DNR News Releases

Search for a News Release

Press/Media inquiries: PIO@dnr.iowa.gov

DNR News Releases

Archive by tag: forestReturn

Cooler temps mean it’s time to start pruning oaks

• 10/13/2020 1:50:00 PM
• View Count 3238

Colder temperatures this weekend mean it’s time to start pruning oak trees with minimal to no risk of spreading oak wilt.  The best way to prevent the spread of oak wilt is to prune during the tree(s) during dormant season. 

Public Meeting scheduled for timber sale at Lake Wapello State Park

• 10/13/2020 12:49:00 PM
• View Count 1851

DRAKESVILLE, Iowa -- The Iowa Department of Natural Resources will hold a public meeting on October 28, 2020 at 5:00pm at the Lake Wapello State Park Lodge, next to the beach area.  

Forest wildlife stewardship plan for Tyrone Wildlife Area topic of Oct. 13 virtual public meeting

• 9/29/2020 2:19:00 PM
• View Count 2056

RUSSELL, Iowa - The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will hold a virtual meeting on Oct. 13, beginning at 6 p.m., to discuss the recently completed forest wildlife stewardship plan for the Tyrone Wildlife Area.

Forestry Virtual Field Day Planned at Shimek State Forest

• 9/29/2020 1:22:00 PM
• View Count 1811

AMES, Iowa – The Shimek State Forest in Iowa’s southeast corner will again be featured for this year’s fall forestry field day – this time in a free online format.

Communities impacted by EAB can receive free seedlings from DNR State Forest Nursery

• 9/8/2020 3:11:00 PM
• View Count 2327

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR), through a grant with the U.S. Forest Service, has been awarding communities in counties that have confirmed emerald ash borer (EAB) up to 200 free seedlings from the DNR’s State Forest Nursery. Seedlings have been awarded since spring of 2019, so if a community has not received its free seedlings, there is still time to apply.

DNR State Forest Nursery offers options to replace derecho damaged trees

• 9/1/2020 1:13:00 PM
• View Count 4962

AMES, Iowa -- As clean-up efforts are well underway and even nearing completion in some areas following the derecho that tore through Iowa in early August, the DNR State Forest Nursery is working with customers to select the proper trees to replant in areas completely leveled by the storm.

5 cool things you should know about Iowa State Forests

• 5/21/2020 2:28:00 PM
• View Count 11993

As some of Iowa’s most remote and peaceful areas, state forests are different from parks because their primary goal is management of woodland resources. Forests can be overlooked recreation destinations because of their rustic amenities, but nature lovers who visit will find countless opportunities for outdoor fun. Iowa forests offer hundreds of miles of hiking trails, bird watching, fishing, hunting and even primitive camping. 

5 tips for picking the right tree for your yard

• 5/19/2020 9:57:00 AM
• View Count 8223

If you’re thinking of branching out and adding new trees to your yard, here are five things to keep in mind:

Urban Forestry awards recognize local dedication to trees and outreach

• 4/7/2020 12:42:00 PM
• View Count 3008

DES MOINES, Iowa – Every year the Urban Forestry Awards luncheon recognizes cities, college campuses and utilities that demonstrate a variety of dedication to the importance of trees in their respective

Keeping Iowa’s forests healthy takes active management

• 11/12/2019 11:54:00 AM
• View Count 3512

RUNNELS, Iowa - It was a good half-mile hike back to the 40-acre section of timber on the Red Rock Wildlife Area that gave Jeremy Cochran and Todd Gosselink time to explain their plans to improve the forest resource on this heavily used public area.

Portions of Yellow River State Forest reopen following September flooding

• 10/8/2019 11:45:00 AM
• View Count 2436

HARPERS FERRY, Iowa – Trails and campground areas at Yellow River State Forest begin reopening following flash flooding in early September.

Forestry practices topic of six field days

• 10/1/2019 3:05:00 PM
• View Count 2771

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources and Iowa State University Forestry Extension are partnering to host field days across Iowa in October to showcase practices to improve timber stands, forest health, cost share programs available to woodland owners, battling invasive species, timber market updates and more.

Strong storms in northeast Iowa cause flooding, closures at Yellow River State Forest

• 9/19/2019 2:30:00 PM
• View Count 2383

HARPERS FERRY, Iowa – Flash flooding has forced closures at Yellow River State Forest campgrounds and trails. 

Strong storms in northeast Iowa cause flooding, closures at Yellow River State Forest

• 9/16/2019 8:12:00 AM
• View Count 2370

HARPERS FERRY, Iowa – Flash flooding has forced closures at Yellow River State Forest campgrounds and trails.

Discover Adventure Along Iowa’s Scenic Backpacking Trails

• 7/16/2019 3:07:00 PM
• View Count 15807

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.

Several awarded at 29th annual Urban Forestry Awards Luncheon

• 3/26/2019 1:11:00 PM
• View Count 2559

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa --On Wednesday, April 3, seven awards will be presented to individuals and groups for their work involving and improving urban forestry.

Application process now open for Trees for Kids programs

• 1/22/2019 11:42:00 AM
• View Count 3819

DES MOINES – Applications are now being accepted for the Trees for Kids Grant and Trees for Kids Seedlings through the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

7 hidden surprises at Yellow River State Forest

• 9/19/2018 10:12:00 AM
• View Count 18485

With 8,900 acres of forest nestled in Iowa’s Driftless region, Yellow River State Forest holds its fair share of hidden surprises. With so many different options, you’re sure to find your peace in this special place of rugged tranquility. Here are the forest staff's top picks for your visit.

Several state parks impacted by recent heavy rains, flash flooding

• 9/4/2018 1:14:00 PM
• View Count 5768

Several state parks are experiencing impacts from the recent heavy rainfall forcing closures of the parks and many trails

Gabrielson Wildlife Area offers visitors a glimpse of what Iowa may have looked like centuries ago

• 8/21/2018 12:43:00 PM
• View Count 7142

Forest City - The 800-acre Gabrielson Wildlife Management Area in northeast Hancock County is a unique mix of mature oak timber with wetlands dotting the savanna, prairies and hidden fens.

DNR to hold public meeting on proposed forest wildlife stewardship plan in Vinton

• 8/14/2018 12:48:00 PM
• View Count 3078

VINTON – Members of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will hold a public meeting on August 23, 2018 at 6 p.m. at the US Bank in Vinton to discuss the proposed forest wildlife stewardship plan at Dudgeon Lake Forest Wildlife Area.

Several awarded at 28th Annual Urban Forestry Awards Luncheon

• 4/5/2018 12:35:00 PM
• View Count 2795

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa - On Wednesday, April 4, six awards were presented to individuals and groups for their work involving and improving urban forestry.

Soap Creek and Stephens State Forest to become a bird conservation area

• 1/23/2018 9:07:00 AM
• View Count 5493

OTTUMWA - A public ceremony to dedicate Soap Creek and Eldon Wildlife Areas, Stephens State Forest Unionville Unit, Lake Wapello State Park, and a portion of the Soap Creek watershed as Iowa’s newest Bird Conservation Area (BCA) will take place on Thursday, February 8 at 1:30 pm.

Public meeting to discuss bird conservation area near Ottumwa

• 11/21/2017 11:43:00 AM
• View Count 3707

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will discuss the proposed designation of the region including Soap Creek, Fox Hills and Eldon Wildlife areas, Stephens State Forest, Lake Wapello State Park and Pioneer Ridge Nature Area as a state Bird Conservation Area (BCA) during a public meeting on Dec. 7. 

Operation ReLeaf tree distribution events planned through mid-October

• 9/26/2017 11:54:00 AM
• View Count 4557

A popular program offering landscape-quality trees at a deep discount to Alliant Energy customers will be held at six locations across Iowa this fall. Residential tree distributions will be held in Buena Vista, Fayette, Lee, Linn, Lucas and Story counties this September and October.

Wait to prune oak trees

• 9/12/2017 4:11:00 PM
• View Count 5894

The best way to prevent the spread of oak wilt is to not prune any oak tree during the growing season. For that reason, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) suggests to not start any pruning until at least the first frost.

Mount Ayr Wildlife Area is southern Iowa’s rugged retreat

• 8/22/2017 12:00:00 PM
• View Count 9200

Mount Ayr, Iowa – The Mount Ayr Wildlife Area is a 1,500-acre outdoor playground on the way to nowhere. While travelers are not likely to stumble upon it, hunters would be wise to know its location.

State Forest Nursery Launches New Online Store

• 8/22/2017 11:42:00 AM
• View Count 12457

Ordering trees from the DNR’s State Forest Nursery just got easier. A new online sales site features dozens of quality native Iowa trees and an easy check-out process.

Backyard forest invasive species field day

• 7/18/2017 2:57:00 PM
• View Count 3744

Registration is now open for an educational forest field day taking place at Hickory Hill Park in Iowa City, Sept. 30, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Backyard Forest Invasive Species Field Day will cover issues related to invasive species including identification and management, as well as the establishment of healthy native habitat.  

Loess Hills Visitors Center renamed for longtime forester

• 6/6/2017 11:34:00 AM
• View Count 3906

A dedication ceremony will be held at the Loess Hills State Forest Visitors’ Center this Thursday, June 8, 3-5 p.m. The center will be officially named the Brent S. Olson Memorial Visitor Center in recognition of Olson, forester for the area who died last December following a long battle with cancer.

Select nursery stock available at discount prices

• 5/18/2017 8:34:00 AM
• View Count 4979

For one week only and while supplies last, the State Forest Nursery is offering select species from its remaining inventory at a 50 percent discount.

State Forest Nursery offers smaller minimum orders

• 4/26/2017 3:49:00 PM
• View Count 4634

Landowners and homeowners can now order smaller quantities of high-quality native tree and shrub species from the State Forest Nursery. The nursery is now accepting minimum orders of 100 seedlings of one species and hopes to lower the minimum order quantity even further in the near future.

Rains closing park and forest trails, damages Ledges State Park Road

• 4/18/2017 12:16:00 PM
• View Count 4580

While recent rains have cause minimal impact to state parks, people planning park visits are reminded to check current conditions before heading out.

New legislation makes nursery seedling sales more flexible

• 4/18/2017 12:12:00 PM
• View Count 3834

Landowners and homeowners can now order smaller quantities of high-quality native tree and shrub species from the State Forest Nursery. Beginning immediately, the nursery is accepting minimum orders of 100 seedlings of one species.

Add a little spring color to your yard

• 4/4/2017 12:34:00 PM
• View Count 3906

Welcome spring to your yard with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources State Forest Nursery’s April seedling packet. The Spring Flowers packet, a combination of five flowering tree and shrub species, will provide a pallet of color ranging from lavender-pink to creamy white.

Alliant Energy and Iowa DNR Forestry Bureau team up to offer eight Operation ReLeaf events this spring

• 2/7/2017 11:51:00 AM
• View Count 5263

DES MOINES – A popular program offering landscape quality trees at a deep discount to Alliant Energy customers will be held at eight locations across Iowa this spring. Residential tree distributions will be held in Appanoose, Boone, Bremer, Delaware, Henry, Iowa, Jasper and Linn counties this April and May.

Put some Wonder in the winter by giving the December specialty packet from the state forest nursery

• 12/7/2016 10:27:00 AM
• View Count 3822

Add some special interest to your winter landscape, or maybe the yard of someone on your gift-giving list, with the Winter Wonderland specialty packet from Iowa’s State Forest Nursery.

A Closer Look at the Wild Side of the Amana Colonies

• 11/7/2016 1:51:00 PM
• View Count 18173

While browsing this iconic Iowa spot, don't forget that the Amanas’ wild side is worth investigating as a fine example of well-managed private habitat.

Plant some school pride with this month's nursery packet

• 11/1/2016 3:40:00 PM
• View Count 3898

Everyone loves a friendly rivalry, especially when it comes to our three major universities – Iowa, Iowa State and Northern Iowa. This November, the DNR State Forest Nursery is challenging Iowans to plant some school spirit and promote conservation at the same time. 

Receive 50 bonus seedlings with a fall color packet

• 10/11/2016 3:27:00 PM
• View Count 3730

DES MOINES – Love fall color? Plant some for yourself with a specialty packet from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources’ State Forest Nursery.

So you think you can mulch

• 9/28/2016 3:34:00 PM
• View Count 10743

Mulching can be the best thing you can do to promote the health of trees, shrubs and plants. It can also be the worst, if done improperly. 

Cedar Rapids area site added for walnut collection

• 9/27/2016 2:20:00 PM
• View Count 4836

CEDAR RAPIDS -- Iowa’s State Forest Nursery is in need of walnuts to propagate walnut seedlings this coming year, and is offering $2.50 per bushel.

State Forest Nursery in need of walnuts

• 9/20/2016 1:14:00 PM
• View Count 5944

Iowa’s State Forest Nursery is in need of walnuts to propagate walnut seedlings this coming year, and is offering $2.50 per bushel.

It’s time to order tree seedlings

• 9/20/2016 1:11:00 PM
• View Count 10009

Fall is a great time to plant trees and the DNR State Forest Nursery is gearing up for fall orders. 

Heavy Rains Close Campgrounds at Yellow River Forest Heading into the Weekend

• 8/25/2016 3:23:00 PM
• View Count 4588

DES MOINES - Recent rains in northeast Iowa led to flooding in the Yellow River State Forest area and all four forest campgrounds are closed for the weekend. 

Page 2 of 3 FirstPrevious 1[2]3 NextLast