With drought conditions continuing in the Raccoon Valley Radio area, one activity is prohibited, even when river levels are low.

Iowa Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officer Aaron Arthur tells Raccoon Valley Radio it is illegal to operate an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) on the Raccoon River bed. 

“Is it easier for people now that they can drive on the road? Yeah, they’re driving right down our boat ramps and they’re driving right into the river. It is against the law and I’ve written quite a few people this year for that. It’s an environmental issue because you don’t understand is when that water gets low these minnows, crustaceans, frogs, they’re in these little pools of water and when you drive an ATV through there, you’re causing damage to those areas. So there’s reasons why have these regulations. I know people think it’s fun to drive through the river, but environmentally, it’s not a good thing.”    

Arthur urges people to keep ATVs on approved paths only in order to avoid getting a citation issued.