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DNR News Releases

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Changes to note ahead of Iowa's hunting seasons

• 6/24/2024 4:08:00 PM
• View Count 12350

Hunters will notice a few regulation changes for the upcoming 2024-2025 hunting seasons. These changes could impact deer hunters, waterfowl hunters and furharvesters.

Cedar Valley Lakes Trail Reopening Ribbon Cutting Event

• 9/19/2023 1:47:00 PM
• View Count 3191

WATERLOO - On Wednesday, Sept. 20, the Cedar Valley Trails Partnership and the Iowa DNR will host a celebration and ribbon cutting for the newly paved section of the Cedar Valley Lakes Trail from Krieg's Crossing to the George Wyth State Park Lodge

Cedar River Water Trail in Mitchell County dedicated June 29

• 6/27/2023 4:39:00 PM
• View Count 2623

The Cedar River Water Trail, in Mitchell County, will be officially dedicated as Iowa’s newest water trail during a public ceremony at 10 a.m., June 29, at Bennett Access along the Cedar River, near Osage.

Stay safe paddling this 4th of July holiday weekend

• 6/27/2023 4:34:00 PM
• View Count 2607

Iowa lakes and rivers will be busy with paddlers this long holiday weekend.

Maquoketa & North Fork Maquoketa Water Trail dedicated May 31

• 5/16/2023 1:58:00 PM
• View Count 7400

The Maquoketa & North Fork Maquoketa Water Trail, in Jackson County, will be officially dedicated as Iowa’s newest water trail during a public ceremony at 10 a.m., May 31, at Canton County Park along the Maquoketa River, in western Jackson County.

Duck season begins Oct. 1 in Iowa’s north zone

• 9/30/2022 2:31:00 PM
• View Count 3582

Waterfowlers have waited all year for this: for the next three weekends in Iowa, there will be an opening day for duck and goose hunting. The north zone opens on Oct. 1, the central zone opens on Oct. 8 and the south zone opens on Oct. 15. Each zone is open seven days, then close for seven days, before re-opening.

Stay safe paddling this 4th of July holiday weekend

• 6/28/2022 3:13:00 PM
• View Count 3163

Iowa lakes and rivers will be busy with paddlers this long holiday weekend.

Coal spilled from train derailment south of Lansing

• 6/1/2022 3:54:00 PM
• View Count 2115

LANSING—A Canadian Pacific train derailed about 6:40 a.m. today (Wednesday), spilling coal into the Mississippi River.

Bald eagle found shot in Cedar Rapids, public help sought to find person responsible

• 2/3/2022 2:44:00 PM
• View Count 4050

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is asking for help to identify the person responsible for shooting a bald eagle that was discovered in southeast Cedar Rapids on Jan. 9.

Train derailment into Mississippi River near Montrose

• 11/15/2021 8:17:00 AM
• View Count 2549

MONTROSE, IOWA -- At approximately 11:50 PM on November 13, 2021 a train collided with a barge that had been parked along the shore of the Mississippi River near Montrose in Lee County, Iowa. The southbound train operated by BNSF hit the stationary barge, derailing two locomotives and overturning several coal cars between the main line and side track. Several hundred gallons of diesel was released on the ballast material, and was seeping into the Mississippi River from the locomotive fuel tank. A number of coal ca...

DNR checking train derailment site near Carlisle

• 11/1/2021 1:21:00 PM
• View Count 1855

CARLISLE - About 10:30 Friday night, a Union Pacific train derailed about one mile east of Carlisle where the railroad crosses the Middle River.

Comments on the Cedar River Water Trail Plan accepted until Oct. 1

• 7/20/2021 11:41:00 AM
• View Count 1649

Osage, Iowa – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources and the Mitchell County Conservation Board are accepting public comments that will be included in the upcoming Cedar River Water Trail Plan.

New state park trail app available

• 7/13/2021 1:27:00 PM
• View Count 2708

The Iowa DNR has developed an online mapping application to help visitors navigate trails in state parks.

DNR aids HazMat and EPA teams responding to train derailment

• 5/18/2021 8:24:00 AM
• View Count 1843

SIBLEY - Iowa DNR is on-site at the Sibley train derailment, working with emergency responders, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Union Pacific Railroad.

DNR staff to discuss boating, paddling and safety at Altoona’s Bass Pro Shops May 15 and 22

• 5/11/2021 1:18:00 PM
• View Count 2257

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will have boating, padding and safety experts at Bass Pro Shops, in Altoona, May 15 and May 22, to talk with customers about lifejackets, safety and Iowa’s upcoming season on the water.

Make the most of your winter hike

• 2/16/2021 4:01:00 PM
• View Count 5241

Ready to get back on the trails once the cold snap lifts for some fresh air and excellent winter hiking in Iowa State Parks? Our park staff offers these tips to help you make the most of your snowy trek:

Proposed Boone River water trail extension topic of Feb. 10 virtual public meeting

• 2/2/2021 1:22:00 PM
• View Count 1877

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Boone River Watershed Management Authority are hosting a virtual public meeting on Feb. 10, at 6 p.m., to discuss a proposal to extend the Boone River Water Trail from its current position in Webster City north to the Wright-Hancock County line.

South Skunk River to be designated as a State Water Trail

• 6/25/2020 1:08:00 PM
• View Count 2490

The Iowa DNR will officially designate the South Skunk River in Story County as a State Water Trail on Wednesday, June 24.

Take a walk in Iowa State Parks: 20 Walks in 2020

• 6/2/2020 11:46:00 AM
• View Count 7634

To celebrate the 100th anniversary of Iowa state parks, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources DNR partnered with three organizations, the Iowa Walking Club, the Nebraska Wander Freunde Trailblazers, and Iowa Parklands, to create 5k and 10k walking routes in 20 Iowa state parks.

DNR investigating death at Palisades-Kepler State Park

• 5/24/2020 12:34:00 PM
• View Count 3331

MOUNT VERNON, Iowa - On Friday, May 22, around 3:45pm, the DNR was notified of a person who had fallen on a trail at Palisades-Kepler State Park and had lacerations to his head.

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 2628

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.

Neal Smith Trail closed at the I-35/80 bridge over the Des Moines River

• 9/10/2019 2:28:00 PM
• View Count 4122

GRIMES, Iowa – Work to repair and widen the Interstate 35/80 bridge over the Des Moines River will detour trail users of the Neal Smith Trail for their safety on a signed detour until summer 2021, weather permitting, according to the Iowa DOT.

Discover Adventure Along Iowa’s Scenic Backpacking Trails

• 7/16/2019 3:07:00 PM
• View Count 17779

For those not in the know, it seems easy to dismiss Iowa simply as the tall corn state; however, those taking a closer look may be surprised to discover Iowa’s state forests offer ultra-quiet, serene and scenic backpacking campsites.

Easter Lake Park celebration to highlight lake restoration project and Mark C. Ackelson Trail grand opening

• 6/18/2019 2:06:00 PM
• View Count 3154

DES MOINES, Iowa - A celebration of a decade of restoration efforts at Easter Lake will take place Sunday, June 23rd, from 1-5 pm at the Easter Lake Park Beach, located at 2883 East Watrous Avenue in Des Moines. A grand opening of the Mark C. Ackelson trail will also take place at the event.

Maquoketa River Water Trail dedicated this Saturday

• 6/12/2018 11:44:00 AM
• View Count 15121

The Maquoketa River Water Trail, in Delaware County, will be dedicated as Iowa’s newest official water trail during a public ceremony at noon on June 16, at the gazebo next to the whitewater park, in downtown Manchester.

Try these 5 water trails this spring and summer

• 5/29/2018 2:55:00 PM
• View Count 14948

If you’re looking to blaze a new trail through Iowa, consider hitting the water for something different. Iowa boasts a number of water trails, which offer a unique perspective on the state.

Iowa paddlers advised to avoid downstream of Bevers Bridge Access on popular Boone River Water Trail

• 5/15/2018 12:07:00 PM
• View Count 7195

WEBSTER CITY - New bridge construction, just downstream from the Bevers Bridge Access, on the Boone River in Hamilton County is creating a dangerous hazard for paddlers this summer. Thousands of paddlers use this access each year as they paddle down this popular water trail.

Members sought for Brushy Creek board

• 1/9/2018 11:48:00 AM
• View Count 3904

Hikers, bikers and horseback riders interested in protecting, preserving and enhancing the trail system at Brushy Creek State Recreation Area are being encouraged to serve on the Iowa Department of Natural Resources' Brushy Creek Trail Advisory Board.

Charles City urging paddlers and trail users to avoid area at popular trail bridge crossing

• 4/11/2017 12:26:00 PM
• View Count 3528

Charles City – Charles City has closed the area around the Charley Western Trail Bridge, between South Grand and Clark Street, due to a partial bridge collapse. One of the bridge’s three arches partially collapsed Saturday morning just south of the popular Charles City Whitewater Park.

Some ethanol leaked during Monday cleanup of train derailment

• 3/14/2017 3:13:00 PM
• View Count 3562

GRAETTINGER – Less than 2,000 gallons of ethanol leaked into Jack Creek as the last three derailed tanker cars were pulled from the creek March 13 south of Graettinger.

Members sought for Brushy Creek board

• 12/27/2016 1:15:00 PM
• View Count 5019

Hikers, bikers and horseback riders interested in protecting, preserving and enhancing the trail system at Brushy Creek State Recreation Area are being encouraged to serve on the Iowa Department of Natural Resources' Brushy Creek Trail Advisory Board.

Floating the river is an Iowa summertime tradition

• 7/12/2016 12:37:00 PM
• View Count 16007

Swimming, canoeing and floating the river on tubes is a summertime tradition in Iowa. But as relaxing and enjoyable as a river float is, it does come with an element of risk.

Public Meeting Scheduled for July 20 to Discuss Permit for Trail in Wahpeton

• 6/28/2016 3:22:00 PM
• View Count 3929

The public is invited to provide comments on a permit needed by the Dickinson County Trails Board to cross publicly-owned land and water under jurisdiction of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

Thank the Trail Crew, Hike a Trail

• 6/28/2016 1:50:00 PM
• View Count 5495

It might be the kind of work you find featured on the reality show Dirty Jobs. The days are long and filled with physical labor -- hauling heavy timbers, large rocks and loads of gravel, clearing brush and digging dirt. At the end of the day, your clothes are sweat-soaked, and your skin is blistered, scratched and mosquito-bit.

Temporary Trail Closure at Big Creek State Park

• 6/21/2016 11:35:00 AM
• View Count 4020

Des Moines – The Neal Smith Trail will be closed temporarily near mile marker 24 for repairs beginning Wednesday, June 22. The section of the trail is located near the Gannet Shelter and east boat ramp in Big Creek State Park. Repairs are expected to be completed June 24, weather permitting.

Railroad Cleaning Up Tracks From Leaking Tanker

• 6/7/2016 4:26:00 PM
• View Count 4247

DES MOINES – A railroad tanker carrying 25,000 gallons of animal fat leaked along tracks Monday from Missouri Valley in Harrison County to Fairfax in Linn County, a distance of approximately 200 miles.

Commission Approves Iowa Migratory Game Bird Seasons

• 4/19/2016 7:51:00 AM
• View Count 5125

The 2016-17 migratory game bird seasons were approved Thursday by the Natural Resource Commission of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

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 4814

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.

Members Sought for Brushy Creek Board

• 12/8/2015 7:09:00 AM
• View Count 4596

Hikers, bikers and horseback riders interested in protecting, preserving and enhancing the trail system at Brushy Creek State Recreation Area are being encouraged to serve on the Iowa Department of Natural Resources’ Brushy Creek Trail Advisory Board.

Paddlers Advised to Avoid Hardin City Bridge Access

• 10/13/2015 10:45:00 AM
• View Count 4591

The DNR is recommending a heavily used river access along a state-designated water trail in Hardin County be temporarily avoided.

4 Before-You–Go Tips for Kayak Camping (and 7 Destinations)

• 7/29/2015 8:30:00 AM
• View Count 36921

Kayaking is a great way to explore the state and get some exercise, but if you intend to stay the night at a paddle-in only campsite, you have to pack thoughtfully. Check out the advice below, approved by DNR paddling expert and instructor Todd Robertson, to help you start camping comfortably with your kayak. And remember, always check water levels before you go.

Four Water Trails to Explore This Summer

• 7/17/2015 7:01:00 AM
• View Count 12296

If you’re looking to blaze a new trail this summer, consider hitting the water for something different. Iowa boasts a number of water trails, which offer a unique perspective on Iowa in summer.

Explore This Iowan Urban Sanctuary

• 7/10/2015 10:51:00 AM
• View Count 7930

By Jennifer Wilson From the July/August 2014 issue of Iowa Outdoors magazine Ask park manager Lori Eberhard what George Wyth Memorial State Park has to offer travelers, and you’d better settle in for a long answer.

Paddle Up To These Secluded Campsites

• 6/19/2015 11:02:00 AM
• View Count 57772

The self-reliant can take advantage of several remote paddle-in primitive campsites, get surrounded by nature and leave other humans behind. The locations make for a Boundary Waters-like experience in Iowa.

7 Things to Do at Honey Creek Resort State Park This Summer

• 6/11/2015 10:50:00 AM
• View Count 8030

Enjoy the outdoors with your family through these outdoor adventures at Honey Creek Resort State Park.

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