6 cool things you should know about snapping turtles 8/8/2019 3:20:00 PM View Count 23474 Snapping turtles are Iowa’s largest turtle species, but they’re so much more than their tough demeanor. Here are some things you should know about these awesome reptiles:
Water Summary Update: below normal July rainfall has part of state headed toward drought conditions 8/8/2019 12:00:00 PM View Count 2394 DES MOINES — A second consecutive month of below normal precipitation has about 36 percent of the state rated as abnormally dry, according to the latest Water Summary Update.
DNR enforcement actions 8/8/2019 11:58:00 AM View Count 2454 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.
Air Quality permits under review 8/8/2019 11:56:00 AM View Count 2019 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.
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.
DNR tracking fish kill in White Breast Creek near Osceola 8/7/2019 1:02:00 PM View Count 2419 OSCEOLA—The DNR is tracking a spill from the Osceola wastewater treatment plant that is causing a fish kill in White Breast Creek.
Late summer underwater aquatic plant control for ponds 8/7/2019 11:36:00 AM View Count 2008 A healthy pond needs aquatic plants, but too many can upset a fishing pond’s balance and become a nuisance. Many pond owners struggle with how to control the amount of aquatic plants, without completely removing all of them, so they can enjoy their pond.
Wildlife, prairie thrive on Schrader Wildlife Area 8/7/2019 11:32:00 AM View Count 2863 Vail, Iowa - The Schrader Wildlife Area in Crawford County has been transformed from highly productive west central Iowa farmland into a highly productive prairie that has attracted a unique mix of wildlife, including being one of very few locations in Iowa that has bobwhite quail, pheasants and Hungarian partridge at one site.
Nonresident user fees at Lake Manawa and Waubonsie state parks to go live next week 8/7/2019 11:27:00 AM View Count 5094 A new, nonresident user fee will take effect August 15 at Lake Manawa and Waubonsie state parks.
Iowa DNR, State Medical Examiner's Office investigating Waukee man’s death at Clear Lake 8/5/2019 8:15:00 AM View Count 3330 CLEAR LAKE, Iowa -- On August 3, 2019, at approximately 2:30 pm, Daniel Ryan Linderman, 28, of Waukee, IA, was tubing behind a boat being operated by Timothy Heitland of Buffalo Center, IA, when Linderman fell off the tube into the water.
Natural Resource Commission to meet Aug. 8 in Des Moines 8/2/2019 2:20:00 PM View Count 2341 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.
Floyd County fish kill investigated 8/1/2019 4:00:00 PM View Count 2210 CHARLES CITY—DNR specialists investigated a fish kill on a tributary of Flood Creek about four miles west of Charles City Wednesday.
DNR enforcement actions 8/1/2019 3:59:00 PM View Count 2738 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.
Air Quality permits under review 8/1/2019 3:57:00 PM View Count 1720 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.
FY 2020 Q2 IUP updates Ready for Public Review 8/1/2019 10:36:00 AM View Count 2333 The Fiscal Year 2020 Intended Use Plan (IUP) Second Quarter Update for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) and the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) are now available for public review and comment.
A Day in the Life of a Working Dog for Conservation 7/30/2019 4:03:00 PM View Count 6089 It has all the elements of a good science fiction novel—an invasive species that hides in darkness and tries to take over native species using deception and disguise. It has all the elements of a good superhero movie—superheroes that work under the light of the moon and a veil of fog using superpowers that go beyond human ability.
State Preserves Advisory Board meets August 7 7/30/2019 3:06:00 PM View Count 2161 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.
Paddlers urged to use caution on two popular river sections 7/30/2019 3:03:00 PM View Count 3037 Paddlers need to use caution on the Raccoon River in Des Moines and Upper Iowa River in Winneshiek County. Two natural hazards on Iowa rivers are reminders that river users need to stay aware, wear life jackets, and make safe decisions on the water.
DNR removes no-wake speed restriction on Lake Manawa 7/29/2019 2:59:00 PM View Count 2841 COUNCIL BLUFFS – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has lifted the no-wake speed restriction, which equates to roughly 5 mph, for boating on Lake Manawa.
New law left out of Iowa hunting regulations 7/29/2019 1:32:00 PM View Count 4167 The printed version of the 2019-20 Iowa Hunting, Trapping and Migratory Game Bird Regulations unintentionally omitted the language from a new state law that allows hunters with a nonabulatory deer license to hunt during any open season until the license is filled, using the method of take allowed for that season.
Air Quality permits under review 7/25/2019 2:52:00 PM View Count 1857 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 public comme...
Fish kills illustrate stream vulnerability 7/25/2019 2:48:00 PM View Count 2401 DES MOINES—Three fish kills reported to DNR in two days illustrate the importance of taking extra caution with chemicals and other pollutants when the weather is hot and dry.
DNR investigating fish kill on lower Walnut Creek 7/24/2019 10:45:00 AM View Count 1953 DES MOINES -- The DNR is investigating a fish kill along a two-mile stretch of lower Walnut Creek after a citizen reported seeing dead fish yesterday. DNR field staff were onsite yesterday and continue to investigate.
August is National Shooting Sports Month 7/23/2019 12:52:00 PM View Count 2705 Des Moines – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced its involvement in National Shooting Sports Month, in partnership with the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), by offering a series of classes teaching shooting and outdoor skills to individuals with little or no experience.
Counting turkeys 7/23/2019 12:50:00 PM View Count 3712 The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is looking for help with its annual turkey population estimates in July and August.
Outdoor groups sponsor open house for novice, lapsed hunters 7/23/2019 12:39:00 PM View Count 2608 A coalition of outdoor organizations is hosting an open house showcasing opportunities to get involved with the outdoors through hunting, shooting sports and fishing. The event – Hunt Iowa Social – is scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m., Aug. 19, at the Saylorville Fire Department, 211 NW 54th Avenue, in Des Moines.
Peak camping season extended at seven campgrounds 7/23/2019 12:38:00 PM View Count 2703 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.
Governor Reynolds proclaims July as Lakes Appreciation Month 7/23/2019 12:37:00 PM View Count 2362 Governor Kim Reynolds signed a proclamation declaring July as Lakes Appreciation Month.
Hooking summer catfish 7/23/2019 12:36:00 PM View Count 4454 Fishing for catfish is a summer tradition for many Iowa families. Invite someone new to come along this year to share the fun and memories.
Iowa pheasant population survey begins Aug. 1 7/23/2019 12:35:00 PM View Count 4948 The extent of impact that a cold and snowy late winter and heavy rains and flooding in April and May had on pheasant nesting success will likely be seen when the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) conducts its annual pheasant counts.
Wastewater discharges in eastern Iowa 7/23/2019 7:43:00 AM View Count 2817 DAVENPORT – Two ongoing wastewater discharges are occurring in eastern Iowa, both eventually flowing to the Mississippi River.
DNR Enforcement Actions 7/18/2019 11:18:00 AM View Count 2442 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.
Air Quality permits under review 7/18/2019 11:17:00 AM View Count 1916 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.
Large group of paddlers fined for no life jackets on board their kayaks 7/17/2019 1:20:00 PM View Count 3481 Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) conservation officers cited dozens of paddlers on July 6 for no life jackets on board their kayaks.
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.
7 cool things you should know about lightning bugs 7/16/2019 2:23:00 PM View Count 17790 Lightning bugs, fireflies, glow worms — no matter what you call them, here are some things to know about these special summertime insects:
Iowa anglers fished 10.50 million days in 2018 7/16/2019 12:23:00 PM View Count 3260 Iowa anglers fished 10.50 million days in 2018 according to a recent survey conducted by Responsive Management, compared to 8.30 million days in 2007.
Water Summary Update: June rainfall an inch below normal 7/11/2019 1:42:00 PM View Count 2425 DES MOINES — After higher amounts of rainfall in May, June rainfall in Iowa was 3.86 inches, or more than an inch below normal for the month, according to the latest Water Summary Update. June is typically the wettest month of the year in Iowa.
Contracts and well permit head up July Environmental Protection Commission meeting 7/11/2019 1:41:00 PM View Count 2184 DES MOINES—Commissioners will be asked to approve several contracts and a general permit authorizing discharges from well construction at the July 16 Environmental Protection Commission meeting in Des Moines.
DNR enforcement actions 7/11/2019 1:40:00 PM View Count 2787 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.
Southwest Iowa hidden treasure boasts nature 7/10/2019 11:26:00 AM View Count 3846 Hamburg, Iowa –Eli Slusher Wildlife Area, south of Waubonsie State Park in Fremont County, offers a wild and rugged get-away-from-it-all kind of experience.
Water level to drop at West Lake Park ahead of restoration 7/10/2019 11:22:00 AM View Count 3221 DAVENPORT – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources will start lowering the water level at Lake of the Hills, Railroad Lake, Lambach Lake and Bluegrass Lake at West Lake Park on July 15 as part of a lake restoration project to improve water quality and recreational opportunities.
Russell residents advised to use bottled water 7/9/2019 1:34:00 PM View Count 2216 RUSSELL - Loss of water pressure following a pipeline break caused the Lucas County town of Russell to issue a bottled water advisory this morning.
Lee County Manure Release 7/9/2019 10:43:00 AM View Count 2054 KEOKUK - Sunday afternoon, DNR investigated a report of an unnamed creek running black near Mississippi River Road about 4 miles north of Keokuk.
DNR investigating manure discharges due to excessive rainfall 7/8/2019 10:53:00 AM View Count 2140 The DNR is investigating three manure discharges caused by the recent heavy rainfall in northwestern Iowa.