COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa – The River Valley OHV Park will remain closed for 2019 due to necessary cleanup following floods and a major fire this past summer.
The 360-acre park is located just east of the Missouri River and adjacent to a levy that often causes excessive amounts of standing water for extended periods of time following flooding events.
After a period of closure, the park was open from 2017 until May 2018 when an illegal campfire destroyed the park and created unsafe conditions for users. Following the fire, several flooding events have occurred which delayed addressing the hazards.
Cleanup work can only take place between November and March due to the Indiana Bat being present in the area. The Indiana Bat is a native of North America and is commonly found in the Midwest and is on the endangered species list. This, coupled with the weather conditions, has created a challenge for the DNR to find a time for potential contractors to evaluate the area on-site in safe conditions and form a plan of removal of the debris.
The park will remained closed until further notice. The park has signage posted and all use of the park is restricted, including motorized and non-motorized recreation. Any violators will be charged with trespassing.