History and Purpose

In 1955, an Act of the Iowa Legislature created the county conservation system.  The Poweshiek County Conservation Board was authorized by a vote of the people in 1956.  The County Board of Supervisors appointed a five member board to serve five year terms.  Conservation board members serve without pay and are only reimbursed for necessary expenses.

The funds for the Poweshiek County Conservation Board come from property taxes.  The annual budget must be approved by the Board of Supervisors.

The purposes of the County Conservation Board, as established by law, are: "To acquire, develop, maintain, and make available to the inhabitants of the county, public grounds, recreational center, county areas, and to promote and preserve the health and general welfare of the people, to encourage the orderly development and conservation of natural resources, and to cultivate good citizenship by providing adequate programs of public recreation."

The Conservation Board administers 11 park and wildlife areas that encompass over 2,173 acres of land dedicated to public use and enjoyment.  Our parks and wildlife areas are managed for you, so please remember to leave them as you would like to find them.

Diamond Lake Park
4896 Stagecoach Road 
P.O. Box 666
Montezuma, IA  50171
641-623-3191