Iowa

**hatta** · 06-27-2017, 15:33

Tried hanging at Wilson Island SRA outside Missouri Valley IA this weekend. Got everything set up, and then the DNR guy comes buy. Tells me hammocks aren't allowed in Iowa state parks.

This is the first I've heard of that, so I asked him what rule it was prohibited under. Guy took about 15 minutes looking through 3 different books. Comes up with a rule about destroying trees. Of course, I explain to him that my tree straps were perfectly safe for trees. No dice. He claims that he's been instructed that this regulation is interpreted to ban hammocks.

Thankfully, I had my tent in the car so all was not lost. But I guess I'm sticking to the WMAs in the future. Has anyone else run into this ridiculousness?

IIRC, this was the regulation he quoted:

http://law.justia.com/codes/iowa/201...ction-461a.35/

461A.35 Prohibited destructive acts.

1. It shall be unlawful for any person to use, enjoy the privileges of, destroy, injure, or deface plant life, trees, buildings, or other natural or material property, or to construct or operate for private or commercial purposes any structure, or to remove any plant life, trees, buildings, sand, gravel, ice, earth, stone, wood, or other natural material, or to operate vehicles, within the boundaries of any state park, preserve, or stream or any other lands or waters under the jurisdiction of the commission for any purpose whatsoever, except upon the terms, conditions, limitations, and restrictions as set forth by the commission.

I was pretty **** close to taking the citation and making them prove it in court.

**rick417** · 06-27-2017, 15:55

That's a bummer. State parks are about to go on my last resort list. I was camping at one in Florida last weekend and the rulew summary on the car hangtag said: "don't hang anything from trees." I went to the check-in station and explained I had intended to camp in my hammock. The person asked if I used straps, and I said I had 2 inch straps to protect the trees. He said that was fine. The no hanging thing was for people who tried to tie ropes and lanterns to the trees. It's too easy just to ban everything.

**hewittdallas** · 06-27-2017, 15:59

I've had similar experiences in Alabama and Georgia state parks.

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**Country Roads** · 06-27-2017, 16:11

Wow. Looks like the DNR person made a pretty loose interpretation of the "rules".

**TrailSlug** · 06-27-2017, 16:45

It's not going to get any better. More and more traffic in state parks will put a strain on the natural resources and the knee jerk reaction of today's working force is to SHUT IT DOWN for everyone. Welcome to the year 2017 and beyond.

**-Sawg** · 06-27-2017, 23:15

Jay Cooke state park in Minnesota enforces the use of tree straps for hanging of any kind, be it hammock, tarp, clothes line, etc. However, they're very friendly about it and will even lend you state-issued 2"straps at no cost. I was happy to oblige. Say what you will, but I am a fan of state parks. I find them to be less crowded and less expensive compared to national parks and private campgrounds. Some of my best camping memories were made at state parks.

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**TrailSlug** · 06-28-2017, 09:34

Originally Posted by -Sawg

Jay Cooke state park in Minnesota enforces the use of tree straps for hanging of any kind, be it hammock, tarp, clothes line, etc. However, they're very friendly about it and will even lend you state-issued 2"straps at no cost. I was happy to oblige. Say what you will, but I am a fan of state parks. I find them to be less crowded and less expensive compared to national parks and private campgrounds. Some of my best camping memories were made at state parks.

Good for Cooke state park. You guys should send letters to these guys and commend them on a logica, non knee jerk, well thought out decision. This is a fleeting thought process.

**ice man** · 06-30-2017, 18:07

This came up last summer. I Drove down to Des Moines and had a chat with the X O of Iowa parks dept. Linked is her reply. Hopefully the last line says it all.Hammock Forums.pdf

**rick417** · 06-30-2017, 18:39

Well done. I've been guilty of writing bans off as being too easy for land managers to say no. We really need to just have these kinds of conversations. When you get right down to it, they probably have the goal of wanting as many enthusiasts as possible to have a great outdoor experience.