Iowa's state forest system consists of 4 major and 6 smaller units totaling 43,917 acres and are managed for multiple benefits. The primary emphasis is on demonstrating good woodland management and providing forest products, wildlife habitat and a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities.
Lumber and firewood is sold to the public at some state forests. Contact the area forester at your nearest state forest for more information.
Forestry Services
The Iowa DNR works to help Iowans expand and care for the state's roughly 3 million acres of trees and forests. We use professionally trained foresters and natural resource technicians to provide forestry assistance to private landowners, to sustainably manage our state forests, to operate the State Forest Nursery at costs of production, and to protect, utilize and enhance the state's forest resources for today and tomorrow. Learn more about our forestry services.
Major State Forests
Loess Hills State Forest is 10,600 acres in size. It is located in Monona and Harrison Counties in west central Iowa. It is the newest state forest. The first land was acquired in 1986. This state forest offers a unique mixture of forests, savannas, and prairies on the steep and fragile Loess soils above the Missouri River.
Shimek State Forest is 9,148 acres in size. It is located in Lee and Van Buren Counties in Southeast Iowa. Shimek State Forest is one of the largest remaining single pieces of contiguous forest in Iowa. Its large unbroken tracts of oak-hickory forest mixed with nearly 1,000 acres of planted pine stands make Shimek a truly unique natural resource.
Stephens State Forest is 15,554 acres in size and covers the largest geographical area of any state forest. The forest is spread out between five counties: Lucas, Clarke, Monroe, Appanoose and Davis. Stephens State Forest offers a diversity of habitats and recreational opportunities.
Yellow River State Forest is in the Northeast corner of Iowa in Allamakee County. It includes 8,990 acres of forest, streams and prairies. It is in the Driftless Area landform region with steep and hilly topography. It has two cold water streams regularly stocked with trout. It is adjacent to the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge and Effigy Mounds National Monument, and is at the core of a Globally Significant Bird Conservation Area as designated by the Audubon Society. The area is popular with hunters, anglers, hikers, backpackers, bird watchers, horseback riders, mountain bikers and campers.
Minor State Forests
There are six smaller state forests ranging in size from 34 to 314 acres. These are Backbone State Forest in Delaware County, White Pine Hollow State Forest in Dubuque County, Holst, Barkely, and Pilot Mound State Forests all in Boone County, and Gifford State Forest in Pottawattamie County.
Special Event Permits
The Iowa DNR is required to authorize a club or individual to hold an organized special event (an organized event, race, exhibition, or demonstration of limited duration which is conducted according to a prearranged schedule and in which general public interest is manifested) within the state if the event is scheduled to be held on public land, ice or water.
At least 30 days before the scheduled date of a special event, an application must be filed with the DNR using the Special Events web-based application found online.
For more information, contact your local State Forest office.
Timber Sales
Iowa State Forests are managed in a sustainable fashion to meet multiple forest management objectives. Timber harvesting is often used as a tool to meet forest management objectives.
Timber sales have been released for bid or are being proposed.
Volunteer Opportunities
Seeking volunteers help to maintain over 50 miles of equestrian trails on three of our largest state forests; Shimek, Stephens and Yellow River. Maintaining equestrian trails is extremely labor intensive and expensive. Your help is needed to reduce erosion and wash-outs, maintain proper signage, and to keep trails free of downed trees and debris.
Volunteers can donate time, materials and funds to help with trail maintenance and needed repairs.
Each state forest has staff prepared to coordinate volunteer work. To volunteer your time, contact the area forester for the state forest you wish to help.