News Releases

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

Lake Restoration Program

News Release

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

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

News Releases

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

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

Iowa DNR Customer Service

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