US Army Corps of Engineers
Omaha District Website

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Council Bend

Image capture of Council Bend (IA)

General

Size (acres):  88.64

River Mile:  616.7 to 617.8

Bank:  Left descending bank

County:  Pottawattamie

State:  Iowa

Ownership, Management and Access

Ownership:  State of Iowa

Acquisition Status:  Easement acquired by the Corps in 2006.

On-Site Management:  Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) - Through an easement with the IDNR, the Corps has constructed shallow water habitat on the site and provides ongoing operation and maintenance support.

Site Access:  Motor vehicles are restricted to established roadways and parking areas.

Description, Use and Regulations

Description:  The Corps constructed a shallow water habitat project on the site, which involved the restoration of a historic side channel to the Missouri River in close proximity to two major metropolitan areas: Omaha, Nebraska and Council Bluffs, Iowa. 

  • Thirty acres of shallow water habitat were restored for the benefit of aquatic species, including the endangered pallid sturgeon. 
  • In addition, 13.5 acres were planted with native floodplain vegetation and 1.8 miles of nature trail systems were established.
  • The restored chute is approximately one mile long and varies from 150 to 180 feet wide.  

Status:  Open to the public.  Construction is complete.  The site is in operations and maintenance status.

Site Use:  The site is open to the public for a variety of outdoor activities including fishing, bird watching, hiking and hunting when in season.

Site-use Regulations:  

  • People visiting these areas must comply with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations, including hunting, fishing, etc.  In general Title 36 Part 327 of the Code of Federal Regulations governs the use of Corps property.  Other regulations may apply to properties owned by other federal agencies.
  • Special regulations and restrictions may be posted on site.

Special-use Regulations:  See above.

For More Information

Contact Information:  

  • Contact Council Bluffs Parks and Recreation at (712) 328-4650.
  • Or contact Iowa Department of Natural Resources at (712) 374-3133.

Story Maps Link:  http://rsgisias.crrel.usace.army.mil/story_maps/nwo/mrrp/index.html#

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