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DNR News Releases

Archive by tag: COReturn

New changes for Iowa state parks due to COVID-19; campgrounds close

• 4/7/2020 2:05:00 PM
• View Count 18536

With the latest closures by Governor Reynolds to help stop the spread of COVID-19 in Iowa, we are announcing new changes to park operations, including the closing of campgrounds for recreational use through April 30, 2020.

Stay safe and “distance” to start this paddling season

• 4/7/2020 12:38:00 PM
• View Count 3685

With recent warm temperatures, restless paddlers are ready to put canoes and kayaks in the water. Early spring paddling can provide solitude, exercise and an opportunity to see amazing wildlife, but extra precautions are needed to stay safe.

Public boats ramps and fishing accesses are still open - stay safe and keep physical distance

• 4/7/2020 12:35:00 PM
• View Count 7673

While public boat ramps and fishing accesses are still open across Iowa, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds boaters to abide by the physical distancing protocols recommended by the state to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

Governor Reynolds orders campgrounds, cabins, yurts and playgrounds close temporarily

• 4/6/2020 12:23:00 PM
• View Count 10389

DES MOINES, Iowa - In a proactive effort to prevent further spread of Covid-19, this morning Governor Reynolds signed a proclamation closing all public campgrounds, cabins and yurts temporarily, as well as all outdoor playgrounds through April 30. 

Upcoming teleconference Client Contact and EPC business meetings

• 4/6/2020 11:15:00 AM
• View Count 1963

The DNR has provided teleconference options for the upcoming Client Contact and Environmental Protection Commission (EPC) meetings.

Upcoming teleconference Client Contact and EPC business meetings

• 4/6/2020 11:15:00 AM
• View Count 2033

The DNR has provided teleconference options for the upcoming Client Contact and Environmental Protection Commission (EPC) meetings.

Natural Resource Commission to meet via teleconference on April 9

• 4/3/2020 1:53:00 PM
• View Count 2050

Des Moines, Iowa – The Natural Resource Commission (NRC) of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources will hold its monthly meeting via teleconference at 8:30 a.m., on April 9.

Air Quality permits under review

• 4/2/2020 2:23:00 PM
• View Count 2135

DES MOINES – The DNR Air Quality Bureau has the following draft permits up for review. The permits help protect Iowans’ health and air quality. DNR’s permitting staff review each permit application to ensure facilities comply with state and federal air quality requirements.

Iowa DNR and local partners to manage the invasive curlyleaf pondweed at Iowa Great Lakes

• 3/31/2020 12:42:00 PM
• View Count 2711

Spirit Lake, Iowa - The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR), working with the East Okoboji Lakes Improvement Corporation (EOLIC), will start the first phase of the curlyleaf pondweed management strategy for the Iowa Great Lakes in April.

Iowa fishing and hunting regulations not affected by COVID-19

• 3/31/2020 12:32:00 PM
• View Count 3280

Iowa's hunting and fishing regulations are not affected by the current COVID-19 health emergency in Iowa. Despite rumors on social media channels, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has no plans to eliminate seasons, relax regulations or change license prices.

Iowa state parks reduce some amenities as part of COVID-19 response

• 3/28/2020 1:42:00 PM
• View Count 10443

Iowa state parks are continuing to look at ways to help protect the health of visitors and staff during the COVID-19 health emergency. Iowa state parks are still open. However, please be aware of the following operational changes, effectively immediately, before visiting a state park.

Air Quality Bureau provides flexibility on certain requirements

• 3/27/2020 8:18:00 AM
• View Count 2111

The Air Quality Bureau will be exercising state enforcement discretion for certain regulatory requirements to assist businesses and industry in managing their operations during the coronavirus pandemic.

Air Quality permits under review

• 3/26/2020 11:42:00 AM
• View Count 1665

DES MOINES – The DNR Air Quality Bureau has the following draft permits up for review. The permits help protect Iowans’ health and air quality. DNR’s permitting staff review each permit application to ensure facilities comply with state and federal air quality requirements

Staying safe during Iowa’s spring turkey seasons and spring fishing

• 3/24/2020 12:03:00 PM
• View Count 12281

Protecting yourself during the COVID-19 national pandemic starts with following the guidance from our state and national health experts – maintain at least six feet between each other, wash your hands with soap for 20 seconds, cover your cough, stay home if you feel sick and avoid groups of 10 or more people. These are unprecedented times and personal health and safety takes top priority.

Iowa fishing and hunting regulations not affected by COVID-19

• 3/24/2020 12:01:00 PM
• View Count 8792

Iowa's hunting and fishing regulations are not affected by the current COVID-19 health emergency in Iowa. Despite rumors on social media channels, the DNR has no plans to eliminate seasons, relax regulations or change license prices.

Public drinking water safe to drink; Know what to and what NOT to flush down your toilet

• 3/20/2020 4:28:00 PM
• View Count 12077

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is providing this important information about COVID-19 as it relates to public drinking water to provide clarity to the public.

Air Quality permits under review

• 3/19/2020 11:44:00 AM
• View Count 1754

DES MOINES – The DNR Air Quality Bureau has the following draft permits up for review. The permits help protect Iowans’ health and air quality. DNR’s permitting staff review each permit application to ensure facilities comply with state and federal air quality requirements.

A message about Iowa State Parks' response to COVID-19

• 3/18/2020 3:25:00 PM
• View Count 15060

We greatly appreciate your support and trust. In accordance with CDC guidelines and state recommendations pertaining to COVID-19, we want to  share with you important information about Iowa state parks. 

Trout Run Trail closed for tree clearing project to prepare for a bank stabilization and fish habitat project

• 3/17/2020 1:08:00 PM
• View Count 2412

DECORAH, Iowa - The popular Trout Run Trail will be closed from the Chuck Gipp Decorah Fish Hatchery to Trout Run Park, March 24 through Friday, March 26, as well as March 30th & 31st. The trail section with the Bald Eagle nest is not included in the tree clearing project.

Grant helps provide fishing opportunities for Hispanic families and diverse audiences in Iowa

• 3/17/2020 12:21:00 PM
• View Count 2064

The Marshall County Conservation was awarded a George H.W. Bush Vamos A Pescar™ Education grant to engage diverse audiences, including Hispanic families, in fishing and kayaking this summer in the Marshalltown area.

May 1-3 Becoming an Outdoors-Woman workshop now accepting registrations

• 3/17/2020 12:18:00 PM
• View Count 1887

Registration is open for spring Becoming and Outdoors Woman workshop, May 1-3, originating from Wesley Woods Camp & Retreat Center, south of Indianola.

Proposed deer, turkey and furbearer seasons added to Natural Resource Commission March 17 teleconference

• 3/16/2020 9:58:00 AM
• View Count 2575

Des Moines, Iowa – The Natural Resource Commission (NRC) of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources has added notice of intended action on spring and fall turkey hunting seasons, resident deer hunting and furbearer seasons to its March 17 teleconference.

Air Quality permits under review

• 3/16/2020 8:45:00 AM
• View Count 1808

DES MOINES – The DNR Air Quality Bureau has the following draft permits up for review. The permits help protect Iowans’ health and air quality. DNR’s permitting staff review each permit application to ensure facilities comply with state and federal air quality requirements.

Environmental Protection Commission addresses contracts March 17

• 3/12/2020 12:14:00 PM
• View Count 1986

ANKENY—Contracts and proposed plans for state revolving loan funds are on the March 17 agenda for the Iowa Environmental Protection Commission.

Natural Resource Commission meeting moved to March 17, held via teleconference

• 3/11/2020 11:36:00 AM
• View Count 2123

Des Moines, Iowa – The Natural Resource Commission (NRC) of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources has rescheduled its monthly meeting to 8:30 a.m., on March 17, and will meet via teleconference originating from the fourth-floor west conference room, in the Wallace State Office Building, 502 East Ninth Street, in Des Moines.

Natural Resource Commission to meet March 12 in Des Moines

• 3/9/2020 8:19:00 AM
• View Count 2257

Des Moines, Iowa – The Natural Resource Commission (NRC) of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources will meet at 9:30 a.m., March 12, in the fourth-floor conference room, in the Wallace State Office Building, 502 East Ninth Street, in Des Moines.

Air Quality permits under review

• 3/5/2020 2:12:00 PM
• View Count 1687

DES MOINES – The DNR Air Quality Bureau has the following draft permits up for review. The permits help protect Iowans’ health and air quality. DNR’s permitting staff review each permit application to ensure facilities comply with state and federal air quality requirements.

Change in ownership definition could affect construction and expansions

• 3/5/2020 8:56:00 AM
• View Count 2569

The definition for common ownership of an animal feeding operation changed, effective Feb. 19, 2020. The rule change is not retroactive. It applies to facilities making changes after Feb. 19.

7 Iowa Wildlife Comebacks

• 3/2/2020 3:43:00 PM
• View Count 15112

In the last few centuries, a number of Iowa wildlife species have been extirpated from the state - but some have seen successful comebacks, too. Check out these seven animals that have made a comeback in Iowa:

DNR investigates manure spill in Plymouth County

• 2/28/2020 10:45:00 AM
• View Count 1413

KINGSLEY - Thursday afternoon, DNR responded to a manure spill at a sow facility about five miles northwest of Kingsley in Plymouth County.

Air Quality permits under review

• 2/27/2020 2:23:00 PM
• View Count 2082

DES MOINES – The DNR Air Quality Bureau has the following draft permits up for review. The permits help protect Iowans’ health and air quality. DNR’s permitting staff review each permit application to ensure facilities comply with state and federal air quality requirements.

DNR officials help rescue man in Lake Wapello

• 2/25/2020 7:40:00 AM
• View Count 3276

DRAKESVILLE, Iowa – Iowa DNR officials helped rescue a man that had fallen through the ice at Lake Wapello in Davis County Monday night around 5:30.

Air Quality permits under review

• 2/20/2020 11:44:00 AM
• View Count 1879

DES MOINES – The DNR Air Quality Bureau has the following draft permits up for review. The permits help protect Iowans’ health and air quality. DNR’s permitting staff review each permit application to ensure facilities comply with state and federal air quality requirements.

New collectible hard card now available

• 2/18/2020 11:38:00 AM
• View Count 11037

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources 2020 collectors’ card featuring wildlife artwork by Iowa-native Larry Zach is on sale.

New Construction Certification form for confinements

• 2/13/2020 10:22:00 AM
• View Count 2236

To help producers and contractors, DNR has posted the Construction Certification form which notifies the agency after confinement construction is complete. With the time delay between receiving a construction permit and construction completion, contractors sometimes neglect to certify construction. However, the certification is required before populating any permitted confinement with more than 1,000 animal unit capacity. 

MAC Renewals due before March 1

• 2/13/2020 10:19:00 AM
• View Count 1630

Certificates expire annually on March 1 for commercial manure applicators.

Most - 89 Counties - Opt In for Master Matrix

• 2/13/2020 10:18:00 AM
• View Count 1792

Exactly the same as the last two years, 89 of Iowa’s 99 counties plan to use the master matrix to evaluate construction permit applications and proposed sites for animal confinements this year. From Feb. 1 to Jan. 31 of 2021, producers who need a construction permit in these counties must meet additional requirements.

Build better manure storage systems

• 2/13/2020 10:17:00 AM
• View Count 1841

Concrete contractors building deep pit barns should plan to attend a DNR training session on concrete design and construction. Six sessions begin next week and are offered throughout the state.

Proposed waterfowl rules available for public comment

• 2/9/2020 2:48:00 PM
• View Count 3151

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is accepting comments on proposed waterfowl and coot hunting seasons and bag limits, which includes 2021-22 season dates, and the proposed restructuring of the hunting zones and seasons for 2021-2025.

Natural Resource Commission to meet via teleconference on Feb. 13

• 2/6/2020 5:33:00 PM
• View Count 2479

Des Moines, Iowa – The Natural Resource Commission (NRC) of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources will meet via teleconference at 8:30 a.m., Feb. 13, originating from the fourth-floor conference room, in the Wallace State Office Building, 502 East Ninth Street, in Des Moines

Livestock master matrix adopted in 89 counties

• 2/6/2020 12:05:00 PM
• View Count 2809

DES MOINES – In January, 89 of Iowa’s 99 counties notified DNR that they plan to evaluate construction permit applications and proposed animal confinement locations by using the master matrix.

Air Quality permits under review

• 2/6/2020 12:03:00 PM
• View Count 1665

DES MOINES – The DNR Air Quality Bureau has the following draft permits up for review. The permits help protect Iowans’ health and air quality. DNR’s permitting staff review each permit application to ensure facilities comply with state and federal air quality requirements.

Construction Permit Lead Times Get Back on Track

• 2/4/2020 2:06:00 PM
• View Count 2576

For the last six months significant air quality construction permit staff time was diverted from application review to enable EASY Air’s on-time roll out. With the successful launch of EASY Air, staff can once again devote their time to application reviews.

Muskrat trapping season extended to April 1 on Lizard Lake

• 1/31/2020 12:20:00 PM
• View Count 3141

GILMORE CITY, Iowa - The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is extending the muskrat trapping season on Lizard Lake, in Pocahontas County, from Feb. 1 to April 1 to offer additional trapping opportunities of a temporarily abundant resource. Iowa’s trapping season for all furbearers except beaver closes statewide on Jan. 31.

Air Quality permits under review

• 1/30/2020 11:50:00 AM
• View Count 1739

DES MOINES – The DNR Air Quality Bureau has the following draft permits up for review. The permits help protect Iowans’ health and air quality. DNR’s permitting staff review each permit application to ensure facilities comply with state and federal air quality requirements.

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