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Your financial contribution empowers watchdog reporting that protects and informs us all. DECORAH — A proposed campground near the Neste Valley Recreation Area raised concerns from nearby homeowners at Monday's Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors meeting. Mark and Andrea Ondrashek, whose property borders the planned site, voiced strong opposition, citing issues of privacy, safety, and financial impact. "The presence of overnight campers near our backyard raises concern regarding safety," Andrea Ondrashek told the board. The family, which has lived at 2298 Townline Road since 2016, says the development would "disrupt the serenity they sought" when they moved to the area. The couple shared their past efforts to resolve the issue, including a 2021 offer to buy 15 acres from the conservation board for an alternative campground location. However, the board declined, citing existing funding commitments to the project. Despite earlier reassurances that engineers would assess design modifications, the Ondrasheks say they received little communication until construction equipment was recently spotted at the site. While conservation officials stated the machinery was for an unrelated water retention project, the lack of updates reignited the family's concerns. "Over the last four years, our opposition has only grown," Andrea said. She and her husband posed several questions to the board, asking whether the county's two existing campgrounds were profitable, and if a third was necessary. They also questioned whether taxpayer funds would cover ongoing operational costs. The Supervisors did not provide immediate answers, but acknowledged the Ondrasheks' concerns over the campground's proposed location, however, they also pointed to the broader complexities of conservation efforts and county budgeting. Supervisor Shirley Vermace noted that tourism, including tourism driven by the county campgrounds, plays a "huge impact" on the county's economy. Supervisor Mark Faldet pushed back against the idea that conservation projects should be evaluated solely based on profitability, emphasizing that certain public services, including libraries, parks and recreational spaces, are designed for community benefit—rather than financial return. At the same time, Supervisor Mark Vick clarified that the county is not required to allocate funds to the conservation board, suggesting that financial decisions regarding the campground are largely independent of the Supervisors' control. While the supervisors did not commit to any specific actions, the Ondrasheks were encouraged to continue raising their concerns with conservation officials. A follow-up meeting with the conservation board has already been scheduled for later in the week. The Ondrasheks plan to continue their opposition, urging county officials to halt planning and development efforts. "If a third campground is necessary, we are firmly opposed to its construction on the land adjacent to our property," Andrea concluded. The Board of Supervisors did not take action during the meeting, but agreed to follow up on the residents' concerns. Knowledge is power! Stay empowered by subscribing to the free newsletter, packed with valuable insights, stories of local newsmakers and ideas to get your weekend started.

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Residents Voice Opposition to Proposed Neste Valley Campground