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DNR News Releases

Archive by category: Parks and Rec Areas, CampingReturn

DNR to host April 7 open house to discuss repairs at Sweet Marsh impacting Martens Lake

• 3/17/2022 3:57:00 PM
• View Count 1847

TRIPOLI - The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is hosting an open house to discuss a project to repair a portion of the dike network and the water control structure at Martens Lake on the Sweet Marsh Wildlife Area, on April 7, from 6-8 p.m., at the Tripoli City Hall, 303 S Main St., in Tripoli.

Volunteers needed March 27 to cleanup Red Haw State Park

• 3/17/2022 3:10:00 PM
• View Count 1424

CHARITON - The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is holding a volunteer cleanup day at Red Haw State Park on March 27, from 1-4 p.m., to remove downed branches and small debris from the picnic and beach areas, the dam and east trail deposited in the park by the tornado that moved through Lucas County on March 5. 

Iowa DNR to begin annual spring burning

• 3/15/2022 2:34:00 PM
• View Count 1492

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will be conducting prescribed burns this spring on wildlife management areas managed by the Iowa DNR’s Black Hawk Wildlife Unit and waterfowl production areas managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Sac, Calhoun, Carroll, Crawford and Pocahontas counties.

Project AWARE cleanup to take on the West Fork of the Des Moines River Water Trail

• 3/15/2022 2:32:00 PM
• View Count 1790

Volunteers have the opportunity to spend their summer vacation cleaning up, learning about and exploring 61 miles of the West Fork of the Des Moines River from Petersburg, Minn., to near West Bend, Iowa, from July 10 to 15.

Red Haw State Park remains closed due to tornado damage

• 3/15/2022 2:30:00 PM
• View Count 1311

CHARITON – Red Haw State Park remains closed to visitors following the March 5 tornado through the park. The campground, which is the most heavily damaged area of the park, is anticipated to be closed until Labor Day.

Spring is a great time for a boating education course

• 3/15/2022 2:27:00 PM
• View Count 1416

It may not feel like boating season yet, but the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR), along with boating safety advocates nationwide, are urging boaters to enroll in a boating education course this spring.

Walnut Woods State Park to offer online reservations for all campsites

• 3/15/2022 2:24:00 PM
• View Count 1566

WEST DES MOINES –Walnut Woods State Park will become Iowa’s second state park to make all of its campsites available for reservation through the Iowa Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) online reservation system, on April 1.

Take time to clean and inspect lifejackets ahead of boating season

• 3/8/2022 1:43:00 PM
• View Count 1213

Surprising as it may seem, March is not a busy boating month in Iowa. But it is a good time to clean and inspect important boating equipment – lifejackets – so its ready to go when the snow and ice finally disappear.

Red Haw State Park closed due to storm damage

• 3/6/2022 1:03:00 PM
• View Count 2838

CHARITON, Iowa -- Due to extensive damage from the storm on March 5th, Red Haw State Park in Chariton will be closed until further notice. Extensive damage was sustained to the campground, where there was one fatality and one injury. Additionally, there are significant damages to the beach area, including the boat docks, the Bait House, beach shelters and a storage building.

Natural Resource Commission to meet March 10

• 3/4/2022 12:42:00 PM
• View Count 848

Des Moines – The Natural Resource Commission (NRC) of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will hold its monthly meeting at 9:30 a.m., on March 10. The meeting is open to the public.

Natural Resource Commission to meet Feb. 10

• 2/11/2022 12:54:00 PM
• View Count 1291

Des Moines – The Natural Resource Commission (NRC) of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources will hold its monthly meeting at 9:30 a.m., on Feb. 10. The meeting is open to the public.

Special wildlife practices available thru Conservation Reserve Program

• 2/8/2022 1:20:00 PM
• View Count 1743

The US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) offers several programs for landowners to enroll environmentally sensitive farmland into the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP).

Snowmobilers encouraged to use safe operating practices when riding on the Iowa Great Lakes

• 2/3/2022 3:49:00 PM
• View Count 1404

SPIRIT LAKE - The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is reminding snowmobilers operating on the Iowa Great Lakes to use caution as ice conditions change throughout the winter.

DNR to discuss Lake Ahquabi improvements during Feb. 8 public meeting

• 2/1/2022 2:07:00 PM
• View Count 1652

INDIANOLA -- The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will discuss its plans to improve water quality and fishing at Lake Ahquabi, and upgrade campground amenities and provide better accessibility throughout Lake Ahquabi State Park, during an open house on Feb. 8.

Outdoor education workshops scheduled this spring and summer

• 1/25/2022 3:55:00 PM
• View Count 1342

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is sponsoring workshops for K–12 and early childhood educators on Iowa’s outdoors this spring and summer.  

Natural Resource Commission to meet Jan. 19

• 1/14/2022 3:50:00 PM
• View Count 1295

Des Moines – The Natural Resource Commission (NRC) of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources will hold its monthly meeting at 10 a.m., on Jan. 19. The meeting is open to the public.

Winter aeration system in use at three Northwest Iowa lakes

• 1/4/2022 12:54:00 PM
• View Count 1811

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has turned on the winter aeration systems at Center Lake and Silver Lake in Dickinson County, and Ingham Lake in Emmet County.

Stay safe as Iowa lakes freeze over

• 1/4/2022 12:48:00 PM
• View Count 4348

The recent blast of arctic air is growing ice on lakes and ponds over much of Iowa. Anglers are ready to get out for the popular early ice fishing season

Outdoor Notes

• 12/28/2021 1:15:00 PM
• View Count 1494

Hunting seasons will begin closing in early January. Pheasant, archery turkey and deer seasons, and late muzzleloader deer season close on Jan. 10.

Summer seasonal positions open in state parks, forests and preserves

• 12/21/2021 3:56:00 PM
• View Count 2896

The DNR Parks, Forests and Preserves Bureau has openings for recreational aides and seasonal patrol officers for the summer 2022 season across the state park system.

First Day Hikes at Iowa State Parks: Join the Fun with the Parks Passport and Guided Hikes

• 12/14/2021 2:57:00 PM
• View Count 1607

DES MOINES – So what are you doing over New Year’s?

Teaching outdoor skills courses scheduled this spring and summer

• 12/14/2021 2:54:00 PM
• View Count 1522

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is sponsoring six courses on how to teach outdoor skills for K–12 teachers, naturalists and other educators this spring and summer.

Campground hosts needed for upcoming recreation season

• 12/7/2021 1:49:00 PM
• View Count 4930

Campground hosts general duties include greeting visitors, assisting campers checking in and with reservations, cleaning bathrooms, light maintenance and administrative duties, acting as a liaison between campers and DNR staff and answering questions and disseminating information to campers.

Natural Resource Commission to meet Dec. 9

• 12/6/2021 7:27:00 AM
• View Count 1628

DES MOINES – The Natural Resource Commission (NRC) of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources will hold its monthly meeting at 9:30 a.m., on Dec. 9. The meeting is open to the public.

Natural Resource Commission to meet via teleconference Nov. 10

• 11/5/2021 1:36:00 PM
• View Count 1631

Des Moines – The Natural Resource Commission (NRC) of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources will hold its monthly meeting via teleconference at 9:30 a.m., on Nov. 10. The meeting is open to the public.

7 hidden surprises at Wildcat Den State Park

• 10/13/2021 10:43:00 AM
• View Count 6113

Packed with historical, geological and natural wonders, Wildcat Den State Park near Muscatine has surprises around every bend. Here are the can’t-miss features and some finds you may not know about from park staff.

Start your Halloween celebrations with an evening of spook-tacular critters

• 10/12/2021 1:47:00 PM
• View Count 1238

Join the Iowa Department of Natural Resources for an evening of spooky family fun. Experience all sorts of Halloween critters including spiders, bats, owls and snakes with experts to explain more about them and their relationship with the environment.

Natural Resource Commission to meet via teleconference Oct. 14

• 10/8/2021 3:40:00 PM
• View Count 1176

Des Moines – The Natural Resource Commission (NRC) of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources will hold its monthly meeting via teleconference at 9:30 a.m., on Oct. 14. The meeting is open to the public.

REAP assemblies scheduled in 18 communities

• 10/5/2021 2:18:00 PM
• View Count 1831

Iowa’s Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) assemblies will begin in two weeks, giving all Iowans an opportunity to share and discuss their visions for Iowa’s outdoor recreation, soil and water enhancement, historical resources and land management and more.

Iowa DNR releases name of falling victim fatality at Bellevue State Park

• 9/20/2021 1:27:00 PM
• View Count 2126

BELLEVUE, Iowa - Authorities have identified 36-year-old Iris Merfeld, of Zwingle, as the woman involved in the fatal fall at Bellevue State Park this weekend.

Iowa DNR investigating fatal incident at Bellevue State Park

• 9/19/2021 10:11:00 AM
• View Count 1625

BELLEVUE, Iowa - At 4:21 a.m. on Sept. 18, local authorities were notified about an individual who had fallen from a bluff at Bellevue State Park located in Bellevue.

Save the Date: Statewide Volunteer Day is Sept. 25

• 9/14/2021 2:54:00 PM
• View Count 2908

Iowa state parks and forests have set Saturday, Sept. 25 as annual Volunteer Day, when Iowans are invited to lend a hand at nearly 20 parks and forests hosting events.

Often overlooked, Eagle Lake is a high quality North Iowa wild place that's ready for prime time

• 9/14/2021 2:50:00 PM
• View Count 3100

Eagle Lake Wildlife Area is a 960-acre high quality natural marsh within a 2,000-acre complex that is an important stop for marsh birds on the migration route and home to unique plant and animal species not found in many places around Iowa.

Public invited to Sept. 15 open house on current and future recreation projects

• 9/13/2021 1:50:00 PM
• View Count 1238

WEST DES MOINES - An open house to discuss current and future projects in the neighborhood of Walnut Woods State Park, Raccoon River Park and Purple Martin Water Resource Area is set for Sept. 15, from 6-8 p.m., at Walnut Woods State Park Lodge, in West Des Moines.

Natural Resource Commission to meet Sept. 8, in Brighton

• 9/3/2021 1:04:00 PM
• View Count 1213

Des Moines – The Natural Resource Commission (NRC) of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources will hold its monthly meeting at 12:00 p.m., on Sept. 8, at Lake Darling State Park Lodge, 111 Lake Darling Rd in Brighton. The meeting is open to the public. 

A busy Labor Day weekend expected on Iowa waters and state parks

• 9/2/2021 4:08:00 PM
• View Count 1477

DES MOINES, Iowa – The unofficial end to summer this weekend is expected to draw thousands of Iowans out to their state parks and waterways.

Natural Resource Commission to meet Aug. 12, in Des Moines

• 8/6/2021 2:37:00 PM
• View Count 1366

Des Moines – The Natural Resource Commission (NRC) of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources will hold its monthly meeting at 9:30 a.m., on Aug. 12, in the Wallace State Office Building, second floor conference room, 502 East Ninth Street, in Des Moines. The meeting is open to the public.

Boaters: Be aware of carbon monoxide poisoning while on the water

• 7/20/2021 11:48:00 AM
• View Count 1975

Carbon monoxide poisoning is not often thought of when on the water, but boaters need to be aware of the situations that can put them at risk of illness or even death.

Busy weekend expected on the water, boat operators advised to abstain from alcohol

• 7/20/2021 11:38:00 AM
• View Count 1139

With summer’s temperatures soaring to their highest of the season, Iowa’s lakes and reservoirs will be busy places as Iowans of all ages look to escape the heat. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is reminding boaters to exercise safe boating practices and to have a designated boat operator who abstains from drinking alcohol.

State Preserves Advisory Board to meet July 19

• 7/13/2021 1:29:00 PM
• View Count 1333

The State Preserves Advisory Board of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources will meet at 1 p.m., July 19, in the second floor conference room in the DNR Water Supply office, Wallace State Office Building, 502 East Ninth Street, in Des Moines.

New state park trail app available

• 7/13/2021 1:27:00 PM
• View Count 2327

The Iowa DNR has developed an online mapping application to help visitors navigate trails in state parks.

Attention photographers: Showcase your pictures and Iowa state parks in national contest

• 7/13/2021 1:24:00 PM
• View Count 2067

DES MOINES -- If you enjoy photographing Iowa state parks, the Iowa DNR invites you to enter your photos in the America’s State Parks 2021 Photo Contest, hosted by the National Association of State Park Directors. Photos will feature state parks from Iowa and other states, and could be included in calendars and other publications. 

Death investigation underway at Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area

• 7/4/2021 9:20:00 AM
• View Count 1924

PALO, Iowa – Two deceased individuals were found inside a parked vehicle at Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area on Friday, July 2, 2021 around 10:45pm, when DNR parks staff were conducting routine patrols.

Natural Resource Commission to meet July 7 in Des Moines

• 7/2/2021 10:32:00 AM
• View Count 1289

Des Moines – The Natural Resource Commission (NRC) of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources will hold its monthly meeting at 9:30 a.m., on July 7, in the Wallace State Office Building, fourth floor conference room, 502 East Ninth Street, in Des Moines. The meeting is open to the public.

Flash flooding causing closures at Yellow River State Forest

• 7/1/2021 1:33:00 PM
• View Count 1836

ALLAMAKEE COUNTY, Iowa – Recent heavy rainfall has caused some significant road damage at Yellow River State Forest.

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