Status of Encroachment at Legacy Ridge Property Development Near Dumfries (South of Council Bluffs)
We want to share a message about the earthwork and disturbances to the trail corridor that you have seen along the trail south of Council Bluffs near Meadowview Parkway. Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation (“INHF”) and Southwest Iowa Nature Trails Project, Inc. (“SWINT”) are the two non-profit organizations that have guided the establishment and care of the Wabash Trace Nature Trail since 1988. Both organizations and countless volunteers take very seriously the responsibility to protect this precious resource. We know that many trail users have been concerned about the earthwork and encroachment at this site, and we would like to provide you with an update on the status of this situation.
August 3, 2026
August 3, 2026
October 1, 2026
August 3, 2026
We began working to rectify this situation with the adjoining landowner/developer, JJHP, LLC (“JJHP”), as soon as we were made aware of it in late July. The significant disturbance to the corridor in this section was result of an apparent miscommunication between JJHP and their contractors performing work on the adjacent residential development and was not authorized by either INHF or SWINT. Over the past few months, INHF, SWINT, and JJHP have been working to reach a solution that would restore the berm and buffer as close as possible to the prior condition and prevent future damages from excessive runoff. JJHP has been apologetic and are taking steps to fix the known current problems and identify solutions for potential future issues. The re-grading of the soil and establishment of native grasses and trees will take a significant amount of time given the fragile loess soils, but the plan is to have initial soil replacement and seeding done before winter. Because of the nature of Loess soils when cut, the landscape will not be exactly as it was before, but we hope that the natural beauty and appropriate drainage of the area will be returned in time.
Restoration that has been agreed to by all parties include provisions for Grading, Replanting and Seeding, Installation of Boundary Posts, Silt Fences, Culvert Integrity, and Silt Removal. Restoration efforts are expected to begin in November of 2026. A diverse mix of native seed will be planted at the site in the fall of 2026, and native trees will be planted at the site in the fall of 2027, after the soil has been stabilized.