From left-right: Bill Clark, Perry Economic Development, Inc., Vice President; Rich Jones, PEDI, President; John Peters, PEDI Board; Mike Wallace, Dallas County Conservation Board; Mike Lickteig, Wiese Foundation Board, President; photo courtesy of PEDI
From left-right: Bill Clark, Perry Economic Development, Inc., Vice President; Rich Jones, PEDI, President; John Peters, PEDI Board; Mike Wallace, Dallas County Conservation Board; Mike Lickteig, Wiese Foundation Board, President; photo courtesy of PEDI

Dallas County Conservation’s “Let’s Connect” project received another big boost in fundraising recently, this time from the Wiese Foundation through Perry Economic Development, Incorporated (PEDI).

The two entities partnered together and presented a check for $100,000, which will be used to fund the connector from the Raccoon River Valley Trail in Perry to the High Trestle Trail in Woodward. Conservation Director Mike Wallace was thankful for the financial support from PEDI and the Wiese Foundation, and is hopeful more donors take the cue and donate to the project. The total cost of the nine-mile connector trail is $5 million, which is around 60% funded at this point.

The first phase, a mile-and-a-half running east from Perry, was completed this summer. Phase two includes a similar stretch heading west from Woodward, and will be tackled in 2019. The remaining six miles will completed after that, and Wallace emphasizes it will be constructed as fast as funding allows. To donate to the project, click the link below.

https://www.dallascountyiowa.gov/services/conservation-and-recreation/conservation/let-s-connect-trail-project