Decorah council sends proposed equestrian trail rules back to Parks and Rec for revision after months of public debate

Decorah City Council voted to send the Parks and Recreation Commission’s May 29 set of proposed equestrian rules back to the commission for revision after lengthy public comment and a multihour council discussion about how the rules would be applied and enforced.

The council’s action followed public testimony from several local equestrians and from Parks and Rec vice chair Benji Nichols, who described recent events at Palisades and other trailhead activity. Residents raised concerns about a proposed maximum of four horses per group, a 24‑hour trail closure after rain or snow, a manure‑removal requirement and a prohibition on commercial guiding.

The issue drew many speakers during the public‑comment period. Danielle Dotsonrod, identifying herself as the representative of the Winneshiek County Saddle Club, said the Park Board’s draft rules were “unfair and unreasonable,” and urged equal treatment across user groups: “Parks and Rec established there to be a max of 4 equestrian riders allowed in a group. If we have more riders, we require a special permit that has to be approved by city council. Meanwhile, there is no limitation on the number of mountain bikers allowed in a group.”

Other equestrians described family riding traditions and safety concerns. Jim Dachronod said a four‑rider limit would erode the family nature of local rides: “With them stipulating just 4 riders at a time, how’s a person supposed to enjoy this as a family thing?” Mary Lynn Beard described multi‑generation rides and said limiting group size would “take one person from each generation and leave the rest at home.”

Opposing views and procedural questions were raised in the council chamber. Amy Hilgerson criticized statements made at Parks and Rec meetings she said lacked supporting facts and reported alleged unprofessional behavior by some Park Board members; she asked the council for an update on potential changes to parks governance. Council and staff members pressed for clearer definitions and enforceability: City Attorney John Anderson asked how the four‑horse limit would be defined and enforced (for example, whether two groups of four traveling near each other would count as a single group) and urged the council to consider whether special rules should apply only to horses or to all trail users.

Parks and Rec vice chair Benji Nichols noted successful permitted events on city trails, including the Iowa Scholastic Mountain Bike Race and a Crater Trail Run, and said organized events go through the city’s special‑use permitting process and carry private insurance.

Council members repeatedly voiced a desire for even‑handed rules that apply consistently across user groups and for clearer enforcement language in city code. Multiple council members said they did not want to override the Park Board’s expertise but requested the Park Board reconsider several provisions in light of legal and operational questions discussed at the meeting. The council’s directive asks the Park Board to revisit the full list of rules and return with revised language addressing the council’s input.

The council’s vote was procedural: it did not enact or amend city ordinance but sent the Park Board’s draft rules back for further work. The record shows the Park Board will receive the council’s comments and may present a revised rule set at a future meeting for formal confirmation by the council, as required by Decorah municipal code.

Council members and speakers emphasized they want to preserve shared‑use trails while making expectations clear and enforceable for all users.