Conservation Board Minutes – October 2025

The Allamakee County Conservation Board met in regular session October 7, 2025 beginning at 1 p.m. at the Driftless Area Education and Visitor Center in Lansing, Iowa.  Board members who were present were: Marilyn Clark, Steve Weymiller, Dennis Koenig and Jeanie Carroll.  Attending from the Allamakee County Conservation Board staff was Ross Geerdes, Erin Cubbon, Brody Vanderkolk and Becca Hefflefinger.  Attending from the Allamakee County Board of Supervisors was Tom Clark.  The meeting was called to order at 1:00 p.m. A motion was made by Weymiller and a second by M. Clark to approve the minutes of the August 2025 meeting.  All in favor.  

There was no Public Comment.

The board reviewed and approved the claims with a motion by Koenig and second by Carroll.  All in favor.  

The Board discussed the status of the Lansing Blackhawk Bridge and how they anticipated it would affect the Driftless Area Education and Visitors Center.  T. Clark commented he has been a part of several local focus groups and updated on the latest information from the Iowa DOT.  Geerdes said he had been in contact with Split Rock Studios and have several ideas for a possible display at the Driftless Center to memorialize the Lansing Blackhawk Bridge.  Board members commented on ideas for a public event during the time of demolition.  Ideas that were suggested included viewing from the decks and the lawn area.  As well as pairing with local wineries to offer wine and/or hors d’oeuvres.  The board agreed it would be difficult to plan such an event without an exact time table from the DOT as to when the final demolition would take place for the bridge.  

Director Geerdes updated the board on flood repairs along the Upper Iowa River and Red Bud Landing.  The secondary roads department has delivered fill dirt and Pat Ryan has granted the board permission to rip rap onto his property if necessary to protect the bank.  Geerdes and Vanderkolk are working with contractors to place rip rap with hopes of getting the work done this fall, but anticipating they will not be able to get the work done until Spring.   

Informational items presented to the board included Geerdes informing the Board of Office Manager/Assistant Naturalist Becca Hefflefinger’s resignation effective November 2, 2025.  She has accepted a job with the Winneshiek County Conservation Board.  Geerdes has submitted the Water Recreation and Access Grant (WRAC) to the Iowa DNR for the Harpers Ferry Boat Landing and he is currently working with the Clayton County Conservation Board on submitting a joint grant for the Iowa Forestry Resiliency Partnership.  The seasonal staffing schedule was discussed as Dave Blocker is done for the season and Judah Johnson will be working through October 30.  Gary Krapfl will also continue to work a few hours each week as needed until October 30.  The 2026 board member up for reappointment is Dennis Koenig.  Koenig noted that he has not made a final decision and has until December 31 to do so, but after 50 years of public service he has began to step back from boards and commissions.  Koenig has been a member of the ACCB since 2014.   

The time and date for the next meeting was set for November 4, 2025 at 1 p.m.  

With no additional business the meeting was concluded at 1:53 p.m. with a motion by Clark and seconded by Koenig to adjourn.  All in favor.

Posted: January 6, 2026 in 2025 Conservation Board Minutes & Agendas

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