News Releases

The 1,475-acre Welch Lake complex protects West Okoboji Lake’s water quality through wetland restoration and offers prime pheasant and waterfowl hunting.

August 18, 2026

Wildlife

Forest Stewardship Plan

News Release

Open house to discuss Syracuse Wildlife Area forest wildlife stewardship plan

Iowa DNR hosts Syracuse Wildlife Area open house Sept. 2, 4-6:30 PM, Wheatland Community Center. Discuss habitat plans and forest stewardship.

August 18, 2026

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

Wildlife

Forest Stewardship Plan

Events & Public Meetings

DNR to host an open house on the Grant Center Wildlife Area

Join the Iowa DNR open house for the Grant Center Wildlife Area on Sept. 3, 5-7 p.m. at the Smithland Fire Dept. to discuss management and stewardship plans.

August 18, 2026

Water Use Permits

News Release

Water use permits for review, published 08/13/2026

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

August 13, 2026

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

Enforcement Actions

News Release

DNR enforcement actions, published 08/13/2026

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

August 13, 2026

Wildlife

Forestry

News Release

DNR to host an open house on Sunken Grove and Shimon Marsh Wildlife Areas

The Iowa DNR will host an open house in Fonda, IA, on Aug. 26, 3-6 p.m., at City Hall to discuss Sunken Grove and Shimon Marsh wildlife area management.

August 12, 2026

Off-Highway Vehicles

News Release

Missouri woman succumbs to injuries suffered at Iowa ATV park

Emily Turner, 26, of Jamesport, Mo., died from injuries suffered from a single vehicle crash Aug. 8, at Bluff Creek OHV Park, southwest of Oskaloosa, Iowa.

August 12, 2026

Fishing

News Release

Fishing regulations to be relaxed at Spring Lake at Koser Spring Lake Park

Iowa DNR has relaxed the fishing regulations at Spring Lake in Koser Spring Lake Park in Cherokee County to allow anglers to more freely harvest fish.

August 11, 2026

Fishing

News Release

Iowa DNR monitors increased gizzard shad numbers across Iowa Great Lakes

Iowa DNR documented an increase in gizzard shad across the Iowa Great Lakes, including Spirit Lake and the Okoboji chain during shoreline seining efforts.

August 11, 2026