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Water Recreation Access Cost Share Program
The Water Recreation Access Cost-Share Program (WRAC) provides funding to help construct or improve boat access facilities, such as ramps and docks, on Iowa's lakes and streams. Eligible applicants are political subdivisions of the State of Iowa with projects costing at least $1,000, and funding is typically provided on a 75% state to 25% local cost-share basis—with some projects qualifying for full state funding. Certain expenses, such as land acquisition for non-boating uses and commercial facilities, are not eligible. Grant applications are due by midnight, September 30, 2026, through Slide Room.
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2026 National Recreational Boating Safety Survey (NRBSS)
The U.S. Coast Guard invites boaters nationwide to take part in the NRBSS. Share the link through your channels to ensure Iowa boaters' voices are represented.
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Roadside Survey Counts Are In!
The routes averaged 23 pheasants each this year, the second highest count in more than a decade, behind only the 2025 survey. Hunters in northeast Iowa will likely see the biggest population decrease. Full reports and maps coming soon on the DNR Website.
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Get Your Fall Color Fix!
Check the Iowa DNR's weekly Fall Color Reports for details on where to see the best fall color in Iowa. Reports start Sept. 30 and go through the end of October.
May 2026 ICCS Updates
Take It Outside State Park Camps offer 5-day adventures in Iowa’s great outdoors—explore, learn, and build outdoor skills. Help us spread the word! Visit the DNR Website for details and registration. Reach out to [email protected] to request a flyer to share.
Level 1 camps are for students entering 3rd-6th grade. These camps introduce young adventurers to outdoor basics and spark curiosity about nature. Enrollment is limited to 30 students per camp.
Please help us fill the camp locations listed below.
- George Wyth State Park (Waterloo): June 15-19
- Wapsipinicon State Park (Anamosa): July 6-10
- Palisades-Kepler State Park (Mt Vernon): July 27-31
The following camps are full and no longer taking registrations:
- Walnut Woods State Park (West Des Moines): June 15-19
- Ledges State Park (Madrid): August 3-7
Level 2 camps help pre-teens and early teens deepen their outdoor experience through new challenges and advanced skills - perfect for campers with some know-how or those ready to try something new. These camps are for students entering 5th-8th grade. Enrollment is limited to 30 students per camp.
Please help us fill the camp location listed below.
Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area (Palo): July 13-17
The following camps are full and no longer taking registrations:
- Maquoketa Caves State Park (Maquoketa): June 22-26 -
- Big Creek State Park (Polk City): July 27-31 -
Participants will learn paddling skills, how to identify hazard and river features, tips for teaching different learning styles, and risk management strategies. Instruction time will be one-third classroom and two-thirds on-water in both lake and river environments, solo and tandem.
The schedule for 2026 paddling schools is:
- May 12-13, Canoe School
- June 17-18, Kayak School
- Aug. 5-6, Kayak School
- Sept. 15-16, Canoe School
To register or for more information, go to www.iowadnr.gov/paddling-schools. Get your registration in quickly, these classes fill up fast.
The 2026 IHEA-USA Annual Meeting & Training is June 1–4, 2026. We’re excited to share that IHEA volunteer members can register for virtual attendance at no cost. This is open to all County Conservation staff who are certified hunter education instructors, as Iowa DNR maintains your access to IHEA-USA resources and training opportunities.
To register, visit the IHEA-USA Registration Platform to secure your spot. If you encounter any issues getting registered, contact [email protected] for assistance.
The Iowa DNR recently launched a statewide digital campaign promoting the Wild about Iowa Package to support conservation in Iowa. The package includes the habitat fee and a durable, commemorative hard card.
We are looking for a few county partners willing to pilot signage in their parks promoting the habitat fee to support conservation in the state. If you are interested in participating, contact [email protected] for more information.
Resources for public fishing events are now available, including a marketing toolkit, promotional map, planning form, and giveaways.
Counties are encouraged to submit events for Free Fishing Weekend (June 5-7) and throughout the year. Submit events for a chance to win fishing equipment and supplies.
