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DNR News Releases

Public meeting to discuss in-lake improvements at Three-Mile Lake

• 6/6/2023 2:21:00 PM
• View Count 2540

AFTON – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will host a public meeting from 5:30-7 p.m., June 15, at Three-Mile Lake Lodge, 1577 Creamery Road, to discuss in-lake improvements planned for Three-Mile Lake starting this fall.

Drought conditions continue to impact water levels at Blue Lake in Lewis and Clark State Park

• 6/6/2023 2:19:00 PM
• View Count 2710

ONAWA – Blue Lake, located within Lewis and Clark State Park, continues to experience abnormally low water levels that may impact recreation opportunities. Launching boats is not recommended with the current low water levels.

Heavy rains delay opening at Lake Ahquabi State Park

• 6/6/2023 2:17:00 PM
• View Count 2645

INDIANOLA – Heavy rains last week caused washouts and erosion at Lake Ahquabi State Park, delaying reopening of the park until mid-July.

Long-term project is bringing prairie back to hard to get to places of the Loess Hills

• 6/6/2023 2:13:00 PM
• View Count 2078

“Limb’n and chunk’n in pieces your swampers can move,” yelled Doug Chafa in what sounded like secret code known only to the 30 or so select people who happened to be dressed in chainsaw chaps, long sleeve shirts, hard hats and gloves.

Join us this weekend! Kick off summer in Iowa State Parks, June 9-11

• 6/6/2023 2:11:00 PM
• View Count 2164

DES MOINES ⎯ Several state parks and forests will be hosting family-friendly programming and activities as part of Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) new Summer Kick-Off event, June 9-11.

Upcoming Payment Updates to Online AFO Application (EMMP)

• 6/6/2023 11:34:00 AM
• View Count 2216

The State of Iowa is transitioning to a new electronic payment system that will impact the online Animal Feeding Operation application (EMMP) later this summer.

Summer heat causes Otter Creek tributary fish kill

• 6/5/2023 4:14:00 PM
• View Count 2214

OELWEIN - The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) investigated reports of dead fish in the unnamed tributary to Otter Creek that flows through Oelwein in Fayette County.

Avoid Contact with Perry Creek South of Hinton in Plymouth County

• 6/2/2023 4:46:00 PM
• View Count 2157

DES MOINES--Downstream users of Perry Creek west of Hinton in Plymouth County should avoid contact with the water, including recreation, and water for livestock after a manure discharge from a 3,000-head cattle facility flowed into the creek.

Fish Kill in Hampton Under Investigation

• 6/2/2023 10:45:00 AM
• View Count 2055

DES MOINES--DNR officials are asking for the public's help in determining the cause of a fish kill yesterday along Squaw Creek in the Franklin County town of Hampton.

Drinking Water Boil Advisory Lifted, But Level Yellow Water Use Restrictions Continue

• 6/2/2023 10:30:00 AM
• View Count 2234

AVOCA--The Regional Water Rural Water District announced that the Boil Advisory which went into effect on May 25 has been lifted effective immediately, while the mandatory water usage restrictions remain in effect for users of its Avoca Treatment Plant Distribution System.

Natural Resource Commission to meet June 8 in Des Moines

• 6/1/2023 4:29:00 PM
• View Count 2124

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., June 8, in the Wallace State Office Building, second floor, north conference room, 502 East Ninth Street, in Des Moines. The meeting is open to the public.

Air Quality permits under review

• 6/1/2023 4:18:00 PM
• View Count 2018

DES MOINES – The DNR Air Quality Bureau has the following draft permits up for review. The permits help protect Iowans’ health and the air where we live. DNR’s permitting staff review the applications to ensure facilities comply with state and federal air quality standards. The public has the right and is encouraged to comment on draft permits. DNR considers public comments before finalizing the permits. Submit comments in writing to the assigned permit writer before 4:30 p.m. on the last day of the comment period.

DNR enforcement actions

• 6/1/2023 4:14:00 PM
• View Count 2038

DES MOINES – DNR staff work with individuals, businesses and communities to help them protect our natural resources by complying with state and federal laws. This approach is very effective. In the few cases where compliance cannot be achieved, the DNR issues enforcement actions. The following list summarizes recent enforcement actions. Find the entire, original orders on DNR’s website at www.iowadnr.gov/EnforcementActions 

Wildfire smoke contributes to air quality exceedances in May

• 6/1/2023 4:11:00 PM
• View Count 2410

Des Moines, IA – The Air Quality Bureau has recorded 33 exceedances of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) over the last 14 days. Smoke from wildfires in Northern Canada contributed to 32 ozone exceedances and one fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exceedance between May 18th and May 31st. Iowa has averaged less than four ozone exceedances per year over the last five years. These exceedances are the first of the NAAQS measured in Iowa this year.

Don’t be fooled by summer heat: Iowa’s waters are still dangerously cold

• 6/1/2023 3:56:00 PM
• View Count 2626

Summer heat entices many to plunge into local lakes to cool off. Air temperatures may soar into the 90s this weekend but water temperatures are much cooler, especially below the surface.

Air Quality permits under review

• 5/30/2023 2:38:00 PM
• View Count 2117

DES MOINES – The DNR Air Quality Bureau has the following draft permits up for review. The permits help protect Iowans’ health and the air where we live. DNR’s permitting staff review the applications to ensure facilities comply with state and federal air quality standards. The public has the right and is encouraged to comment on draft permits. DNR considers public comments before finalizing the permits. Submit comments in writing to the assigned permit writer before 4:30 p.m. on the last day of the comment peri...

Different habitats on the Upper Wapsi Wildlife Area attracts and supports diverse wildlife

• 5/30/2023 11:48:00 AM
• View Count 5206

The Upper Wapsi Wildlife Area is returning to a mix of wetlands, timber, and prairie that traditionally would make up this area, hosting various wildlife from sandhill cranes, Canada geese, red-shouldered hawks, bobolinks, pheasants, to wild turkeys, blandings turtles, smooth green snakes and white-tailed deer.

Discover Hidden Gems with the 2023 State Park Passport

• 5/30/2023 11:45:00 AM
• View Count 7437

The Iowa State Park Passport is back in 2023 and better than ever.

Boater collides with bridge piling on Cedar River

• 5/27/2023 8:38:00 PM
• View Count 2957

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - On May 27, 2023, at approximately 1:00 PM, Jeffrey Mattison, 51, of Cedar Rapids, collided with a bridge piling while boating on the Cedar River.

Water conservation alert declared for portions of northern Pottawattamie, Harrison, Shelby, Audubon, and Cass County

• 5/26/2023 3:48:00 PM
• View Count 3126

AVOCA, Iowa - A mandatory nonessential water usage restriction is in effect immediately for the customers of the Avoca Treatment Plant Distribution System. Regional Water Rural Water District has declared “Level Yellow,” the second of a system of progressive levels within its Emergency Water Conservation Plan.

Boil order for portions of Pottawattamie, Harrison, Shelby, Audubon, and Cass County

• 5/25/2023 3:51:00 PM
• View Count 2361

AVOCA, Iowa - Pottawattamie, Harrison, Shelby, Audubon, and Cass County residents and businesses served by Regional Water Rural Water Association, PWS # 8300184, are being advised to boil their water before using it due to a problem in the distribution system resulting in a loss of pressure.

DNR seeks comment on proposed Administrative Code revisions

• 5/25/2023 3:34:00 PM
• View Count 2347

Pursuant to Executive Order 10, DNR has reviewed the following rule chapters: 567 Iowa Administrative Code (IAC) chapter 3 (adopted by reference from 561 IAC chapter 3), 567 IAC chapter 10, 567 IAC chapter 12, and 567 IAC chapter 17. Following the review of the rule chapters, the DNR has combined and revised the chapters to remove redundancies and create efficiencies. DNR seeks informal comment on the proposed rules. DNR will accept written comments until June 23, 2023. Written comments or questions regarding ...

Air Quality permits under review

• 5/25/2023 3:29:00 PM
• View Count 2246

DES MOINES – The DNR Air Quality Bureau has the following draft permits up for review. The permits help protect Iowans’ health and the air where we live. DNR’s permitting staff review the applications to ensure facilities comply with state and federal air quality standards. The public has the right and is encouraged to comment on draft permits. DNR considers public comments before finalizing the permits. Submit comments in writing to the assigned permit writer before 4:30 p.m. on the last day of the comment period.

DNR enforcement actions

• 5/25/2023 3:27:00 PM
• View Count 2109

DES MOINES – DNR staff work with individuals, businesses and communities to help them protect our natural resources by complying with state and federal laws. This approach is very effective. In the few cases where compliance cannot be achieved, the DNR issues enforcement actions. The following list summarizes recent enforcement actions. Find the entire, original orders on DNR’s website at www.iowadnr.gov/EnforcementActions

Wildfire Smoke Contributes to Exceedances of Ozone Air Quality Standards

• 5/24/2023 1:22:00 PM
• View Count 3107

DES MOINES – Wildfire smoke carries particulates as well as massive amounts of gases and a cocktail of chemicals that can enhance ozone formation hundreds or even thousands of miles downwind.

Spawning stress causes panfish kills in southern Iowa lakes

• 5/23/2023 3:35:00 PM
• View Count 2651

Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) fisheries biologists have investigated recent reports of dead bluegill and crappie in southern Iowa lakes.

Iowa DNR Fire Program gearing up for national wildfires

• 5/23/2023 1:38:00 PM
• View Count 2366

AMES – While wildland fire season hasn’t been active yet, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Fire Program has been busy getting firefighters from Iowa ready to be dispatched to wildfires across the country. 

Iowa’s Scholastic Clay Target Program crowns international skeet and international bunker trap champions

• 5/23/2023 1:34:00 PM
• View Count 2412

The Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) held championship events for International Skeet and International Bunker Trap on May 20-21.

Bat survey looking for volunteers

• 5/23/2023 1:32:00 PM
• View Count 2519

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources and Iowa State University are looking for volunteers interested in performing night time surveys for bats in Dubuque, Pocahontas, Marshall, Franklin and Butler counties.

Help protect Iowa’s forests - leave firewood at home

• 5/23/2023 1:29:00 PM
• View Count 2424

Thousands of Iowans will be camping and building campfires this Memorial Day weekend and throughout the summer.

Help stop the spread of invasive species in your community

• 5/23/2023 1:25:00 PM
• View Count 2175

Governor Kim Reynolds recently proclaimed June as Invasive Species Awareness Month in Iowa.

21-year-old man drowned Saturday on West Okoboji Lake

• 5/23/2023 1:23:00 PM
• View Count 6204

The Iowa Department to Natural Resources (DNR) is investigating a drowning Saturday afternoon on West Okoboji Lake, after Alexander Glover, 21, of Cedar Rapids, jumped off a pontoon and into the water in Miller's Bay.

Fawning season is here, deer are on the move

• 5/23/2023 1:20:00 PM
• View Count 2438

The calls have been coming in to field offices and conservation officers for the past few weeks and will only increase as the first few weeks of June marks the peak of the deer fawning season.

Share the fun of fishing during free fishing weekend June 2-4

• 5/23/2023 1:12:00 PM
• View Count 6690

Iowa residents can try fishing without buying a license on June 2, 3 and 4, as part of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) free fishing weekend. All other regulations remain in place.

Iowa Administrative Code Chapter 65 revision update

• 5/18/2023 2:39:00 PM
• View Count 2786

Pursuant to Executive Order 10, DNR has reviewed and drafted animal feeding operation rules (567 Iowa Administrative Code Chapter 65). 

Air Quality permits under review, published 5/18/2023

• 5/18/2023 2:37:00 PM
• View Count 2396

DES MOINES – The DNR Air Quality Bureau has the following draft permits for review.

DNR enforcement actions, published 5/18/2023

• 5/18/2023 2:35:00 PM
• View Count 2253

DES MOINES – DNR staff work with individuals, businesses and communities to help them protect our natural resources by complying with state and federal laws

Smoke from Canadian fires expected to impact Iowa today and tomorrow

• 5/18/2023 2:33:00 PM
• View Count 8016

Des Moines – An approaching cold front is pulling smoke from Canadian wildfires down to ground level, and areas of unhealthy, very unhealthy, and hazardous air quality are being measured across much of Alberta, Saskatchewan, Montana, Minnesota, and North and South Dakota.

DNR to present results of rules and regulations evaluation at four public meetings

• 5/17/2023 8:12:00 AM
• View Count 2265

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Bureau is hosting four public meetings to present its results from the comprehensive evaluation of administrative rules and regulations.

No Air Quality Fee Changes for Upcoming Fiscal Year

• 5/16/2023 3:24:00 PM
• View Count 2097

There will be no changes in Air Quality Bureau fees for the 2024 fiscal year, which begins on July 1, 2023, and ends on June 30, 2024.

Maquoketa & North Fork Maquoketa Water Trail dedicated May 31

• 5/16/2023 1:58:00 PM
• View Count 7105

The Maquoketa & North Fork Maquoketa Water Trail, in Jackson County, will be officially dedicated as Iowa’s newest water trail during a public ceremony at 10 a.m., May 31, at Canton County Park along the Maquoketa River, in western Jackson County.

MADD, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, team up for boating BUI and ATV DUI prevention campaign to kick off summer recreation season

• 5/16/2023 1:56:00 PM
• View Count 2459

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Illinois volunteers and staff are teaming up with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to promote safe boating and ATV seasons and to educate about the dangers of operating a boat, watercraft, and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) while impaired by alcohol or other drugs.

Improve your paddling skills with DNR canoe and kayak schools

• 5/16/2023 1:54:00 PM
• View Count 2185

DES MOINES —Naturalists, youth group leaders and others who bring people out on the water in canoes or kayaks and want to learn how to teach others about paddling efficiently and safely are encouraged to attend one of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) paddling schools scheduled June through September.

Safety tips for river recreation this summer

• 5/16/2023 1:52:00 PM
• View Count 2871

Iowa rivers will soon be busy with paddlers, swimmers, and people wading to search for fossils, rocks and driftwood or to clean up litter or explore a sandbar.

Help stop aquatic hitchhikers this Memorial Day weekend

• 5/16/2023 1:50:00 PM
• View Count 1908

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds all boaters and anglers to “Clean, Drain, and Dry” their boats and equipment this Memorial Day weekend to protect Iowa lakes and rivers from aquatic hitchhikers.

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