Natural resource management is important in Winnebago County, too - read about its economic impact there.
When it comes to managing natural resources, local leaders face a balancing act. On one hand, leveraging those resources can yield significant economic benefits, but conservation is key to ensuring residents and visitors alike can enjoy nature's splendor.
Worth County Conservation manages a diverse portfolio of outdoor activities and natural areas in Worth County, IA, striving to foster economic growth through recreation and tourism while also acting as a steward, diligently preserving the region’s natural footprint.
“We feel all our citizens, along with visitors, need places to enjoy quality of life activities,” said Worth County Conservation Director Jim Hanson. “To that end, conservation is heavily integrated into the county’s broader economic and land-use frameworks. Through the Worth County Comprehensive Development Plan, we aim to balance the protection of prime agricultural land and fragile ecosystems with responsible growth and economic development.”
Enjoying the Outdoors in Worth County
The natural beauty of north-central Iowa and the Midwest is prominently featured in Worth County, allowing folks to enjoy the outdoors in many ways.
There are 28 parks and natural areas encompassing over 3,190 acres in Worth County, along with three campgrounds. Natural highlights in the county include Silver and Rice lakes, the Shellrock River, and rolling hills, woodlands, and prairie.
With abundant opportunities for hunting, camping, hiking, fishing, boating, snowmobiling, canoeing, and kayaking, nature enthusiasts flock to the region year-round.
Families can enjoy day or overnight camping at Worth County Lake, which includes grills, a playground, and water access for fishing and canoeing. Christianson-Taylor Wildlife Area is a 310-acre public hunting area and a great spot to observe spring bird migrations.
Ochee Yahola in Northwood is Worth County’s oldest park, offering skiing and hiking trails, as well as hunting and wildlife viewing.
“Worth County offers a rich variety of outdoor activities,” Hanson said. “From seasoned outdoorsmen, families traveling through and locals exploring their favorite trail or park, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the best of the outdoors surrounding our communities.”
Benefitting Business
Outdoor recreation and resources generate significant economic potential for local businesses and entrepreneurs.
For example, after enjoying a day at a park, a family may head into one of Worth County’s communities to patronize a local establishment for food or drinks. A kayaker might head to a sports store for gear, while visitors will seek lodging or entertainment.
“By managing our park and wildlife areas, we support local commerce, as visitors spend on food, lodging, and transportation,” Hanson continued. “Businesses that benefit from outdoor recreation within our County include convenience stores, local bars and restaurants, hotels and motels, along with Diamond Jo Casino.”
Local Leader
While natural preservation and environmental sustainability are important pillars of Worth County Conservation’s mission, some area businesses have also taken up those mantles.
A leader in Worth County in that regard is Worth Brewing Company in Northwood, IA. In 2017, it received Iowa Green Brewery Certification from the Iowa Waste Reduction Center (IWRC), recognizing its implementation of sustainable practices, such as using high-efficiency equipment, minimizing wastewater, and sourcing local ingredients like oats, honey, and hops.
By 2020, Worth Brewing’s certification had reached Gold Status for its environmental management practices, setting a strong example in the county.
Worth County, IA, makes the most of its natural resources by carefully balancing preservation with economic growth. Contact Winn-Worth Betco or Worth County Conservation for more information. Click here to learn about natural resource management, recreation, and the great outdoors in nearby Winnebago County.
