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DNR News Releases

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DNR removes no-wake speed restriction at Blue Lake

DNR removes no-wake speed restriction at Blue Lake

  • 9/10/2019 2:27:00 PM
  • View Count 2440
MONONA COUNTY, Iowa – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has lifted the no-wake speed restriction, which equates to roughly 5 mph, for boating on Blue Lake at Lewis and Clark State Park.
Iowa Department of Natural Resources and the Iowa Donor Network launch new donor registry

Iowa Department of Natural Resources and the Iowa Donor Network launch new donor registry

  • 9/5/2019 8:07:00 AM
  • View Count 3012
DES MOINES, IA— The Iowa Department of Natural Resources and the Iowa Donor Network launched a new organ, eye, and tissue donor registry on Wednesday, September 4th. The new registry makes it possible for Iowans to register as organ, eye and tissue donors when obtaining a hunting, fishing or fur harvester license.
Natural Resource Commission to meet Sept. 12 in Clear Lake

Natural Resource Commission to meet Sept. 12 in Clear Lake

  • 9/3/2019 7:55:00 AM
  • View Count 2315
Des Moines, Iowa – The Natural Resource Commission (NRC) of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources will meet at 8:30 a.m., Sept. 12, at the Lakeview Community Center, 10 North Lakeview Drive, in Clear Lake.
Visit the DNR at the 2019 Iowa State Fair!

Visit the DNR at the 2019 Iowa State Fair!

  • 8/7/2019 3:03:00 PM
  • View Count 2245
DES MOINES, Iowa – Making your way to the 2019 Iowa State Fair? Be sure to stop by the DNR building on the west end of grand concourse of the fairgrounds, August 8 - 18, to learn everything conservation, recreation and environment.
Natural Resource Commission to meet Aug. 8 in Des Moines

Natural Resource Commission to meet Aug. 8 in Des Moines

  • 8/2/2019 2:20:00 PM
  • View Count 2340
Des Moines – The Natural Resource Commission (NRC) of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources will meet at 9:30 a.m., Aug. 8, in Conference Room 2 North, Wallace State Office Building, 502 East Ninth Street, in Des Moines.
State Preserves Advisory Board meets August 7

State Preserves Advisory Board meets August 7

  • 7/30/2019 3:06:00 PM
  • View Count 2158
The State Preserves Advisory Board of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources will meet at 9:30 a.m., August 7, at the Pony Creek Nature Center, 56235 Deacon Road, in Pacific Junction.
Peak camping season extended at seven campgrounds

Peak camping season extended at seven campgrounds

  • 7/23/2019 12:38:00 PM
  • View Count 2702
DES MOINES — The Iowa DNR is extending its peak camping season to mid-October at seven campgrounds as an effort to improve park management at some of Iowa’s most popular camping destinations. 
Discover Adventure Along Iowa’s Scenic Backpacking Trails

Discover Adventure Along Iowa’s Scenic Backpacking Trails

  • 7/16/2019 3:07:00 PM
  • View Count 15799
For those not in the know, it seems easy to dismiss Iowa simply as the tall corn state; however, those taking a closer look may be surprised to discover Iowa’s state forests offer ultra-quiet, serene and scenic backpacking campsites.
5 Hidden Surprises at Wapsipinicon State Park

5 Hidden Surprises at Wapsipinicon State Park

  • 7/3/2019 2:57:00 PM
  • View Count 9227
Wapsipinicon State Park is a hole-in-one—and we’re not just talking about its golf course. Often referred to as Wapsi, this park is unlike any other Iowa state park because of its especially unique beginnings and natural history. With the help of Park Manager Dennis Murphy, here’s five hidden surprises waiting to be explored at Wapsipinicon. 
Celebrate Fourth of July weekend at Iowa State Parks

Celebrate Fourth of July weekend at Iowa State Parks

  • 6/27/2019 8:58:00 AM
  • View Count 4990
Plenty of exciting activities are happening at state parks over Fourth of July weekend. Check out the list below to find a holiday activity near you and make your camping reservation today!
Caution advised as peak boating season approaches

Caution advised as peak boating season approaches

  • 6/25/2019 12:43:00 PM
  • View Count 2909
Traditionally, the 4th of July weekend is the busiest period on Iowa waters. Boating, paddling, fishing and swimming are even more popular with what are often the warmest temperatures of the year. When factoring in record rains this spring and many waterbodies at or above flood stage on top of increased use, it only makes sense to have a plan before you set out to make sure everybody stays safe.
Help stop aquatic hitchhikers this Fourth of July

Help stop aquatic hitchhikers this Fourth of July

  • 6/18/2019 2:03:00 PM
  • View Count 2003
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is asking all boaters and anglers to check for unwanted hitchhikers on their boats and equipment this Fourth of July to help protect Iowa lakes and streams.
Big Creek boat ramp temporarily closed for emergency road repairs

Big Creek boat ramp temporarily closed for emergency road repairs

  • 6/4/2019 2:08:00 PM
  • View Count 2472
POLK CITY, Iowa -- Emergency repairs are needed after recent rainfall damaged NW 100th Street leading up to the boat ramp at Big Creek. The repairs are expected to take up to one week and will require the road to be temporarily closed during this time and will restrict access to the boat ramp located at the end of the drive.
Public wildlife areas add to recreation options at Three Mile and Twelve Mile lakes

Public wildlife areas add to recreation options at Three Mile and Twelve Mile lakes

  • 6/4/2019 2:05:00 PM
  • View Count 3208
The reputation of Three Mile Lake and Twelve Mile Lake as a fishing destination is well known around the Midwest – and beyond. These two lakes, separated by two miles, are panfish and walleye heavyweights that draw anglers from Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, the Dakotas, Missouri and Nebraska eager for a chance to fill their bag limits.
5 hidden surprises at Stone State Park

5 hidden surprises at Stone State Park

  • 5/23/2019 11:45:00 AM
  • View Count 9075
Nestled in the northern portion of Iowa’s Loess Hills overlooking the South Dakota and Iowa border, Stone State Park is rich in local history, diverse plant life and rugged terrain.
Morel hunting: paper. plastic or mesh?

Morel hunting: paper. plastic or mesh?

  • 5/15/2019 1:20:00 PM
  • View Count 12821
Seasoned morel mushroom hunters often advise novices to skip plastic and pack mesh bags when collecting Iowa’s spring delectable gift. They claim mesh bags allow morel spores to float to the timber floor to produce more of the golden treasures.
6 hidden surprises at Dolliver Memorial State Park

6 hidden surprises at Dolliver Memorial State Park

  • 5/8/2019 9:53:00 AM
  • View Count 13882
Located along the Des Moines River just south of Fort Dodge, Dolliver Memorial State Park is packed with hidden gems and unique natural history. With the help of park manager Kevin Henning, here’s six surprising facts about Dolliver worth knowing before visiting.
Dudgeon Lake wildlife area remains popular despite 2011 storm

Dudgeon Lake wildlife area remains popular despite 2011 storm

  • 5/7/2019 2:34:00 PM
  • View Count 2905
It’s been nearly eight years since the Derecho blew through Benton County, but the impact of that storm on Dudgeon Lake Wildlife Area is still easily visible off Hwy. 150. The popular 1,800-acre public area on the north edge of Vinton was in the path of the powerful storm packing 110-130 mile per hour winds, knocking down buildings, powerlines and trees on July 11, 2011.
State Preserves Advisory Board meets May 2

State Preserves Advisory Board meets May 2

  • 4/23/2019 3:24:00 PM
  • View Count 2301
The State Preserves Advisory Board of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources will meet at noon, May 2, in the fourth floor east conference room in the Wallace State Office Building, 502 East Ninth Street, in Des Moines.
Summer season highlights topic of Brushy Creek, Dolliver public meeting

Summer season highlights topic of Brushy Creek, Dolliver public meeting

  • 4/23/2019 3:14:00 PM
  • View Count 2345
Lehigh, Iowa - The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is hosting a public meeting to discuss upcoming activities at Dolliver State Park and Brushy Creek State Recreation Area for the 2019 season. The meeting will be held in Center Lodge at Dolliver State Park, beginning 6 p.m., on April 29.
Geode State Park restoration project starts next phase

Geode State Park restoration project starts next phase

  • 4/23/2019 3:10:00 PM
  • View Count 2581
Danville, Iowa – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will start another phase of work at Geode State Park to improve water quality at Lake Geode and enhance accessibility and recreational opportunities in the park.
Iowa Launches ‘20 Artists, 20 Parks’ to Commemorate State Park Centennial

Iowa Launches ‘20 Artists, 20 Parks’ to Commemorate State Park Centennial

  • 4/19/2019 1:26:00 PM
  • View Count 12478
DES MOINES – In anticipation of the 100th anniversary of Iowa state parks in 2020, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources; the Iowa Arts Council, a division of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs; and Iowa State University are bringing 20 artists to 20 state parks this summer.
Get ready for camping kickoff weekend, May 3-5

Get ready for camping kickoff weekend, May 3-5

  • 4/16/2019 2:52:00 PM
  • View Count 2840
DES MOINES ⎯ As Iowans eagerly anticipate warmer temperatures, state park staff are preparing for the start of the 2019 camping season. The first weekend of May marks the official launch of the summer camping season with Iowa State Parks’ annual Camping Kickoff celebration.
2019 Iowa BOW Spring Workshop - Don't Miss Out!

2019 Iowa BOW Spring Workshop - Don't Miss Out!

  • 3/21/2019 9:43:00 AM
  • View Count 3201
Interested in learning outdoor skills associated with hunting, fishing and general outdoor pursuits? Join women of all ages as they try new activities, refine their skills, and meet like-minded individuals. This weekend workshop offers sessions ranging from intro to firearms, intro to fishing, landscaping for wildlife, boater education, wild game cooking, to city nature identification.
Public meeting to discuss Viking Lake water level draw-down

Public meeting to discuss Viking Lake water level draw-down

  • 3/19/2019 11:57:00 AM
  • View Count 3143
Stanton – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will host a public meeting at 7 p.m., April 2, at the Viking Lake concession building, to discuss plans to lower the water level at Viking Lake, in Montgomery County to improve the fish population in the lake.
Iowa DNR to begin annual spring burning

Iowa DNR to begin annual spring burning

  • 3/18/2019 8:31:00 AM
  • View Count 2979
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will be conducting prescribed burns this spring on wildlife management areas managed by the Iowa DNR’s Prairie Lakes Wildlife Unit in Buena Vista, Clay, Emmet, Palo Alto and Kossuth counties.
Flooding causing closures at state parks

Flooding causing closures at state parks

  • 3/14/2019 2:34:00 PM
  • View Count 4786
The current flooding impacting parts of Iowa is also causing some closures at state parks and recreational areas throughout the state.
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