News Releases

An estimated 2,800 students from more than 145 schools from across Iowa will participate in the 19th National Archery in the Schools Program State Tournament.

March 17, 2026

News - Featured

Fishing

News Release

Ice-out channel catfish are biting across Iowa

Channel catfish move close to shore and are eager to bite in many lakes and large reservoirs across Iowa just after the ice is gone.

March 17, 2026

A fisherman with his line cast and a hazy morning mist.

Water Use Permits

News Release

Water use permits for review, published 03/12/2026

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

March 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 03/12/2026

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

March 12, 2026

Environmental Protection Commission

Events & Public Meetings

Environmental Protection Commission meeting agenda, published 03/12/2026

The Environmental Protection Commission (EPC) of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will have their monthly business meeting March 24, 2026.

March 12, 2026

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

News - Featured

News Release

Discounted trees available at distribution events this spring 2026

The Iowa DNR, through a partnership with Alliant Energy, is offering a mixture of hardwoods, low-growing ornamental and evergreen tree species for $25 each.

March 10, 2026

News Release

Land donors honored during reception in Des Moines

More than 3,200 acres of Iowa land in 22 counties with an estimated value of more than $11 million was permanently protected through donations for conservation.

March 10, 2026

News - Featured

Hunting

News Release

Iowa’s popular spring turkey hunting seasons only a few weeks away 2026

Once easily visible in large winter flocks, Iowa’s wild turkeys will seemingly disappear into the landscape as the days lengthen and temperatures warm.

March 10, 2026

An adult mentor walking away from the camera with a young hunter in a field.

News Release

Natural Resource Commission March 12, 2026 meeting to be held virtually

The Natural Resource Commission (NRC) will host its monthly meeting online, at 9:30 a.m., on March 12, 2026. The meeting is open to the public.

March 6, 2026

News - Featured

News Release

DNR accepting comments on proposed hunting, fishing, trapping fee increase

DNR accepting public comments on proposed hunting, fishing, and trapping license fee increases. Comments accepted through March 24. New fees start Dec 2027.

March 6, 2026

Water Summary Update

News Release

Water Summary Update: Drought watches issued as precipitation deficits continue

Drought watches have been issued for northwest and southeast Iowa following a dry winter, according to the latest Water Summary Update

March 5, 2026

Image shows water levels on an Iowa river

Chronic Wasting Disease

Hunting

News Release

Course on chronic wasting disease set for March and April in Ames

CWD Ambassadors: Education program by Iowa DNR & ISU to train local leaders in CWD management & mitigation. Register now for the Ames spring course.

March 5, 2026

ECONewsWire

News Release

Nominate a Conservation Leader for the Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award

The Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award recognizes farm families who demonstrate outstanding voluntary efforts to improve and protect Iowa’s soil and water.

March 5, 2026

News Releases

Trout stocking in northeast Iowa streams starts March 30

DNR asks for public to report prairie chicken sightings

Iowa State Fairgrounds host state archery tournament March 27-29

Ice-out channel catfish are biting across Iowa

Water use permits for review, published 03/12/2026

Air quality permits for review, published 03/12/2026

Environmental Protection Commission meeting agenda, published 03/12/2026

Discounted trees available at distribution events this spring 2026

Land donors honored during reception in Des Moines

Iowa’s popular spring turkey hunting seasons only a few weeks away 2026

Natural Resource Commission March 12, 2026 meeting to be held virtually

DNR accepting comments on proposed hunting, fishing, trapping fee increase

Water Summary Update: Drought watches issued as precipitation deficits continue

Course on chronic wasting disease set for March and April in Ames

Nominate a Conservation Leader for the Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award

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