River History Series Kicks Off as a Part of Water Trails Regional Planning Effort in Des Moines 1/5/2016 9:36:00 AM View Count 4683 The confluence of the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers has attracted humans for at least 7,200 years, from hunter-gatherers living in small houses along the river, to prehistoric mound builders, to soldiers exploring the area, to a growing metropolis.
Make a Financial Investment with the High-Value Hardwood Packet from the State Forest Nursery 1/5/2016 9:33:00 AM View Count 5980 DES MOINES – Add some value to your future forest, with the High-Value Hardwood specialty packet from Iowa’s State Forest Nursery.
Ice Fishing Clinics Scheduled 1/5/2016 9:31:00 AM View Count 5727 Free ice fishing clinics are scheduled around Iowa, depending upon favorable ice conditions.
Ice Safety Reminder as Iowa Lakes Freeze Over 1/5/2016 9:30:00 AM View Count 7862 The recent blast of arctic air is growing ice on lakes and ponds over much of Iowa and sending anglers scrambling to prepare their equipment so they can be out for the coveted early ice fishing of the season.
Winter Paddling Provides Thrills 1/5/2016 9:29:00 AM View Count 4381 Iowa paddlers and other water recreationists have been treated to above average temperatures and open water since November. While ice anglers have been grumbling, some paddlers have taken enjoyed the extended paddling season the mild winter has brought. Most rivers are ice free and running high from the December rains.
Iowa's First Day Hikes a Success 1/5/2016 9:28:00 AM View Count 4932 Des Moines – Iowa’s Fifth Annual First Day Hikes were a great success according to DNR staff reports. More than 600 people began 2016 with a hike in an Iowa state park, logging more than 1,100 total miles on New Year’s Day.
Are There Winter Tornadoes in Iowa? 1/5/2016 8:00:00 AM View Count 9219 Because tornadoes usually require warm, humid air to form, it’s not surprising winter tornadoes are rare in Iowa. But they can happen, and occur more frequently in the southern states during winter versus the Upper Midwest.
Manure Overflow Investigated in Taylor County 12/31/2015 5:15:00 PM View Count 3951 LENOX – A manure overflow at a small hog finishing farm about three miles southwest of Lenox was being investigated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Thursday evening.
11 Great Winter Cabin Getaways in Iowa State Parks 12/30/2015 8:26:00 AM View Count 86854 The quiet solitude that makes a perfect winter getaway is waiting for you in beautiful, comfortable year-round cabins at several Iowa state parks. It’s a great time to take advantage of hiking trails (many allow cross-country skiing and snowmobiling), wildlife watching (deer and birds galore), fishing and more.
6 Ways to Start Off the New Year Outdoors 12/29/2015 9:37:00 AM View Count 8435 What better way to celebrate the new year than by getting outdoors? Here are a few ideas to get your year off to a good start!
Is Modification to a DNR Air Construction Permit Needed? 12/29/2015 8:52:00 AM View Count 4750 The DNR has developed a fact sheet to provide additional clarification to applicants of when a modification may or may not be necessary to an existing air construction permit.
Remaining Hunting Seasons Starting to Close 12/29/2015 6:54:00 AM View Count 5271 Iowa’s pheasant, late muzzleloader and archery deer, and archery fall turkey seasons close on Jan. 10. Furbearer seasons, squirrel, quail, partridge and grouse remain open until Jan. 31.
2015 Hunting, Fishing Licenses Expire Jan 10 12/29/2015 6:48:00 AM View Count 5564 All 2015 Iowa hunting and fishing licenses expire on Jan. 10, 2016. All hunters and anglers will need a 2016 license to hunt or fish beginning Jan. 11.
Winter Trout Stocking Begins Jan 9 12/29/2015 6:47:00 AM View Count 6872 The Iowa Department of Natural Resources will release trout in seven locations this winter in areas that would not support them during warmer months.
Iowa State Parks Celebrates the New Year with First Day Hikes on Jan 1 12/29/2015 6:45:00 AM View Count 4998 Des Moines – Iowa State Parks will sponsor free, guided hikes in 19 state parks on New Year’s Day as part of the fifth annual First Day Hikes initiative.
Late Muzzleloader Deer Season Open Through Jan 10, 2016 12/22/2015 5:23:00 AM View Count 13274 The final stretch for hunters to pursue Iowa’s world class deer began Monday with the start of the late muzzleloader season and the re-opening of the popular archery season. Both seasons close Jan. 10.
2016 Bald Eagle Watch Events 12/22/2015 5:21:00 AM View Count 9099 The schedule of 2016 Bald Eagle Watch Events have been published. Plan a visit to one of the following locations for live viewing, exhibits, programs and more.
Two Hunters Rescued From Icy Water in Mills County 12/21/2015 4:24:00 AM View Count 4948 HASTINGS – A father and son were rescued from icy water Sunday while deer hunting in Mills County.
Why does water expand when it freezes? 12/17/2015 9:59:00 AM View Count 4443 As simple as it seems, water actually acts pretty strange. It all comes down to what holds it together.
Manure Applicator Training Begins January 5 12/17/2015 5:49:00 AM View Count 4524 DES MOINES – Iowa manure applicators, confinement and commercial, should plan now to complete training to renew their certificates by March 1.
Three Western Iowa Men Charged with 30 Hunting Violations 12/17/2015 5:13:00 AM View Count 10912 The Iowa Department of Natural Resources charged three men with multiple hunting violations for events that took place on January 10, 2015 which spanned two counties in western Iowa.
Air Quality Fees Adopted by the Environmental Protection Commission 12/16/2015 9:40:00 AM View Count 4478 The Environmental Protection Commission adopted rules and a fee schedule for asbestos notification fees and application fees for construction and operating permits during the December 15 meeting. The rules were adopted and filed emergency after notice, meaning that they will become effective today. The new fees included on the fee schedule will become effective on January 15, 2016.
Input Requested on the 2014 Iowa Greenhouse Gas Inventory Report 12/16/2015 8:15:00 AM View Count 4142 The DNR seeks comments on its draft of the legislatively mandated 2014 Iowa Greenhouse Gas Inventory Report.
Diesel Fuel Spill Reaches Creek Near Storm Lake 12/15/2015 10:30:00 AM View Count 4632 STORM LAKE – An unknown amount of diesel fuel spilled from the One Stop Shop in Storm Lake and has reached Poor Farm Creek, a tributary of the Raccoon River.
DNR Seeks Public Comment on Reducing Alcohol-Related Incidents at State Park Beaches 12/15/2015 10:08:00 AM View Count 5016 The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking informal public comment on ways to reduce the number of alcohol-related incidents that occur on beaches at state parks and recreation areas.
Waterfowl Refuges Begin Opening to Other Hunting 12/15/2015 7:28:00 AM View Count 6729 As the Iowa waterfowl seasons began closing, Iowa’s waterfowl refuges will begin opening allowing hunters access to hunt non waterfowl species with a current open season, and trapping. The main purpose of the waterfowl refuge is to provide a safe resting and feeding area for waterfowl.
State Parks Impacted by Recent Unseasonable Rains 12/15/2015 7:26:00 AM View Count 4541 Visitors planning a trip to the following parks may want to double check conditions as recent unseasonable rains have had some impact.
DNR Seeks Public Comment on Proposed Alcohol Ban on State Beaches 12/15/2015 7:25:00 AM View Count 3991 The DNR is seeking informal public comment on a draft proposed rule under consideration that would ban alcohol year-round on all beaches in state parks and state recreation areas.
New e-Reporting System – It’s here. It’s easy. It’s intuitive. It’s SLEIS 12/14/2015 10:26:00 AM View Count 10882 The DNR is excited to offer a new online emissions inventory reporting tool called the State & Local Emissions Inventory System (SLEIS). The new web-based system has been pre-populated with four years of emissions data from SPARS (2011 – 2014), allowing for simpler and streamlined reporting.
Wastewater Discharge Reaches Little Storm Lake Wildlife Area; Heavy Rain Causes Discharges Throughout State 12/14/2015 10:23:00 AM View Count 3859 DES MOINES – Heavy rainfall throughout much of the state has overloaded many wastewater treatment systems in Iowa, causing wastewater discharges.
Title V Facilities' Emissions Reports due March 31, 2016 12/14/2015 2:46:00 AM View Count 4438 Facilities subject to Title V of the Clean Air Act must submit their emissions inventories for 2015 to the DNR Air Quality Bureau by March 31, 2016.
Marshalltown Man Injured by Self-Inflicted Gunshot While Deer Hunting on Sunday 12/13/2015 8:56:00 AM View Count 4684 DES MOINES – A Marshalltown man suffered a self-inflicted injury to his hand from a shotgun slug while deer hunting Sunday in Palo Alto County.
Worthington Man Injured While Trapping Sunday 12/13/2015 8:15:00 AM View Count 4830 DES MOINES – A Worthington man was injured from a self-inflicted gunshot wound while trapping Sunday in Delaware County.
Bondurant Man Injured Saturday While Deer Hunting 12/12/2015 4:05:00 PM View Count 5291 DES MOINES – A Bondurant man was injured by a gunshot wound while deer hunting Saturday in Guthrie County.
Wastewater Discharge Occurring From Elliott Treatment Lagoon 12/11/2015 11:25:00 AM View Count 3885 ELLIOTT – The DNR is investigating the report of an ongoing wastewater discharge at the city of Elliott’s wastewater lagoon.
12 Tips for Better Wildlife Photography 12/11/2015 9:34:00 AM View Count 37933 Anyone can take a picture of an animal, but it takes skill to get a good one. Whether you’ve got a secondhand point-and-shoot camera or a top-of-the-line DSLR, remember these tips to help you get your best wildlife shots this season.
Boil Advisory Issued for City of Lovilla 12/11/2015 7:49:00 AM View Count 4017 LOVILIA – A boil advisory for the city of Lovilia in Monroe County has been lifted.
Updated Permit Template Available for Comment 12/11/2015 7:24:00 AM View Count 4029 The Air Quality Construction Permit Section is proposing to update its construction permit template. The template is the basis for the final construction permits issued by the Air Quality Bureau. These updates are aimed at providing clarity in permit requirements and at the same time providing a permit that is shorter in length.
New Construction Permit Option and Informational Meeting 12/11/2015 6:46:00 AM View Count 4167 The DNR is proposing to create a new air quality construction permit option called a Collection of Air Permits (CAP). The CAP permit will allow multiple emission points and permits to be combined into one document. The CAP permit option was developed based on recommendations from our recent dual LEAN events that included both permit applicants and DNR staff.
DNR Asks for Anglers' Help with Study on Mudpuppies 12/10/2015 9:04:00 AM View Count 42210 At first glance, it’s hard to know what to make of this creature. A head like a dragon, gills on the outside of a fish-like body… what is this thing? The mysterious mudpuppy is the largest member of the salamander family in Iowa. It’s mostly nocturnal, never leaves the water and unlike almost every other reptile or amphibian in Iowa, this one is actually active in winter.
Water Summary Update: Conditions Remain Stable Through Unusually Warm and Wet November 12/10/2015 8:55:00 AM View Count 4392 DES MOINES — Overall conditions continue to be stable across the state through a warm transition into winter and precipitation is running high due to a very wet November.
Air Quality Adjustments to Environmental Commission Agenda 12/10/2015 8:54:00 AM View Count 3556 WINDSOR HEIGHTS – The agenda for the Dec. 15 Environmental Protection Commission meeting has been amended by adding fee proposals for air quality services and postponing a proposed referral on asbestos violations to a future meeting.
Counties Sign Up Now to Evaluate Animal Confinement Sites 12/10/2015 8:52:00 AM View Count 4630 DES MOINES – Counties interested in evaluating proposed animal feeding facilities must adopt and submit a construction evaluation resolution to the DNR between Jan. 1 and 31.
Winter Manure Application Rules Kick in Monday Dec 21 12/10/2015 8:50:00 AM View Count 7226 DES MOINES – Early snowfall in much of northern Iowa may affect animal producers with confinement (totally roofed) facilities when limits on applying liquid manure on snow-covered ground start Dec. 21.
Fee Rules and Fee Schedule Added to Commission Agenda for Approval 12/10/2015 8:34:00 AM View Count 4141 The Environmental Protection Commission (EPC) will be asked to approve air quality fee rules and a fee schedule at the December 15 meeting. If approved, the fee schedule would become effective on January 15, 2016.