News Releases

Iowa DNR is removing trees on the east side of 12 Mile Lake Wildlife Area to restore high quality, grassland habitat improving water quality for the lake.

February 24, 2026

Middle School

Fishing

Teacher Feature

Cedar Rapids Middle Science Content Lead Teacher

Students and teachers from Taft Middle School in Cedar Rapids get a hands on learning experience with fish anatomy, reproduction, and organ function.

February 23, 2026

Students getting a hands on learning experience with fish anatomy, reproduction, and organ function.

Iowa's Wildlife

News Release

Habitat management cutting at Mt. Ayr Wildlife Area

The Iowa DNR is restoring 60 acres of habitat at Mt. Ayr Wildlife Area by managing tree species, benefiting native oaks and providing cover for wildlife.

February 19, 2026

Air Quality Draft Permits

News Release

Air quality permits for review, published 02/19/2026

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

February 19, 2026

News - Featured

Fishing

News Release

Spring-like weather bringing Iowa’s ice fishing season to early end

Ice fishing for winter 2026 is rapidly coming to an end in Iowa, including at traditional late season lakes across the far north part of the state.

February 18, 2026

Water Quality

News Release

Iowa DNR seeks public input on roadmap for water quality improvements

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking comment on the draft Integrated Report on water quality, initiating a 30-day public comment period.

February 17, 2026

News - Featured

Forestry

News Release

Unseasonably warm February may cause temporary leaf damage on red maple trees

Unseasonably warm temperatures across Iowa this February have triggered early bud development on red maples and red maple hybrids.

February 17, 2026

State Forest Nursery

News Release

Add spring color to your yard with quality native Iowa seedlings 2026

The Iowa DNR State Forest Nursery offers spring delivery in April and May for high-quality, well-adapted and affordable hardwood, conifer and shrub seedlings.

February 17, 2026

Fishing

News Release

Ice fishing shelters must be removed by March 1

Ice fishing shelters, left unattended, must be removed from state-owned lands and waters, including parking lots and boat ramps by before ice melt or March 1.

February 17, 2026

News - Featured

Forestry

News Release

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

Iowa is experiencing an unusually warm February with temperatures high enough to signal the early start of spring biological activity.

February 17, 2026

News - Featured

Canoe, Kayak & Paddle Sports

News Release

Eager paddlers encouraged to wait for warmer water temperatures 2026

While the weather is starting to feel like spring, water temperatures are still dangerously cold.

February 17, 2026

News Releases

DNR public meetings to recap hunting, trapping seasons, discuss possible rule changes begin March 2

Water use permits for review, published 02/26/2026

Air quality permits for review, published 02/26/2026

DNR seeking stakeholder input for renewal of General Permits #8 and #9

Grassland management at 12 Mile Lake Wildlife Area in Union County

Cedar Rapids Middle Science Content Lead Teacher

Habitat management cutting at Mt. Ayr Wildlife Area

Air quality permits for review, published 02/19/2026

Spring-like weather bringing Iowa’s ice fishing season to early end

Iowa DNR seeks public input on roadmap for water quality improvements

Unseasonably warm February may cause temporary leaf damage on red maple trees

Add spring color to your yard with quality native Iowa seedlings 2026

Ice fishing shelters must be removed by March 1

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

Eager paddlers encouraged to wait for warmer water temperatures 2026

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