Tosanak Cabin Fund getting closer to goal

By Kelly Terpstra, kterpstra@charlescitypress.com

Walleye, northern pike and smallmouth bass — the fish just might literally jump into the frying pan.

Great fishing can be found on the Shell Rock River that meanders its way through the Tosanak Recreation Area just a few miles outside Marble Rock in Floyd County.

Soon there will be a brand new cabin overlooking that river where beautiful vistas of nature are just a few of the perks.

The Tosanak Cabin Fund, spearheaded by Joel Cannon, vice president of Floyd County Conservation, is moving closer to its goal.

That goal is the completion of the 1,100-square–foot cabin, fully furnished and handicapped–accessible, featuring three bedrooms and two bathrooms.

“It’s definitely a worthwhile project,” said Cannon.

The fund hopes to raise $120,000. That total currently stands at $68,620, with three private grants that are pending. The modern cabin, which Cannon said he would like to start work on this fall, has received several donations this year.

The Kinney–Lindstrom Foundation of Mason City donated $12,000 in February. A total of $5,000 was contributed by the Hanson Family Foundation from Forest City. Another $2,500 was also donated during that time by the Kyle Family Trust from Greene.

One of the most recent donations was by Jim Smith, a longtime attorney in Charles City, who wrote a check out for $1,500 to help build the cabin.

Cannon said the county group appreciates all donations, big or small.

In November 2017, the Robert James Waller Estate came up with a $25,000 donation toward the cabin. Waller, a famous author who died in March 2017, was born in Charles City and grew up in Rockford.

One of his most famous novels was “Bridges of Madison County,” which was the top-selling book on the New York Times bestseller list for 1993. The novel was made into a movie a few years later, starring Meryl Streep and Clint Eastwood.

“We want people to become invested in the cabin and become part of the project,” said Cannon, who is the chairperson of the Tosanak Cabin Fundraising Committee.

Cannon also said there will be recognition of donors with plaques in three different categories once the cabin is complete.

Cannon calls the Tosanak Recreation Area a “hidden gem” and with the addition of the four-season cabin nature enthusiasts will have even more of a chance of take in the sights and sounds of what Floyd County has to offer. That enjoyment can be with family and friends and last generations, Cannon said.

“We’re trying to get more people down there to explore,” said Cannon. “It’s a place for families to come together, enjoy nature and spend time with each other.”

The cabin will sit on a ridge overlooking the Shell Rock River and is right next to Tosanak’s new recreation area, which includes a basketball court. There is a ping-pong table and bag games that are also able to be played indoors in the area.

There are a couple other cabins in the Tosanak Recreation Area, as well as a trail system and boat ramp.

People wanting to donate to the cabin fund can call the Floyd County Conservation Office at 641–756–3490.