Welcome to Johnson County, IA

By the authority granted to the Johnson County Conservation Board by Section 350.5 of the Code of Iowa, the following rules and regulations are hereby adopted by said Board, May 2019

Rules and Regulations (printable)

Section 1. Definitions

The following terms, as used in these regulations, shall, for the purpose of these regulations, have the meanings assigned hereto, unless a different meaning is clearly indicated.

"Board" shall mean the Johnson County Iowa Conservation Board.
"Director" shall mean the Executive Director of the Johnson County Conservation Board.
"Authorized Representative" shall include Park Rangers and other persons designated by the Director.
"Area" means all or any part of the land and/or water owned, leased, managed, or by other means under control of the Board.
"Designated Hunting Area" means any area or part of the area that is open to public hunting or trapping.
"Preserve" means an area of land or water formally dedicated for maintenance as nearly as possible in its natural condition.
"Trail" means the trail corridor managed by the Johnson County Conservation Board.
"Camp" or "Camping" shall mean any use of a shelter, such as a single tent, pickup camper, motor home or converted bus, recreation trailer, or motor vehicle speciﬁcally designated for use as temporary residence at a campground.
"Camping Area" or "Campground" shall mean any area designated by the Board for camping.
"Campsite" shall mean a segment of a campground designated by the Board for camping by a camping unit or camping party.
"Camping Day" shall mean a period of time starting when a campsite is occupied until the established check-out time (5:00 pm) the following day.
"Camping Unit" means either a single tent, pickup camper, motor home or converted bus, recreation trailer, or motor vehicle speciﬁcally designed for camping use. In addition, one small tent may be placed on a site with the primary unit so long as the persons occupying the tent are under eighteen (18) years of age and the responsibility of the primary unit.
"Camping Party" shall mean the number of occupants allowed based on the capacity of the camping unit allowed on one campsite.
"Commercial Activity" shall mean any activity carried out by a private party or organization for the purpose of economic gain or proﬁt.
"Youth Group Camp" shall mean an area set aside for uses speciﬁed by the Board for organized youth groups who have purchased a permit.
"Youth Group" shall mean a group consisting of minor members of an established chartered organization with by-laws and under the leadership of at least one (1) adult for each ten (10) minors in the group.
"Capacity" shall mean the maximum number of people or units that the Board shall determine may occupy any given area.
"Oﬃcial Signs" shall mean signs designated and erected by the Board or an authorized representative.
"Noise" shall mean any loud, confused or senseless shouting or outcry or a loud and raucous noise which causes unreasonable distress to others or disturbs the peace.
"Metal detector" means a portable electronic device carried by an individual used only for detecting metal above or below the surface of the ground.
"Political Activity" shall mean any activity if its purpose is support of a candidate or political cause whether partisan or non-partisan.
"Special Use Permit" shall mean any use permit issued by the Director, or authorized representative.
"Memorandum of Understanding" shall mean contractual agreement or lease approved by the Board, Director, or authorized representative.

Section 2. Scope

The provisions of these regulations apply to all lands and waters owned, leased, managed, or under the control of the Johnson County Conservation Board.

Section 3. Fees & charges

The Board may establish fees or deposits for the use of facilities, privileges and conveniences within all areas. All camping fees, shelter fees, MOU fees, and other special use permits or deposits shall be paid in full, by the responsible party, prior to the use of the area.

Section 4. Collection of plants, flowers, fruits, nuts, invertebrates, & vertebrates

Chapter 461A.41 of the Code of Iowa is modiﬁed for properties controlled by the Johnson County Conservation Board as described below:

It shall be lawful to collect the fruit of all nut and berry-producing plants for home use provided the collector does not damage the parent plant.
Mushrooms may be collected for home use.
Collection of nuts, fruits or mushrooms for any commercial purpose is prohibited.
Native prairie grasses, forbs (ﬂowers), and other plant life: It shall be unlawful to collect or remove any variety of native prairie grass including its seed or seed head, forbs, or other plant life.
It shall be unlawful for any person to collect or possess nuts, fruits or mushrooms at Williams Prairie Preserve, Ciha Fen, or Cedar River Crossing except under special use permit issued by the Director or authorized representative.
It shall be unlawful for any person to collect or possess invertebrates or vertebrates at Williams Prairie and Ciha Fen except under special use permit issued by the Director or authorized representative.

Section 5. Cultural & natural features

It shall be unlawful for any person to collect, possess, destroy, deface or remove all or any part of cultural or natural features, artifacts or human made objects found on any area.

Section 6. Firearms

Section 461A.42 of the Code of Iowa entitled "Use of Firearms" is modiﬁed for properties controlled by the Johnson County Conservation Board as follows: The use by the public of ﬁrearms, ﬁreworks, explosives, and weapons of all kinds is prohibited. Nothing in this provision prohibits the use of ﬁrearms or bow and arrows in the legal pursuit of game on designated hunting areas

Section 7. Hunting & trapping

Hunting and Trapping is allowed only on designated hunting areas. All hunting and trapping done on designated hunting areas shall be done according to Board rules, Iowa Department of Natural Resources Regulations and Iowa Law.

Restrictions - It is unlawful to hunt, trap, pursue, or in any manner molest any birds or wild animals or to use or carry ﬁrearms, except on designated hunting areas.
1. The area of Hills Access on the east side of the Iowa River is open to hunting with the use of archery equipment or falconry only.
2. The area of Clear Creek Trail Area on the south side of Clear Creek is open to hunting with the use of archery equipment or falconry only
3. The area of Pechman Creek Delta east and north of Pechman Creek to Sand Road is open to supervised youth (16 years of age and younger) pheasant hunting only. 1. Each youth hunter must be accompanied by a licensed adult 18 years of age or older.
4. The Hoover Trail corridor north of 140th Street and east of Ely Road, to Seven Sisters Road, is open to public hunting as permitted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Nontoxic ammunition - It shall be unlawful to hunt any migratory game bird, resident game, including deer and turkeys, or furbearers, with a shotgun while having in ones' possession any shot, or solid projectile that contains lead on any designated hunting area.
Target Shooting - It shall be unlawful to target shoot with any weapon on any area, or designated hunting area.
Blinds and Tree Stands – It shall be unlawful to place or construct permanent blinds or tree stands on designated hunting areas. Portable tree stands and blinds may be left on designated hunting areas seven days prior to the start of a deer or turkey season until seven (7) days after the ﬁnal day of that respective season. Any portable tree stand or blind left on designated hunting areas seven (7) days after the ﬁnal day of that respective season will be removed and disposed of. It is unlawful to drive or otherwise place any nail, spike, pin or any other object, metal or otherwise, into any tree on a designated hunting area.

Section 8. Training & exercising dogs

Section 461A.45 of the Code of Iowa is hereby modiﬁed for properties controlled by the Johnson County Conservation Board as follows: It is lawful to permit dogs to run at large for the purpose of training or exercising them on any designated hunting area. Animals must be accompanied by the trainer or owner.

Section 9. Cameras, video cameras, game cameras

Camera and video devices of any kind must be attended to in person at all times in all areas.
Any camera or video device found unattended in any area will be removed.

Section 10. Fishing and boating

Fishing and boating. All ﬁshing and boating on any area must be done in accordance with Board rules, Iowa Department of Natural Resources regulations and Iowa Law.
Unattended boats not permitted. It shall be unlawful to leave unattended, any watercraft on or attached to any area for more than twelve (12) consecutive hours, or between the hours of 10:30 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. Unattended watercraft may be removed and stored at the expense of the owner.
Boating restrictions. Wind surfers, inner tubes or ﬂotation devices, surfboards and the use of gas engines are prohibited on waters controlled by the Board. All watercraft must be Coast Guard approved. A Coast Guard approved ﬂotation device must be present for each occupant. Anglers may use a multi- chambered inﬂatable ﬂoat while actively involved in ﬁshing.

Section 11. Swimming

It is unlawful to swim or wade in or on any lake, pond or any impounded waters except for designated swimming areas.
It shall be unlawful to bring any pet or alcohol onto any designated beach area.

Section 12. Camping

Section 461A.46 and 49 of the Code of Iowa is hereby modiﬁed for properties under the control of the Johnson County Conservation Board as follows:

Violation of any state law or any county park rule or regulation by any member of a camping party is cause for revocation of camping privileges and the entire camping party shall be required to leave the area.
Persons desiring camping privileges shall produce means of photographic identiﬁcation upon request of the Director or authorized representative. Failure to produce such identiﬁcation may be grounds for denial of camping privileges, at the discretion of the Director or authorized representative.
Campsites cannot be reserved. Campers must have some type of camping equipment that will occupy the site on the campsite before the campsite is registered. If camping equipment is left on a campsite, the campsite must be registered.
Registration is on a self-serve basis at F.W. Kent Park, Hills Access, and River Junction Access. Instructions are located on the depositories in those respective campgrounds.
A camping party must fully register by completely executing the camper registration form, which includes depositing payment in the depository and placing the receipt on the numbered post at the campsite within one (1) hour of occupying the campsite or placing camping equipment on the site. Any campsite or camping unit that is left unoccupied, unregistered, or unpaid by the camping party for more than twenty-four (24) hours is subject to impoundment of the camping unit and camping equipment. Any camping equipment or camping unit, which may be impounded, shall be removed and disposed of as provided by law.
Campers occupying campsites with electrical service are required to pay the fee for electric sites.
No camping unit or camping party shall occupy any camp area for more than fourteen (14) days out of any twenty-one (21) day period.
No more than one camping party or camping unit shall occupy a campsite. An additional tent may be used for children under eighteen (18) years old. (Youth Group Camp areas are exempt).
In the Youth Group Camp Area, camping shall mean the use of the building or campsites for overnight residence or day use by a youth group. Tent camping only is allowed at ﬁve (5) youth group campsites. Maximum capacity at each of these sites shall be twenty (20) persons.
All motor vehicles must park in designated parking areas. No parking on grass or roadways, except at Hills Access near the boat ramp.
All campers shall maintain quiet and remain in their respective campgrounds between the hours of 10:30 p.m. and sunrise.
No refunds will be issued.
Camping units shall be set up and registered by 10:00 p.m. Check-out time is 5:00 p.m.
No dishwashing will be allowed at drinking fountains, hydrants, or in restrooms.
Beer and Wine in a keg or any other container larger than one (1) gallon shall not be allowed in campgrounds or in parking areas or immediately adjacent to those areas.
No ropes, cables, chains or lines can be aﬃxed to trees.
No pets shall be left unattended.
All non-registered visitors must be out of the park by 10:30 p.m.
No wading, swimming pools, or water features are allowed in the campground.
The collection of ﬁrewood in the parks is prohibited.
Campﬁres are only permitted in ﬁre rings provided.
Must be eighteen (18) years of age or older to register for camping. (Photo ID required) Parental consent required for minors camping without a parent or guardian.

Section 13. Annoyances or disturbance

Noise producing devices. It is unlawful to operate or use any radio, stereo, television, musical instrument, electrical generating plant, power or chain saw, or any similar equipment in or on any area in such a manner as to create excessive noise and/or disturb other persons.
Pets. It shall be unlawful to have in possession any animal which causes a disturbance or displays aggressive or threatening behavior.

Section 14. Pet feces unhealthy or unsanitary conditions

All feces discharged by pets shall be removed and disposed of in a legal and sanitary manner.

Section 15. Recreation use only & conditions for the operation of commercial recreational activities

It shall be unlawful for any person to occupy or use any portion of any area for a primary residence, repairing vehicles, advertising, political campaigning, hawking, soliciting, peddling or any other commercial activity or any other purpose not primarily recreational.
Commercial entities or persons, who wish to engage in commercial recreational activities on any area must obtain written permission from the Board before engaging in such activities. Such entities or persons shall operate in compliance with terms set forth in a memorandum of understanding (MOU), contractual agreement or lease approved by the Board. Commercial recreational activities conducted in such a manner that is inconsistent with the MOU, contractual agreement or lease approved by the Board shall be prohibited.

The Board, Director or authorized representative may cancel or suspend a concession or commercial activity contract, MOU, or lease for violation of the speciﬁc terms of the agreement, or for the protection of the public health, safety, morals or welfare.

Section 16. Use of horses restricted

No horse or any other animal shall be hitched or tied to any tree. Horses are allowed only on hard surfaced public roadways. Any oﬀ-road use, use in campgrounds, use on access roads, or use on designated trails is prohibited. In all cases, cleanup of animal waste is required.

Section 17. Other power-driven mobility devices

Other Power-Driven Mobility Devices: It shall be lawful to operate other power- driven mobility devices (OPDMD), as deﬁned by federal law, by individuals with mobility disabilities in or on any trail, route or area unless the Director, or authorized representative, has completed an assessment of a trail, route or area utilizing criteria as set forth in 28 CFR part 35, Subpart B, 35.137 (b)(2), and as a result determined that such use is not allowed or allowed subject to such conditions and/or restrictions as may be presented. Trails routes, or areas in or on which the operation of OPDMDs by individuals with mobility disabilities are not allowed or allowed subject to conditions and/or restrictions are posted with such information and are so designated and approved by a resolution of the Board.

This rule is intended to comply with provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as Amended.

Section 18. OHV, ATV & snowmobiles restricted

It shall be unlawful to operate any oﬀ highway vehicle (OHV), snowmobile, swamp buggy, all-terrain vehicle or any other land conveyance propelled by a gasoline or electrical engine and run on wheels, tracks, or runners on any area, unless designated uses are approved by the Board.

Section 19. Unattended motor vehicles not permitted.

It shall be unlawful to leave any motor vehicle unattended on any area for more than twenty-four (24) hours without pre-approval. It shall be unlawful to leave any motor vehicle in any area after closing time, except when camping in a designated area, or with permission from the Director or authorized representative. Any vehicle in violation of Section 19 may be removed and stored at the expense of the owner.

Section 20. Reserving park facilities

Persons reserving park facilities must be at least eighteen (18) years of age.
Four (4) picnic shelters at Kent Park may be reserved in advance for recreational use.
Facility reservations may be made after January 1 of each year for that calendar year, unless otherwise approved by the Board.
Facilities which are not reserved are available on a ﬁrst come basis, but usage and deposit fees may be required.
The Board has the authority to set and limit capacities and occupancy.

Section 21. Domestic refuse not permitted

It is unlawful to place any garbage, refuse or litter from any household, business, or outside source on any area or into any refuse container for the purpose of disposal.

Section 22. Official signs, gates, & barricades

The Board may from time-to-time close or regulate the use of areas or parts of areas for the protection of humans, plants, animals, or natural or man-made features. No person shall use, enter or occupy any restricted area or facility in violation or disregard of any oﬃcial sign, gate or barricade.
Campsites or parking areas marked with the international symbol of accessibility shall be used only by persons or groups containing persons qualifying for and displaying a handicap identiﬁcation device on their vehicle.
No person shall post, fasten or aﬃx any notice or sign within any area without written permission to do so.

Section 23. Possession and consumption of alcohol

It is unlawful to possess or consume any alcohol other than wine or beer (no hard liquor) on any Board area without a special use permit.
No person or group shall bring, use, or have in his/her possession on any area, beer or wine in a keg or any other container larger than one (1) gallon, without a special use permit.
It shall be unlawful for any person to possess or consume any alcohol at a designated beach area or youth group camping area.

Section 24. Closing time

Section 461A.46 is hereby modiﬁed for properties under the control of the Johnson County Conservation Board as follows: all areas shall be closed to the public between the hours of 10:30 p.m. and sunrise unless otherwise speciﬁed. The provisions of this Section shall not apply to registered campers in designated camping areas.

Section 25. Events and activities requiring special use permits

It shall be unlawful to engage in any activity listed below on any area except by contract or special use permit issued by the Director or authorized representative.

Community events or activities that are promoted in any public media format as being open to all members of the public who wish to attend.
General public events or activities that require closing part of a public area to public use.
Any event or activity that may interfere with traffic ﬂow or impede the use of an area by the public.
Any event or activities that require the uses of an area that would not typically be allowed pursuant to the Johnson County Conservation Board Rules and Regulations.
An event involving providing or selling alcohol that would otherwise be prohibited under Section 23 without the issuance of a special use permit. The Director or authorized representative are authorized to take action to terminate any activity or event listed above for which a special use permit was not obtained prior to the time and date scheduled for the event or activity.

Section 26. Metal detecting

Iowa Code section 461A.35 is modiﬁed for properties under the control of the Johnson County Conservation Board as follows:

Metal detecting is permitted only during park open hours.
Metal detecting is permitted at the designated beach area at F.W. Kent Park only during open hours.
Metal detecting at any other location should comply with the requirements of Section 5, and Iowa DNR administrative rules 571-64.2(2) to 571-64.8(461A)
No digging of soil or other forms of disturbance of any area will occur while metal detecting.

Section 27. Geocaching

Geo-caching is allowed on all areas with the submittal of Geocache Permit and approval of the Director or authorized representative. Unregistered geo-caches shall be removed. Digging soil or other forms of disturbance to conceal a geo-cache is prohibited.

Section 28. Scavenging

No person will be allowed to scavenge through any park waste or recycling containers to search for any items, including cans.

Section 29. Wood cutting and chainsaws

It shall be unlawful to cut any tree, dead or alive, at any time, in or on any area, except county personnel or foresters may harvest trees under a forestry management plan.

Section 30. Penalties

Any person violating any of the provisions of Chapter 461A.35 to 461A.56, or any Iowa Department of Natural Resources Administrative Rule or any Section of the Johnson County Conservation Board Rules and Regulations may be charged with a simple misdemeanor punishable by up to $625 ﬁne and thirty (30) days in jail.

Section 31. Exceptions

Nothing in these rules and regulations shall prohibit or hinder the Board, Director, authorized representative or any other peace oﬃcers from performing their oﬃcial duties.