Who is going to pay for this project?

 We’re committed to seeking every available source of revenue. We know that 85 percent of all dollars given to projects like this come from private individuals. We’re also seeking grants, including Vision Iowa funding.

Will this raise my taxes?

 The project is designed to be self-sustaining. Income generated from cabins, campsites, and concessions will offset operation costs. The fundraising campaign is also seeking to raise a $500,000 endowment for long-term maintenance.

Is this a duplication of Lake Geode?

 Big Hollow will complement many of Geode State Park’s features, while offering things that Geode doesn’t have like cabins, equestrian trails, target sports, and more. In addition, the lake design has been rated "A" by state fisheries biologists, the highest rating given. Big Hollow will be locally controlled, while Geode, as one of many state parks throughout Iowa, is directed from the state capital and is dependent on the legislature for funds to improve and maintain its facilities.

When will this be completed?

 Big Hollow has been in development for 30 plus years, and many of its facilities -- the target sports complex, Witte Observatory, model airplane field, and some trails -- are already open. We anticipate construction to begin in late summer this year. Building the dam is a two-year process. Cabins and RV campsites are planned to be open when the lake is completed. The lake takes approximately a year to fill, it should be open in 2009.

Will there be user fees?

 Most of the park, including the trail system and boat ramp, will be free. Premium services such as cabins and camping will have fees. Other services, such as the beach area and pedalboat rentals, will also have fees.

How much will this cost to build?

 We expect to raise $4 million to develop Big Hollow as envisioned. $500,000 will be reserved as a maintenance endowment.

Why not just phase this project in? Or just build the lake?

 There are different elements to this project: those that generate revenue (cabins, campsites), and those that don’t (lake, trails). Just building a lake doesn’t make Big Hollow self-sustaining and doesn’t add the opportunities for people to come take advantage of the park. Likewise, the lake makes cabins and campsites very attractive. Without the lake the revenue generators do not draw people. Only together is this a complete facility.

Is the County supporting this project?

 The County has supported Big Hollow for many years and will continue to do so. Already, the County has invested hundreds of thousands of dollars in the design, construction, and maintenance of existing facilities. The County has agreed to pave 152nd Avenue from the park north to Pleasant Grove Road.

Aren’t you flooding usable ground for hunting?

 With only 2 percent of Iowa’s lands publicly owned, it’s critical that the best uses for these lands are made for the benefit of all residents. While some areas of Big Hollow will be flooded, Des Moines County Conservation is understanding of the need for public hunting areas. The county recently purchased additional land just south of Big Hollow to be developed for public hunting, and will continue its Acres For Wildlife program to improve wildlife habitat on private lands.

Will some areas be limited for certain activities?

 A task force of community citizens -- representing hunters, hikers, bicyclists, horseback riders, and other groups -- has come together to create a facility use plan. Cooperatively, this task force will help set the paths for trails, the locations of hunting areas and camping sites, and try to ensure that Big Hollow can be used safely by a wide range of people.

Can I water-ski on the lake?

The lake will be "no wake" to help reduce shoreline erosion and provide safe recreation.