Recent floodwaters have significantly affected two Pottawattamie County Conservation Board (PCCB) parks. The Board reports Narrows River Park in Council Bluffs was affected by Missouri River floodwaters and Botna Bend Park was affected by West Nishnabotna River floodwaters. Other PCCB parks were largely unaffected.

As a result of flooding, Narrows River Park in Council Bluffs was entirely inundated with floodwater and will remain so until Missouri River levels sufficiently recede. As the park is still inundated, damage assessments are pending but the park is not expected to open for the season until cleanup efforts have been completed, likely in late-April or early-May. Snow pack in the Missouri River watershed is still high in some areas and may result in additional high-water events in the coming months requiring the park to stay closed beyond the early-May timeframe. Accordingly, and in the interest of public safety and uninhibited restoration efforts, Narrows River Park will remain closed to the public until restoration efforts are completed and water levels allow for safe visitation by the public. Park staff appreciates your understanding & support. For more information please check www.pottcoconservation.com or find Narrows River Park on Facebook at www.facebook.com/narrowsriverpark.

Although floodwaters have receded in Botna Bend Park at this time, flooding at the park was extensive. Park staff acted quickly and prior to flooding in the park, the park’s bison and elk herds were moved to higher ground within their pens. However, the floodwater’s swift velocity downed portions of the fences containing the herds and animals were able to leave park boundaries. At this time, all bison are accounted for and park staff is able to account for all but two members of the elk herd. Unfortunately, two bison are known to be deceased and the condition of the two unaccounted for elk is unknown. All penned animals are safe and healthy, and are currently being held in temporary pens until permanent fencing in the park can be repaired. Damage to park structures and roadways was also sustained. Accordingly, and in the interest of public safety and uninhibited restoration efforts, Botna Bend Park will remain closed to the public until restoration efforts allow for safe visitation by the public. Park staff appreciates your understanding & support. For more information please check www.pottcoconservation.com or find Botna Bend Park on Facebook at www.facebook.com/botnabend.

How Can  You Help? At Narrows River Park: Volunteers may be needed to assist with cleanup efforts once the risk of flooding subsides and damages can be assessed. Once damages are evaluated we may be in need of volunteer help with cleanup and repairs. Watch the Narrows River Park Facebook page and the PCCB website for details & volunteer information.
At Botna Bend Park: During the flooding, much of the animals’ stored hay was washed away or damaged by floodwaters; as a result hay for feeding is desperately needed. If you have an interest in donating or selling hay, or donating funds to purchase hay, please contact Botna Bend Park Ranger Jon Fenner (402-504-0471) or message the park directly through Facebook. Additionally, volunteers may be needed to assist with cleanup efforts once damage and safety is assessed. Watch the Botna Bend Park Facebook page and the PCCB website for details & volunteer information. Visit