Marion County’s Lake Red Rock has been approved as a state water trail. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources approved a grant application for the area at the end of 2009, therefore giving the lake and future Hickory Ridge Wilderness Camp a new status. The grant, worth $33,224, will help pay for improvements to the water trail, including signage, interpretive kiosks, new or improved lake access points and educational materials. The Lake Red Rock water trail project offers several unique aspects for visitors. It’s 35-mile circular route is one of only three state water trails on a lake, and it’s association with a public camping area that is not part of a state park is also different from most water trails. Scott Evans, leader of the Lake Red Rock Association says that this qualification will bring a new group of fans to the area and thanks to this grant they hope to open the Hickory Ridge Camp up for public use in 2011.