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Winter-time Land Management Tips for Wildlife Diversity

Winter-time Land Management Tips for Wildlife Diversity

  • 11/27/2017 1:59:00 PM
  • View Count 3816
Iowa's fascinating wildlife diversity consists of a wide array of species and their habitats. From wetlands and woodlands to prairies and pastures, habitat needs for wildlife can begin with you and your land. Most of us think cold weather means we have to hunker down by the fire and wait until spring. Fortunately, winter is a great time for land management!  Here are three important wildlife management practices that can be done right now.  
Public meeting to discuss bird conservation area near Ottumwa

Public meeting to discuss bird conservation area near Ottumwa

  • 11/21/2017 11:43:00 AM
  • View Count 3742
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. 
DNR investigates two spills in Southwest Iowa today

DNR investigates two spills in Southwest Iowa today

  • 10/25/2017 4:20:00 PM
  • View Count 3399
ATLANTIC—Staff from the DNR’s Atlantic field office were in the field Wednesday checking for the sources of a spill in Fremont County and a manure spill that reached a tributary of East Tarkio Creek in Page County.
Hunters, wildlife share the Lake Odessa lifestyle

Hunters, wildlife share the Lake Odessa lifestyle

  • 10/10/2017 12:53:00 PM
  • View Count 7883
Sitting along the west bank of the Mississippi River in Louisa County, Lake Odessa, with its network of islands, waterways and hidden sloughs, might be the wildest place in Iowa.
Riverton Wildlife Area is a high quality duck marsh and so much more

Riverton Wildlife Area is a high quality duck marsh and so much more

  • 9/19/2017 2:24:00 PM
  • View Count 19522
Riverton, Iowa - Hunters for generations have called the Riverton Wildlife Area home each fall. This high quality marsh in central Fremont County has been a magnet for ducks since the 1950s and '60s, when farmers finally quit trying to produce a crop from its wet soil.
Former flood prone farmland now a popular wildlife area

Former flood prone farmland now a popular wildlife area

  • 9/5/2017 1:00:00 PM
  • View Count 10830
COGGON, Iowa - Word is starting to spread across the hunting circles in east-central Iowa, about a new wildlife area surrounding Buffalo Creek, on the Linn, Buchanan and Delaware County line.
Refuge on Hawkeye Wildlife Area open for teal, special September Canada goose seasons

Refuge on Hawkeye Wildlife Area open for teal, special September Canada goose seasons

  • 8/29/2017 1:12:00 PM
  • View Count 4391
Swisher, Iowa - The wildlife refuge section of the Hawkeye Wildlife Area on the west side of the Coralville Reservoir will be open to hunting until Sept. 20, to allow hunters access to public hunting areas for the special September Canada goose season for the Iowa City and Cedar Rapids zone as well as for the experimental teal season.
Tieville Bend Wildlife Area is western Iowa’s secret hunting hot spot

Tieville Bend Wildlife Area is western Iowa’s secret hunting hot spot

  • 8/29/2017 1:08:00 PM
  • View Count 9590
The parking lot of the Super 8 at I-29 and Hwy. 175 fills each fall with trucks pulling boats covered with duck blinds. For hunters, the bread and butter at Tieville Bend is the fall duck migration and if you want to know how the hunting is, go to Onawa and stop in Dave’s World Truck Stop and Restaurant, Suds and Jugs, or Millers Kitchen.
Mount Ayr Wildlife Area is southern Iowa’s rugged retreat

Mount Ayr Wildlife Area is southern Iowa’s rugged retreat

  • 8/22/2017 12:00:00 PM
  • View Count 9293
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.
Landowners, hunters, bird watchers realize Big Marsh’s benefits

Landowners, hunters, bird watchers realize Big Marsh’s benefits

  • 8/15/2017 11:56:00 AM
  • View Count 8765
Parkersburg, Iowa - The Big Marsh Wildlife Area is a working example of the benefits of taking wet farmland where crops struggle 70 percent of the time and creating a large public area with expansive wetlands and prairies attractive to waterfowl and waterfowl hunters, snakes, shorebirds, pheasants, deer, turkeys and even endangered wood turtles.
North Raccoon Wildlife Area is building a recreation reputation

North Raccoon Wildlife Area is building a recreation reputation

  • 8/1/2017 11:44:00 AM
  • View Count 4303
The North Raccoon Wildlife Area just might be the biggest playground in Greene County. But rather than teeter-totters and swings, this playground offers excellent deer hunting, turkey, dove and rabbit hunting, river access and sandbar camping, bird watching, hiking and more.
Floodwaters damage Sweet Marsh Wildlife Area

Floodwaters damage Sweet Marsh Wildlife Area

  • 7/31/2017 8:35:00 AM
  • View Count 5220
TRIPOLI, Iowa - Heavy rainfall last weekend in the Wapsipinicon and Plum Creek watersheds in Chickasaw and Bremer counties has caused a 60 foot by 40 foot section of the dike on Martens Lake on the Sweet Marsh Wildlife Management Area to fail. The breach likely occurred during the night of July 23. 
Eagle Lake Wildlife Area is quietly becoming a really big deal

Eagle Lake Wildlife Area is quietly becoming a really big deal

  • 7/25/2017 1:23:00 PM
  • View Count 9230
ESTHERVILLE, Iowa - Eagle Lake is a survivor. The 290-acre natural shallow lake on the Iowa-Minnesota border in northern Emmet County staved off being drained entirely in the early 1900s by a newly formed drainage district on the lake’s south side.  
Three Rivers Wildlife Area is beginning to blossom

Three Rivers Wildlife Area is beginning to blossom

  • 7/18/2017 3:01:00 PM
  • View Count 7133
Thor, Iowa - Brothers Roger and Palmer Larson had a vision of what their farm could be in 2001 when they invited the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in for a visit.
Red Rock’s wild side

Red Rock’s wild side

  • 7/3/2017 11:23:00 AM
  • View Count 8078
The evidence was easy to see that hunters had found the recently mowed 10-acre sunflower field at the Red Rock Wildlife Area on the first day of dove season – 25-30 vehicles were parked along the road whose drivers had abandoned their bucket seats for real buckets set few rows deep in the remaining sunflowers waiting for the nation’s most popular game bird to come rocketing through.
Time to register for popular U of Iowa wildlife camps at six state parks

Time to register for popular U of Iowa wildlife camps at six state parks

  • 5/2/2017 12:11:00 PM
  • View Count 5640
Looking for a fun, enriching adventure for the kids this summer? Six Iowa state parks will host the popular University of Iowa Wildlife Camps for local families. The conservation education day-camp program will be offered at Maquoketa Caves, Mines of Spain, George Wyth, Springbrook, Viking Lake and Ledges state parks.
Indian Bluffs and Pictured Rocks wildlife areas to become a bird conservation area

Indian Bluffs and Pictured Rocks wildlife areas to become a bird conservation area

  • 4/25/2017 12:27:00 PM
  • View Count 5538
MONTICELLO – A public ceremony to dedicate the Indian Bluffs and Pictured Rocks wildlife areas including the privately owned Indian Bluffs State Preserve as Iowa’s newest Bird Conservation Area (BCA) will take place on May 10 at 1:30 p.m.  The event will be held at the Pictured Rocks Pavilion, located about four miles southeast of Monticello at the east end of 190th Street and just north of the boat ramp, located on the west side of the South Fork Maquoketa River.
Bishop to lead DNR Wildlife Bureau

Bishop to lead DNR Wildlife Bureau

  • 4/25/2017 12:21:00 PM
  • View Count 5429
DES MOINES –Todd Bishop has been hired as the head of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Wildlife Bureau on April 12, replacing Dale Garner who was promoted to the administrator for the Conservation and Recreation Division in February.
Leave Wildlife babies where they belong --- In The Wild

Leave Wildlife babies where they belong --- In The Wild

  • 4/25/2017 12:19:00 PM
  • View Count 8549
It's as predictable as August heat.  From border to border, the Wildlife Baby Season has arrived in Iowa.  From now until at least mid-June, DNR field offices across the state will be inundated with hundreds of phone calls and scores of deliveries regarding "orphaned wildlife."
Annual spring wildlife survey underway

Annual spring wildlife survey underway

  • 4/4/2017 12:41:00 PM
  • View Count 3690
Ordinarily, a slow moving vehicle at night in the Iowa countryside spotlighting deer, raccoons or coyotes would send Iowans to their phone, speed-dialing their local conservation officer, but in this case, it may be the officer doing the shining.
Six Iowa state parks to host University of Iowa wildlife camps

Six Iowa state parks to host University of Iowa wildlife camps

  • 3/7/2017 12:11:00 PM
  • View Count 8834
This summer, six Iowa state parks will host University of Iowa Wildlife Camps for families living near the parks. The popular conservation education day camp program will be offered at Maquoketa Caves, Mines of Spain, George Wyth, Springbrook, Viking Lake and Ledges state parks.
Go wild - posters help support Iowa wildlife

Go wild - posters help support Iowa wildlife

  • 2/23/2017 11:15:00 AM
  • View Count 12898
What do monarchs and warblers have in common? They, along with more than 1,000 other birds, reptiles, insects, mammals and amphibians, rely on Iowans to support wildlife diversity initiatives in the state.
Iowa citizens playing key role in tracking imperiled wildlife

Iowa citizens playing key role in tracking imperiled wildlife

  • 1/24/2017 12:19:00 PM
  • View Count 5775
It’s 10:00 on a summer night along a gravel road anywhere in Iowa.  In the farm pond next to the road a raucous chorus of male frogs are making themselves heard as they vie for mates.  A volunteer stands clipboard in hand, ear cocked, mentally sorting out each of the calling species using this seemingly ordinary pond. 
Chickadee tax check-off hopes for a needed increase in donations on 2016 tax forms

Chickadee tax check-off hopes for a needed increase in donations on 2016 tax forms

  • 1/24/2017 12:17:00 PM
  • View Count 6125
Last year, roughly 7,500 out of 1.6 million Iowa taxpayers helped boost wildlife conservation with donations to the Fish and Wildlife Fund on their state tax form.  Despite a steady increase in the total number of returns since 2009, this amount has stayed roughly the same since 2010, with only small fluctuations.
Aerial spraying planned to combat invasive plants on wildlife areas

Aerial spraying planned to combat invasive plants on wildlife areas

  • 10/20/2016 8:29:00 AM
  • View Count 4741
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will be aerial spraying for bush honeysuckle on the Mount Ayr, Sand Creek, Dekalb and Red Rock Wildlife Management areas (WMA) in south central Iowa through mid-November.  Spraying will occur after most trees have lost their leaves but while the honeysuckle leaves are still green.
Southern Iowa wildlife areas beginning annual fall burns to benefit wildlife

Southern Iowa wildlife areas beginning annual fall burns to benefit wildlife

  • 10/20/2016 8:27:00 AM
  • View Count 4229
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources plans to conduct prescribed burns on select wildlife areas in Ringgold, Union, Decatur, Adair, and Adams counties between October and December to improve wildlife habitat, control invasive plant species, and restore and maintain native plant communities. 
11 tips and tricks to handle “nuisance” wildlife responsibly

11 tips and tricks to handle “nuisance” wildlife responsibly

  • 9/23/2016 3:12:00 PM
  • View Count 19961
Not every furry face has to be your favorite, but you can support a healthy ecosystem by choosing to handle your wildlife woes responsibly. Rather than exterminating these common “nuisance” critters, use the following tips to avoid problems while preserving wildlife in your area.
Flooding Impacts Aldo Leopold Wildlife Area Ahead of Dove Hunting Season

Flooding Impacts Aldo Leopold Wildlife Area Ahead of Dove Hunting Season

  • 8/30/2016 1:53:00 PM
  • View Count 4341
The 1,350-acre Aldo Leopold Wildlife Area in southeast Bremer County has experienced significant flooding from storms that rolled through northeast Iowa last week. The area is popular with dove hunters and with the season opening on Thursday, hunters who were planning to hunt the area are advised to scout it again before heading out.
Iowa Fisheries Biologist Recognized for Excellence in Research

Iowa Fisheries Biologist Recognized for Excellence in Research

  • 7/5/2016 12:28:00 PM
  • View Count 5192
Iowa fisheries research biologist Jonathan Meerbeek was recognized as the Fisheries Biologist of the Year by the Midwest Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (MAFWA) at their annual meeting last week in Saint Louis.
Heavy Rainfall Closes Shooting Range At Hawkeye Wildlife Area

Heavy Rainfall Closes Shooting Range At Hawkeye Wildlife Area

  • 6/22/2016 1:55:00 PM
  • View Count 4651
IOWA CITY - The Tim Dorr rifle and handgun range at the Hawkeye Wildlife Management Area is closed after a nearly six inch rainfall Tuesday night damaged the recently completed renovation on the popular shooting range.
Loess Hills Wildlife Area and State Forest Becoming a Bird Conservation Area

Loess Hills Wildlife Area and State Forest Becoming a Bird Conservation Area

  • 5/17/2016 12:21:00 PM
  • View Count 6984
CASTANA, Iowa – A public ceremony to dedicate the Loess Hills Wildlife Area, Loess Hills State Forest, Preparation Canyon State Park, and a 42 mile section of the Loess Hills (including the Loess Hills National Natural Landmark) as Iowa’s newest Bird Conservation Area (BCA) will take place on Friday, June 3 at 3 pm. 
Leave Wildlife Babies Where They Belong - In the Wild

Leave Wildlife Babies Where They Belong - In the Wild

  • 5/3/2016 1:29:00 PM
  • View Count 20013
It's as predictable as August heat.  From border to border, the Wildlife Baby Season has arrived in Iowa.  From May until at least mid-June, DNR field offices across the state will be inundated with hundreds of phone calls and scores of deliveries regarding "orphaned wildlife."
Late Winter is Best Time to Manage Roadsides

Late Winter is Best Time to Manage Roadsides

  • 3/8/2016 6:34:00 AM
  • View Count 9046
Iowa has more than 1.6 million acres of road right-of-ways and when properly managed these roadsides provide important nesting, roosting, and escape habitat for pheasants, partridge, quail, ducks, rabbits and many different songbirds.
Meeting Set to Discuss Proposed Bird Conservation Area in Loess Hills

Meeting Set to Discuss Proposed Bird Conservation Area in Loess Hills

  • 3/1/2016 9:31:00 AM
  • View Count 4358
PISGAH, Iowa – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources will discuss the proposed designation of the region including Loess Hills State Forest, Preparation Canyon State Park, and Loess Hills Wildlife Management Area as a state Bird Conservation Area (BCA) at a public meeting on March 16. The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. at the Loess Hills State Forest Visitor Center in Pisgah, two blocks west of State Hwy. 183, at 206 Polk Street.
Chickadee Tax Check-Off Seeking Rise in Donations on 2015 Tax Forms

Chickadee Tax Check-Off Seeking Rise in Donations on 2015 Tax Forms

  • 2/16/2016 8:19:00 AM
  • View Count 4679
Last year, roughly 7,500 out of 1.5 million Iowa taxpayers helped boost wildlife conservation with donations to the Fish and Wildlife Fund on their state tax form. This marks the first year in the last five where contributions and the number of contributors to the Fish and Wildlife fund have gone down. Donations to all the state tax form check-offs were down on 2014 returns.
Iowa Citizens Playing Key Role in Tracking Imperiled Wildlife

Iowa Citizens Playing Key Role in Tracking Imperiled Wildlife

  • 2/2/2016 7:16:00 AM
  • View Count 4517
Peering through binoculars, a citizen scientist is watching a huge nest in a tree that is home to two bald eagles and their young, or are there three young in that nest? Hard to tell and a follow up visit will be needed; in the meantime, notes are taken and a peaceful hour is spent watching one of the most spectacular birds in North America.
Contributions to Chickadee Check-Off on State Tax Form Continues Its Modest Rise

Contributions to Chickadee Check-Off on State Tax Form Continues Its Modest Rise

  • 1/19/2016 7:26:00 AM
  • View Count 5261
Last year, roughly 7,500 out of a total 1.5 million Iowa taxpayers helped boost wildlife conservation with donations to the Fish and Wildlife Fund on their state tax form. This marks the first year in the last five where contributions and the number of contributors to the Fish and Wildlife fund have gone down. Donations to all the state tax form check-offs were down on 2014 returns.
12 Tips for Better Wildlife Photography

12 Tips for Better Wildlife Photography

  • 12/11/2015 9:34:00 AM
  • View Count 37708
Anyone can take a picture of an animal, but it takes skill to get a good one. Whether you’ve got a secondhand point-and-shoot camera or a top-of-the-line DSLR, remember these tips to help you get your best wildlife shots this season.
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