The goal of the Howard County Conservation Board is to encourage awareness and enjoyment of our Natural Resources by providing a better understanding of our environment. 

To find information on the shooting range please click here to visit the forms page.

The monthly regular board meetings of the Howard County Conservation Board have changed from the second Wednesday of the month to the FIRST Wednesday of the month. The meeting still begins at 6:00PM at the Prairie's Edge Nature Center.

Notice to Shooting Range Users Click here for more information

The Howard County Conservation Board welcomes you. Please take a moment to get to know us and feel free to stop in so we can get to know you too!

OUR PURPOSE
The Howard County Conservation Board (HCCB) was authorized by a vote of the people at a general election in 1956, for the purpose of acquiring and developing county parks, preserves, wildlife areas, forests and other conservation areas and to encourage the wise management of our natural resources.

The conservation board consists of five individuals who show demonstrated interests in conservation and recreational activities. Conservation board members are appointed by the Board of Supervisors to staggered 5-year terms and serve without compensation.

Current Conservation Board Members:
Dennis Christensen, Chairman
Cleon Seedorf, Vice-Chairman
Clint Farlinger
Don Burnikel
Diane Kueker

The monthly regular board meetings of the Howard County Conservation Board have changed from the second Wednesday of the month to the FIRST Wednesday of the month. The meeting still begins at 6:00PM at the Prairie's Edge Nature Center.

Monthly News Articles from the Howard County Conservation Board
March 2013

RECREATION
Howard County Parks are a great way to discover outdoor recreational opportunities. Activities provided are numerous and include hunting, fishing, camping, picnicking, boating and canoeing, cross country skiing, snowmobiling, hiking, bike riding, firearm shooting, nature study, bird watching, photography, softball, volleyball and archery.

The Howard County Conservation Board encourages the public's participation in all recreational opportunities offered and continues to work at keeping these areas in quality shape. Please respect our areas and leave them as you would like to find them.

HUNTING AND FISHING
From the trout of Bigalk’s Stream to the pan fish and bass of Lake Hendricks to the other wildlife that roam the county’s forests and prairies, one doesn’t have to look far to find great locations for hunting and fishing in Howard County. While out in the fields or on the lakes and streams, please remember to respect all hunting and fishing regulations. Hunting is permitted in most County Conservation Areas. Information on the regulations and a complete list of hunting areas may be found at the Nature Center or by calling the Conservation Office at (563)547-3634.

RULES & REGULATIONS
The Howard County Conservation Board has adapted the following major rules and regulations for the land it manages, so that everybody can continue to enjoy these areas and to protect them for the future.

	All parks closed to use from 10:30 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
	All vehicles are restricted to designated roadways and parking areas. The maximum speed limit is 10 MPH.
	Fires can be built in designated areas only.
	Camping is allowed only in areas designated by the Conservation Board.
	All wastes and trash will be placed only in receptacles provided for that purpose.
	All pets in the parks must be kept confined or on a leash.
	Firearms and weapons are allowed only in areas designated for hunting and shooting.
	It is illegal to remove, injure, destroy, or deface any natural or man-made structures or materials, including trees, flowers, or wildlife except with the permission of the board. (Mushrooms, fruits, and nuts can be harvested for personal use.)
	It is illegal to possess keg beer in any county park without having a special permit. Permits are available at the Howard County Conservation Office: (563)547-3634.