DNR News Releases

National Safe Boating Week is May 22–28: Three tips to make boating safer this season

5/18/2021 1:51:00 PM
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The nation’s largest recreational boating safety event of the year, National Safe Boating Week, is May 22–28, serves as a reminder to boaters to keep safety front and center all season long. The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water offers three tips for boaters to be safety heroes on the water.

Help stop aquatic hitchhikers this Memorial Day weekend

5/18/2021 1:40:00 PM
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The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds all boaters and anglers to “Clean, Drain, and Dry” their boats and equipment this Memorial Day weekend to protect Iowa lakes and rivers from aquatic hitchhikers.

DNR staff to discuss boating, paddling and safety at Altoona’s Bass Pro Shops May 15 and 22

5/11/2021 1:18:00 PM
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The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will have boating, padding and safety experts at Bass Pro Shops, in Altoona, May 15 and May 22, to talk with customers about lifejackets, safety and Iowa’s upcoming season on the water.

Pleasant Valley man charged in fatal LeClaire Boat Crash

5/5/2021 7:43:00 AM
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LeClaire, IOWA -- DNR Conservation Officers charged James Thiel, 44, of Pleasant Valley, with Involuntary Manslaughter and Reckless Use of a Watercraft among other charges relating to the August 16, 2020 fatal boat crash on the Mississippi River that killed Anita Pinc, 52, of Moline, IL, and Craig Verbeke, 61, of Moline, IL

Five boating tips to keep waters clean all season long

4/27/2021 11:42:00 AM
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Iowa boat owners can help to protect the environment by following five simple tips all summer long.

Spring is an excellent time for a boating education course

3/23/2021 1:29:00 PM
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It may not feel like boating season yet, but the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR), along with boating safety advocates nationwide, are urging boaters to KeepYourEdge by enrolling in a boating education course this spring.

It’s time for a midwinter boat checkup

2/24/2021 10:10:00 AM
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A midwinter visit to check on the boat − no matter if stored ashore in a backyard or a marina parking lot − is a wise thing to do. Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) has four tips to ensure there are no surprises at spring commissioning.

Take time to clean and inspect lifejackets ahead of boating season

2/24/2021 10:07:00 AM
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Surprising as it may seem, February is not a busy boating month in Iowa. But it is a good time to clean and inspect important boating equipment – lifejackets – so its ready to go when the snow and ice finally disappear.

Clear Lake boat ramp closed

10/20/2020 1:08:00 PM
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Clear Lake – The boat ramp on Clear Lake at Ventura Access is closed while a new boat ramp is installed.

George Wyth Lake boat ramp closed until Oct. 12

9/15/2020 1:34:00 PM
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Waterloo – The boat ramp for George Wyth Lake in George Wyth State Park is closed until Oct. 12 while a new boat ramp is installed.

DNR investigating a boating incident that injured two

9/7/2020 7:27:00 PM
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CLAYTON COUNTY, Iowa – DNR Conservation Officers responded to a boating incident that left two people injured on around 4:30pm Saturday, September 5, 2020 on the Mississippi River in Clayton County.

Busy Labor Day weekend expected on Iowa waters and at state parks

9/2/2020 12:37:00 PM
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DES MOINES, Iowa – The unofficial end to summer this weekend is expected to draw thousands of Iowans out to their state parks and waterways.

Second person dies in boat crash on Mississippi River

8/19/2020 1:04:00 PM
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LECLAIRE, Iowa – A second person has died from injuries sustained in a boat crash on the Mississippi River on Sunday, August 16.

DNR seeks public’s help in boating hit and run

8/5/2020 2:33:00 PM
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WEST LAKE OKOBOJI, Iowa – The DNR Law Enforcement Bureau is seeking the public’s help in locating a boat involved in a hit and run on Tuesday, August 4, 2020 at approximately 10:35pm, near Manhattan Point on West Lake Okoboji.

Operation Dry Water 2020 nets 11 arrests

7/21/2020 12:46:00 PM
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Operation Dry Water took place July 3-5, 2020 and focused eliminating boating under the influence (BUI). This year, in Iowa, 140 officers spent over 2,500 hours making contact with over 6,400 boaters on Iowa waterways.

DNR, IDPH and Polk County Health partner to share tips for safe Fourth of July holiday weekend

7/1/2020 12:26:00 PM
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DES MOINES, Iowa – As the Fourth of July holiday weekend quickly approaches the forecast predicts very warm weather which will draw thousands of people to state parks, beaches, lakes and rivers. The DNR along with the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the Polk County Health Department are partnering to share some safety tips to help keep you safe this holiday weekend.

Help stop aquatic hitchhikers this Fourth of July

6/30/2020 2:43:00 PM
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The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) encourages 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.

DNR urges caution, safety on Iowa waters and beaches

6/10/2020 10:51:00 AM
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The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is urging everyone on Iowa waterways or at public beaches to use caution and exercise all safety measures to ensure a safe and enjoyable time.

DNR conservation officers to host inspection day in eastern Iowa

6/2/2020 11:45:00 AM
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DAVENPORT, Iowa – Iowa Department of Natural Resources conservation officers will host an inspection day this weekend for anyone unable to get inspections completed during the Covid-19 pandemic.

DNR investigating boat explosion at Saylorville Lake

5/26/2020 1:08:00 PM
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JOHNSTON, Iowa – At approximately 4:45pm on Monday, May 25, DNR conservation officers responded to a boat explosion on Saylorville Lake.

Sycamore Boat Ramp closed due dangerous current

5/24/2020 12:37:00 PM
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JOHNSTON, Iowa – High waters and construction around the Sycamore Boat Ramp near the I-80 bridge is forcing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to close the ramp until construction is complete.

DNR encourages safety for those planning to enjoy Iowa’s natural resources this holiday weekend

5/21/2020 11:02:00 AM
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DES MOINES, Iowa -- The Memorial Day holiday weekend is fast approaching and is expected to be a busy one, despite Covid-19.

Public boats ramps and fishing accesses are still open - stay safe and keep physical distance

4/7/2020 12:35:00 PM
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While public boat ramps and fishing accesses are still open across Iowa, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds boaters to abide by the physical distancing protocols recommended by the state to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

Grants available for fishing and boating education programs in Hispanic communities

11/5/2019 3:29:00 PM
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The Iowa Department of Natural Resources’ Fish Iowa! angler education program has partnered with the Recreational Fishing and Boating Foundation’s (RBFF) Vamos A Pescar™ program to provide funding to local 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations to support local efforts to educate and engage families in high-density Hispanic communities through programs, classes and fishing activities. Minimum grant request is $5,000 with a 1:1 cash match required.

DNR Conservation Officer helps rescue duck hunters

10/20/2019 4:17:00 PM
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MONONA COUNTY, Iowa -- On Sunday October 20, at approximately 10:57 AM, Monona County dispatch received a call that Decatur Fire and Rescue was en-route to Tieville Bend Wildlife Management Area for a call of two hunters whose boat was sinking.

DNR investigates boat crash involving BWI, injures one

9/17/2019 1:40:00 PM
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COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa -- On September 15, 2019, at approximately 7:30 pm at Lake Manawa, a boat and a personal watercraft (PWC) were leaving a 5 mph zone and gaining speed, going in the same direction, when the PWC made an abrupt right turn and collided with the front of the boat, according to witnesses.

Heavy boat traffic expected for Labor Day Weekend

8/27/2019 11:49:00 AM
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Boaters heading out for the Labor Day holiday will likely find busy waterways across the state.

DNR removes no-wake speed restriction on Lake Manawa

7/29/2019 2:59:00 PM
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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.

DNR Conservation Officers on the lookout for intoxicated boat operators

7/2/2019 11:34:00 AM
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DES MOINES - State, federal and local law enforcement agencies will be focusing on the boating while intoxicated law as part of the national Operation Dry Water campaign to draw public attention to the hazards of boating under the influence.

Caution advised as peak boating season approaches

6/25/2019 12:43:00 PM
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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

6/18/2019 2:03:00 PM
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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.

Charge filed in May 25 boating incident at Browns Lake

6/11/2019 3:36:00 PM
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SALIX, Iowa -- DNR Conservation Officers have filed a charge and warnings as a result of a boat incident that happened at Browns Lake on May 25 that left two people seriously injured.

Lake Manawa boaters under no wake restriction due to high water

6/5/2019 3:06:00 PM
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COUNCIL BLUFFS - Boaters on Lake Manawa, in Pottawattamie County, will be restricted to operating their boat at no wake speed, which equates to roughly 5 mph, while the lake level is above flood stage.

Big Creek boat ramp temporarily closed for emergency road repairs

6/4/2019 2:08:00 PM
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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.

DNR Conservation Officers make three BWI arrests on Coralville Reservoir

5/28/2019 12:22:00 PM
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CORALVILLE, Iowa – The unofficial first boating weekend of the summer is in the books and boaters at the Coralville Reservoir kept DNR Conservation Officers busy with Boating While Intoxicated arrests.

Thousands of boaters expected on Iowa waters for Memorial Day weekend

5/15/2019 10:21:00 AM
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The peak season for boating in Iowa usually begins with the Memorial Day weekend when tens of thousands of boats hit the water, many for the first time for the year.

Help stop aquatic hitchhikers

5/15/2019 10:20:00 AM
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The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds all boaters and anglers to “Clean, Drain, and Dry” their boats and equipment this Memorial Day weekend to protect Iowa lakes and rivers from aquatic hitchhikers.

Boaters advised to use caution at former Green Mill Ford Bridge site on the Cedar River

4/23/2019 3:08:00 PM
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Fishing boaters and paddlers should use extreme caution if navigating the Cedar River between Waverly and Janesville, where ice jams destroyed the Green Mill Ford Bridge in mid-March.

Boater education is goal of national effort March 17-23

3/12/2019 12:55:00 PM
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A national campaign is encouraging boaters to Spring Aboard by enrolling in a boater education course before the kickoff to the boating season.

Grant helps provide fishing opportunities for Hispanic families and diverse audiences in Iowa

3/12/2019 12:54:00 PM
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The Iowa Hunter Education Instructors Association was awarded a George H.W. Bush Vamos A Pescar™ Education grant to engage diverse audiences, including Hispanic families, in fishing this summer and fall in the Des Moines Metro and other Central Iowa communities, as well as the Cedar Falls/Waterloo area.

Grants available for fishing and boating education programs in Hispanic communities

11/20/2018 11:49:00 AM
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The Iowa Department of Natural Resources’ Fish Iowa! angler education program has partnered with the Recreational Fishing and Boating Foundation’s (RBFF) Vamos A Pescar program to provide funding to local 501(c)(3) organizations to support local efforts to educate and engage families in high-density Hispanic communities through programs, classes and fishing activities.

Popular Village Creek boat ramp on Mississippi River reopened

10/16/2018 12:45:00 PM
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LANSING - The Village Creek public boat ramp, south of Lansing, has reopened with new improvements. The ramp was closed for construction July 5 through the first week of October.

Many agencies searching for missing boater on Mississippi

10/10/2018 10:22:00 AM
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MCGREGOR, Iowa – Iowa DNR Conservation Officers are searching for a missing boater believed to have gone missing on Saturday, Oct. 6 in the Mississippi River near Pool 11.