Below are numerous resources that can help in the development of a plan for a water trail in your area:

Signs
A major new revision to our water trails and dams sign manual has been released in for the Spring of 2011. The old sign manual has been replaced on our Web site, and Iowa Prison Industries has replaced its catalog. The new manual addresses a number of issues, and includes a road wayfinding system that has been vetted and approved by Iowa Department of Transportation. Related, an access mileage/numbering system that will function statewide and simplify road, bridge, and access signage. Details for sign mounting methods are now included, as well as a completely revamped and carefully considered low-head dam sign warning system. The sign manual,*.pdf (16MB) contains guideline for the standard statewide water trails way-finding and informational signage system.

Low-head Dam Safety Costshare Program:
No application deadline is currently scheduled.

Water Trails Site Planning and Work Crew Assistance Application:
(*.pdf file | *.doc file) (Updated: Jan 2010)
The Iowa DNR River Programs is offering a new opportunity for site planning and work crew assistance. This will be an ongoing opportunity with a deadline of February 28th every year to help groups with a variety of low-tech projects in Iowa on Designated or In-Progress (Letter of Intent to designate filed with Iowa DNR River Water Trails program) Water Trails that adhere to naturalistic river and surface trail design principles.