Foundation, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Louisa County Conservation Board and Louisa Development group.
For more information on the water trail and other natural resources in Louisa County call 319-523-8381 or visit www.NaturallyLouisaCounty.com.
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