Individual cited for felling trees at Chelsea boat launch
Trending
CHELSEA -- An individual was recently cited by the Iowa Dept. of Natural Resources for illegally cutting trees at Duffus Landing - also known as the Chelsea boat launch - following an investigation by Tama County Conservation staff.
During the April 5 conservation board meeting, Director Stephen Mayne shared there was recently a "situation" at the boat launch/Duffus Landing involving an individual cutting down multiple cottonwood trees, starting a bonfire, burning trash, and setting up an illegal structure at Iowa River Natural Area which is adjacent to the boat landing.
Duffus Landing is a one-acre river bottom and timber tract located west of Chelsea along the Iowa River at the end of 360th Street where it dead ends at the closed bridge. While the land is owned by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, it is currently managed by Tama Co. Conservation.
Mayne explained conservation staff set up trail cameras in the area near where the trees were cut which allowed them to determine the identity of the individual -- an individual Mayne declined to name at this time.
A citation was issued to the individual by Iowa DNR Conservation Officer Brett Reece who first learned of the trees being cut on the property. If the fines are not paid, Mayne said, the county will prosecute the individual.
"Overall, the damage was minimal," Mayne said in a text message. "However, it consumed eight to 10 staff hours to clean up their mess."
The individual was cited by Officer Reece for the following: Construction of the road in Iowa River Natural Area; Off road driving in Iowa River Natural Area; Construction of structure in Iowa River Natural Area; Removal of wood from Iowa River Natural Area; Ground fire in Iowa River Natural Area; and Littering Iowa River Natural Area.
The case remains open regarding the cottonwood trees that were cut at Duffus Landing.
Currently, Tama Co. Park Officer Riley Conrad is attending the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy. He is scheduled to complete Academy training at the end of April.