DES MOINES, IA (May 30, 2025) – ICON Water Trails is pleased to announce that Beaver Creek and the Des Moines River are officially state designated water trails by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. ICON is contracted to assist the Iowa DNR in conducting the inventory procedures required to achieve this designation for water trails within the ICON Network. Water trails that become state designated are able to utilize state resources such as technical assistance and review, prioritized DNR-managed funding assistance, listing on the DNR Web site, promotion at various events, possible future maintenance or enhancement assistance, and informational updates.

The vision for Iowa’s statewide water trail program was developed using the input of nearly 1,000 Iowans from a variety of roles — paddlers, wildlife managers, conservationists, farmers, and environmental educators, to name a few. Trails selected for state designation represent those that provide safe opportunities in a variety of locations, types of landscapes, and stream conditions, or develop and operate in ways that minimize user impact to the state’s sensitive natural resources.

The Des Moines River and Beaver Creek are just two of the many water trails comprising the 150+ miles of rivers and creeks in the ICON network. With 50+ planned sites, ICON’s network currently has eight active sites along these two trails and fifteen across the entire system. In one recreation season alone, these access points saw more than 250,000 visits — generating nearly $20 million in economic output. ICON’s strategy drives economic growth, attracts workforce and tourism, and ensures safe, sustainable access to outdoor recreation.

“The IDNR’s vision for the water trails plan of connecting people with water and resources, perfectly aligns with ICON’s mission.” said Stephanie Oppel, Executive Director of ICON Water Trails. “With the resources and planning provided by the IDNR for the Des Moines River and Beaver Creek, ICON is better equipped to expand access and deepen our impact along these waterways.

“We appreciate ICON being at the center, fundraising, managing projects and providing the coordination that keeps everyone on the same page.” John Wenck, Water Trails Coordinator at the Iowa Department of Natural Resources said. “Their collaboration with partners is key to improving the metro’s waterways for all to enjoy.”

A ceremony and paddle was held at Lew Clarkson Park on Thursday, May 29, to celebrate the state designation with Stephanie Oppel, Executive Director of ICON Water Trails, Kayla Lyon, Director of the Iowa DNR, and Mayor Paula Dierenfeld, City of Johnston.

About ICON Water Trails

ICON Water Trails is a regionally inclusive recreational confluence connecting culture, conservation, and adventure by empowering our waterways. When complete, ICON will connect 50+ access points across 150 miles of rivers and creeks in Central Iowa.  This transformational initiative represents a new commitment to water safety and conservation as well as a concerted effort to drive economic development, visitor attraction, and workforce retention.