Polk County removes ash trees at Apple River Campground, crews working to clear submerged culvert

Polk County parks staff reported two rounds of ash tree removals at Apple River Campground funded by a Department of Natural Resources forestry grant and said crews are working with a contractor to clear a submerged culvert that has blocked a trail and pooled water.

Parks staff said they received a DNR forestry grant that allowed crews to remove dying and hazardous ash trees around the campground and other park sites. “We got a DNR from forestry … so we’ve had two rounds of that,” a parks staff member said, noting the removal effort was intended to reduce hazards before dead trees fell and became safety risks.

Staff described a plugged culvert north of Frederick where the outlet is now 6–7 feet underwater, preventing crews from accessing the blockage for mechanical work. The county is working with Nick’s Excavating, which has brought a large pump to lower water levels; staff said a temporary pipe has been installed so trail users can cross while pumping continues.

Parks staff also reported maintenance at other sites, including removal of dead and dying trees at Veil (a county park site) and planned repairs to gates and actuators, which are expected to arrive on May 27. Staff said they hope the gate work will be completed in June but cautioned a contractor schedule and parts manufacturing could affect the timing.

Discussion: Commissioners acknowledged the DNR grant and asked about trail access and public safety; staff said temporary measures are in place and long‑term repairs will follow the culvert inspection. No formal board action was recorded on the items during the meeting.

Ending: Parks staff asked the board to refer technical follow‑up questions to the parks office and said they will provide completion updates at future meetings.