News Releases

The Iowa DNR will host a public meeting on March 4, at 6 p.m. at the Bedford Community School, to discuss an upcoming alum treatment to improve water quality.

February 17, 2026

A simple image of a microphone at the front of a busy conference room.

Environmental Protection Commission

Events & Public Meetings

Environmental Protection Commission meeting agenda, published 02/13/2026

The Environmental Protection Commission (EPC) of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will have their monthly business meeting February 17.

February 13, 2026

Water Use Permits

News Release

Water use permits for review, published 02/12/2026

The DNR Water Quality Bureau has the following draft water use permits posted for public review.

February 12, 2026

Water Supply Engineering image showing tanks, pipes and other monitoring equipment.

Air Quality Draft Permits

News Release

Air quality permits for review, published 02/12/2026

The DNR Air Quality Bureau has the following draft permits up for review.

February 12, 2026

Enforcement Actions

News Release

DNR enforcement actions, published 02/12/2026

DNR staff work with individuals, businesses and communities to help them protect our natural resources by complying with state and federal laws.

February 12, 2026

Watershed Improvement

News Release

Kent Park Lake shining brightly again thanks to local watershed improvements efforts

Kent Park Lake, a popular recreation area for fishing and swimming in Johnson County, has a brighter future thanks to local watershed improvements.

February 12, 2026

This image shows a drone shot above Kent Park Lake in 2025

Natural Resource Commission

News Release

Natural Resources Commission to Meet February 12

The Natural Resource Commission (NRC) of the Iowa DNR will host its monthly meeting virtually, at 9:30 a.m., on Feb. 12. The meeting is open to the public.

February 11, 2026

Lake Restoration Program

News Release

Public meeting to discuss Smith Lake improvement plan

Iowa DNR and the Kossuth County Conservation Board will host a public meeting at 6 p.m., Feb. 26, at the Water’s Edge Nature Center, in Smith Lake County.

February 11, 2026

News - Featured

Hunting

News Release

DNR sets public meetings in March to recap hunting, trapping seasons, discuss possible rule changes

Iowa DNR public meetings to recap hunting & trapping seasons, discuss and collect feedback on potential rule changes and regulations.

February 10, 2026

News - Featured

Fishing

Off-Highway Vehicles

News Release

Caution is advised as ice conditions rapidly deteriorate

Rapidly deteriorating ice conditions in Iowa lakes due to warming temperatures. Iowa DNR urges caution for ice fishing and OHV riding.

February 9, 2026

Water Summary Update

News Release

Water Summary Update: Drought watches lifted, but precipitation deficits remain

All regions of Iowa previously under drought watch have had those designations lifted, according to the latest monthly Water Summary Update.

February 5, 2026

Image shows water levels on an Iowa river

Wastewater Permitting

Events & Public Meetings

DNR seeking stakeholder input for renewal of General Permits #5, #6, and #7

The DNR is hosting an informal stakeholder meeting on March 3, regarding the proposed five-year renewals of NPDES General Permits #5, #6, and #7

February 5, 2026

Water Use Permits

News Release

Water use permits for review, published 02/05/2026

The DNR Water Quality Bureau has the following draft water use permits posted for public review.

February 5, 2026

News Releases

Time to stop pruning oak trees earlier this season with unseasonably warm February temperatures

Eager paddlers encouraged to wait for warmer water temperatures 2026

Public meeting to discuss phosphorus inactivation treatment at Lake of Three Fires

Environmental Protection Commission meeting agenda, published 02/13/2026

Water use permits for review, published 02/12/2026

Air quality permits for review, published 02/12/2026

DNR enforcement actions, published 02/12/2026

Kent Park Lake shining brightly again thanks to local watershed improvements efforts

Natural Resources Commission to Meet February 12

Public meeting to discuss Smith Lake improvement plan

DNR sets public meetings in March to recap hunting, trapping seasons, discuss possible rule changes

Caution is advised as ice conditions rapidly deteriorate

Water Summary Update: Drought watches lifted, but precipitation deficits remain

DNR seeking stakeholder input for renewal of General Permits #5, #6, and #7

Water use permits for review, published 02/05/2026

Iowa DNR Customer Service

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