ITC Midwest Strengthens Community Partnerships Through Spirit Lake Trail Project
December 18, 2025 | Midwest
ITC Midwest is honored to contribute to the advancement of the Spirit Lake Trail project, a collaborative initiative involving numerous agencies and stakeholders. The permitting process required coordination with the Iowa Department of Transportation (IA DOT), Dickinson County, Dickinson County Trails, the City of Spirit Lake, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
To ensure alignment with project objectives, ITC Midwest worked closely with Dickinson County Trails Board Executive Director Erin Reed and the Dickinson County Board of Supervisors. With the support of ITC Midwest’s legal team the easement was approved, enabling construction to proceed.
Collaboration extended beyond administrative tasks. Multiple in-person meetings with Reed addressed vegetation management and trail access concerns as well as several meetings onsite with the USFWS which required the project corridor to be surveyed for a federally protected plant. The protected plant was not found during the survey. A comprehensive project walk-down ensured consensus on environmental considerations and ensured the construction crew was aware of all permit conditions.
“Working with ITC Midwest has been a true partnership. Their team listened to our concerns and collaborated closely throughout the process,” said Reed. “From updating easement language to addressing environmental considerations, they made sure the Spirit Lake Trail project reflects both community priorities and conservation goals.”
Construction is currently underway, with ITC Midwest’s construction contractor maintaining trail cleanliness and accessibility for daily users. ITC Midwest provides weekly updates to Reed regarding work locations to minimize disruption caused by intermittent closures. This partnership will continue into the future as maintenance needs arise, underscoring ITC Midwest’s commitment to community collaboration and environmental stewardship.
