First Citizens Bank donates $5,000 to Tosanak Cabin Fund

By Kelly Terpstra, kterpstra@charlescitypress.com

The smell of the great outdoors and a cool, clear breeze off the river.

The ripple of running water is an invitation for many to set up a fishing pole and relax.

There are 370 acres that comprise the Tosanak Recreation Area near Marble Rock in Floyd County. Peace and tranquility are just a few footsteps away.

Soon, a four-season family-sized log cabin will be constructed along the Shell Rock River which skirts and snakes its way over much of the recreation area.

The Tosanak Cabin Fund is 95 percent away from reaching its goal of $120,000.

First Citizens Bank in Charles City recently donated $5,000 to the cabin fund, bringing it up to $114,000.

Cathy Rottinghaus, First Citizens Bank market president in Charles City, said she has experienced firsthand the beauty of the Tosanak Recreation Area.

“It’s a beautiful park. My husband and I have had the opportunity of doing some cross country skiing there,” she said.

“We look forward to seeing it ourselves,” said Rottinghaus about the new cabin.

Dirk Uetz, president of the Floyd County Conservation Board, said the fundraising committee for the cabin hopes to break ground in the spring at the site on a ridge with a great view of the river. A fall completion is expected.

“Every donation helps,” Uetz said. “It will get utilized and people will enjoy it.”

The 1,100-square-foot modern cabin will be fully furnished, handicapped accessible and will feature three bedrooms and two bathrooms.

“There’s been a lot of people involved and a lot of hard work involved,” said Rottinghaus. “We’re really pleased to partner in this project to make it come to a reality.”

This is just the beginning to improve access to the recreation area, according to Uetz. He said the Floyd County Conservation Board is working toward some grants that might help complete similar projects in the future.

“After we get this one done we’ll be able to do more down the road,” said Uetz. “That’s what we’re hoping. That’s a big hope that this is just the start and things will grow.”

Next year, the Conservation Department will be accepting online reservations to stay at the modern cabin. People will also soon have the opportunity to reserve other lodging options such as tent, RV camping and rustic cabins at Tosanak.

Anyone interested in donating to the Floyd County Conservation Board can contact the Floyd County Conservation Office at 641-756-3490.

Donations can be made payable to Fossil and Prairie Conservation Fund, and can be sent to Floyd County Conservation, Box 495, Rockford, IA 50468.