Water Testing and Maintenance Resources Available for Private Well Owners 1/14/2016 7:51:00 AM View Count 6039 With about 282,000 Iowans relying on private wells for their drinking water supply, understanding local conditions, keeping up regular maintenance needs and conducting annual water testing is important for private well users. To assist, the DNR offers online resources for Iowans who depend on private wells.
Applications Now Being Accepted for the Governor's Iowa Environmental Excellence Awards 1/14/2016 7:45:00 AM View Count 5153 Iowa businesses, organizations and citizens are invited to apply for the Governor’s Iowa Environmental Excellence Awards. To download an application, go to www.iowadnr.gov/eeawards; applications are due March 31, 2016.
Trout Stocking Delayed at Bacon Creek Lake 1/14/2016 7:41:00 AM View Count 4845 Sioux City – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has cancelled the trout stocking at Bacon Creek Lake scheduled for Jan. 16, due to unsafe ice conditions.
Water Summary Update: 2015 in review 1/14/2016 7:40:00 AM View Count 4183 2015 started as the driest in the state since 1988, but frequent precipitation in April and May gradually eliminated drought worries by the end of the spring. Precipitation was much more evenly spread out during the year, resulting in frequent, but less pronounced flooding than in other wet years.
Sunday's Ice Fishing Event in Ankeny Postponed 1/14/2016 4:25:00 AM View Count 4703 Des Moines – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has postponed the ice fishing event at the Ankeny Lake on the DMACC campus scheduled for Jan. 17, due to forecasted subzero temperatures.
Beware of Ice on Big Creek Lake 1/14/2016 4:14:00 AM View Count 5729 POLK CITY – The DNR is warning anglers to use extreme caution when venturing onto the lake at Big Creek State Park because of construction activity occurring near the dam.
New and Updated Air Quality Construction Permit Forms 1/13/2016 8:45:00 AM View Count 3378 The Environmental Protection Commission adopted rules and a fee schedule for Construction Permit application fees starting on January 15, 2016. A new form titled “Form AF: Construction Permit Application Fee” has been added to the construction permit application process. The new Form AF provides the information for minor sources to determine the correct fee to send with their application and for major sources the necessary billing and invoice remittance information.
Wastewater Discharge Occurs in Blairsburg 1/12/2016 10:23:00 AM View Count 4324 BLAIRSBURG – The city of Blairsburg in Hamilton County lost all pumping capability at their lift station about 2 or 3 p.m. Monday.
Deadline to Purchase Paddlefish License is Jan 31 1/12/2016 10:21:00 AM View Count 210782 Iowa anglers have until January 31 to purchase their 2016 paddlefish license for the Missouri and Big Sioux rivers. The special paddlefish season runs from March 1 to April 15.
Hook and Hunt University at Pheasants Forever State Convention 1/12/2016 10:19:00 AM View Count 4907 Efforts to create the next generation of Iowa hunters will be the focus of the Hook and Hunt University during Iowa Pheasants Forever state convention, Jan. 29-30, at the Prairie Meadows Hotel and Casino in Altoona.
DNR to Plant 69,000+ Trees Thanks to Arbor Day Foundation 1/12/2016 10:18:00 AM View Count 4679 The Arbor Day Foundation recently partnered and through its members provided funding to the DNR’s Forestry Bureau to plant 69,600 trees on Iowa’s State Forest Land in 2016. Bare root tree seedlings will be planted by hand and by machine to reforest and improve diversity on 170 acres of Iowa public forest land.
Iowa DNR State Forest Nursery and Mills Fleet Farm Team-Up for Conservation 1/12/2016 10:17:00 AM View Count 4905 The Iowa DNR State Forest Nursery and Mills Fleet Farm have teamed up for conservation.
Trumpeter Swan Soiree in Polk County Jan 30 1/12/2016 10:16:00 AM View Count 9072 The public is invited to a Trumpeter Swan Soiree, celebrating North America’s largest waterfowl species, at the Des Moines Dale Maffitt Reservoir and at Walnut Woods State Park lodge on Saturday, Jan. 30.
DNR Investigates Potential Wastewater Entering Stream in Shelby County 1/9/2016 2:33:00 AM View Count 3803 HARLAN – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is investigating reports of land application of process wastewater potentially entering a stream after receiving numerous telephone calls from concerned citizens.
Fuel Spill Occurs After Accident Near Storm Lake 1/8/2016 7:24:00 AM View Count 4972 REMBRANDT – About 7:15 a.m., a car lost control on Hwy. 71 about 10 miles north of Storm Lake, ending up in Lateral 6 of Drainage Ditch 35.
Extension of CAP Permit Option Comment Period and Sample CAP Now Available for Review 1/8/2016 5:21:00 AM View Count 4513 To aid stakeholders in making comments, the DNR has developed a “Sample” Collection of Air Permits (CAP) document to provide additional clarification to applicants of what to expect in the format and language of the CAP. The information presented in the sample represents the possible permitting of a group of emission points at a facility that has a limit over several surface coating operations.
U.S. EPA's Review of Stream Use Designations Available 1/7/2016 8:16:00 AM View Count 5241 The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) completed its review and approval of use changes for a fourth batch of select Iowa rivers and streams on Dec. 14.
2016 Derelict Building Grant Applications Due Feb. 26 1/7/2016 8:14:00 AM View Count 5077 Small rural communities looking for assistance to help renovate or deconstruct abandoned commercial and public structures can apply for funding through the Derelict Building Grant Program.
Time to Update Emergency Action Plans 1/7/2016 8:12:00 AM View Count 5014 While no one wants to respond to an environmental emergency, planning for one can make it easier to deal with.
Environmental Protection and Natural Resource Commissions Meet January 20 1/7/2016 8:08:00 AM View Count 4607 The Environmental Protection and Natural Resource Commissions will meet Jan. 20 at 10 a.m. to discuss their annual reports.
Title V Permit Application Forms Revised to Accommodate New Application Fees 1/7/2016 4:45:00 AM View Count 4235 The Environmental Protection Commission adopted rules and a fee schedule for Title V application fees starting on January 15, 2016. Three existing Title V permit application forms have been modified to provide the DNR with the information needed for the new fee structure. Title V application Form 1.0 has been revised to include the necessary billing and invoice remittance information and Part 3 has been revised to include an application fees agreement statement.
Trout Stocking Delayed at Scharnberg Pond 1/5/2016 9:37:00 AM View Count 4963 Spencer – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has cancelled the trout stocking at Scharnberg Pond scheduled for Jan. 9, due to unsafe ice conditions.
River History Series Kicks Off as a Part of Water Trails Regional Planning Effort in Des Moines 1/5/2016 9:36:00 AM View Count 4830 The confluence of the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers has attracted humans for at least 7,200 years, from hunter-gatherers living in small houses along the river, to prehistoric mound builders, to soldiers exploring the area, to a growing metropolis.
Make a Financial Investment with the High-Value Hardwood Packet from the State Forest Nursery 1/5/2016 9:33:00 AM View Count 6169 DES MOINES – Add some value to your future forest, with the High-Value Hardwood specialty packet from Iowa’s State Forest Nursery.
Ice Fishing Clinics Scheduled 1/5/2016 9:31:00 AM View Count 5916 Free ice fishing clinics are scheduled around Iowa, depending upon favorable ice conditions.
Ice Safety Reminder as Iowa Lakes Freeze Over 1/5/2016 9:30:00 AM View Count 8037 The recent blast of arctic air is growing ice on lakes and ponds over much of Iowa and sending anglers scrambling to prepare their equipment so they can be out for the coveted early ice fishing of the season.
Winter Paddling Provides Thrills 1/5/2016 9:29:00 AM View Count 4542 Iowa paddlers and other water recreationists have been treated to above average temperatures and open water since November. While ice anglers have been grumbling, some paddlers have taken enjoyed the extended paddling season the mild winter has brought. Most rivers are ice free and running high from the December rains.
Iowa's First Day Hikes a Success 1/5/2016 9:28:00 AM View Count 5181 Des Moines – Iowa’s Fifth Annual First Day Hikes were a great success according to DNR staff reports. More than 600 people began 2016 with a hike in an Iowa state park, logging more than 1,100 total miles on New Year’s Day.
Are There Winter Tornadoes in Iowa? 1/5/2016 8:00:00 AM View Count 9840 Because tornadoes usually require warm, humid air to form, it’s not surprising winter tornadoes are rare in Iowa. But they can happen, and occur more frequently in the southern states during winter versus the Upper Midwest.
Manure Overflow Investigated in Taylor County 12/31/2015 5:15:00 PM View Count 4121 LENOX – A manure overflow at a small hog finishing farm about three miles southwest of Lenox was being investigated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Thursday evening.
11 Great Winter Cabin Getaways in Iowa State Parks 12/30/2015 8:26:00 AM View Count 88541 The quiet solitude that makes a perfect winter getaway is waiting for you in beautiful, comfortable year-round cabins at several Iowa state parks. It’s a great time to take advantage of hiking trails (many allow cross-country skiing and snowmobiling), wildlife watching (deer and birds galore), fishing and more.
6 Ways to Start Off the New Year Outdoors 12/29/2015 9:37:00 AM View Count 8966 What better way to celebrate the new year than by getting outdoors? Here are a few ideas to get your year off to a good start!
Is Modification to a DNR Air Construction Permit Needed? 12/29/2015 8:52:00 AM View Count 4988 The DNR has developed a fact sheet to provide additional clarification to applicants of when a modification may or may not be necessary to an existing air construction permit.
Remaining Hunting Seasons Starting to Close 12/29/2015 6:54:00 AM View Count 5398 Iowa’s pheasant, late muzzleloader and archery deer, and archery fall turkey seasons close on Jan. 10. Furbearer seasons, squirrel, quail, partridge and grouse remain open until Jan. 31.
2015 Hunting, Fishing Licenses Expire Jan 10 12/29/2015 6:48:00 AM View Count 5713 All 2015 Iowa hunting and fishing licenses expire on Jan. 10, 2016. All hunters and anglers will need a 2016 license to hunt or fish beginning Jan. 11.
Winter Trout Stocking Begins Jan 9 12/29/2015 6:47:00 AM View Count 7166 The Iowa Department of Natural Resources will release trout in seven locations this winter in areas that would not support them during warmer months.
Iowa State Parks Celebrates the New Year with First Day Hikes on Jan 1 12/29/2015 6:45:00 AM View Count 5165 Des Moines – Iowa State Parks will sponsor free, guided hikes in 19 state parks on New Year’s Day as part of the fifth annual First Day Hikes initiative.
Late Muzzleloader Deer Season Open Through Jan 10, 2016 12/22/2015 5:23:00 AM View Count 13479 The final stretch for hunters to pursue Iowa’s world class deer began Monday with the start of the late muzzleloader season and the re-opening of the popular archery season. Both seasons close Jan. 10.
2016 Bald Eagle Watch Events 12/22/2015 5:21:00 AM View Count 9284 The schedule of 2016 Bald Eagle Watch Events have been published. Plan a visit to one of the following locations for live viewing, exhibits, programs and more.
Two Hunters Rescued From Icy Water in Mills County 12/21/2015 4:24:00 AM View Count 5083 HASTINGS – A father and son were rescued from icy water Sunday while deer hunting in Mills County.
Why does water expand when it freezes? 12/17/2015 9:59:00 AM View Count 4707 As simple as it seems, water actually acts pretty strange. It all comes down to what holds it together.
Manure Applicator Training Begins January 5 12/17/2015 5:49:00 AM View Count 4671 DES MOINES – Iowa manure applicators, confinement and commercial, should plan now to complete training to renew their certificates by March 1.
Three Western Iowa Men Charged with 30 Hunting Violations 12/17/2015 5:13:00 AM View Count 11144 The Iowa Department of Natural Resources charged three men with multiple hunting violations for events that took place on January 10, 2015 which spanned two counties in western Iowa.
Air Quality Fees Adopted by the Environmental Protection Commission 12/16/2015 9:40:00 AM View Count 4619 The Environmental Protection Commission adopted rules and a fee schedule for asbestos notification fees and application fees for construction and operating permits during the December 15 meeting. The rules were adopted and filed emergency after notice, meaning that they will become effective today. The new fees included on the fee schedule will become effective on January 15, 2016.
Input Requested on the 2014 Iowa Greenhouse Gas Inventory Report 12/16/2015 8:15:00 AM View Count 4279 The DNR seeks comments on its draft of the legislatively mandated 2014 Iowa Greenhouse Gas Inventory Report.