Iowa’s 2017 summer recreation season got off to a great start with a beautiful Memorial Day weekend and there are plenty more summer days ahead to enjoy the outdoors.
In Iowa, June is recognized annually as Great Outdoors Month, to remind all Iowans and visitors to step outside, enjoy the state’s scenic beauty and recreational opportunities, and renew their commitment to stewardship of Iowa’s natural resources.
Great Outdoors Month is designed to focus on the importance of simple outdoor activity and appreciation of Iowa’s natural resources, by promoting biking, swimming, hiking, paddling, fishing, hunting, boating, bird watching, camping and general nature exploration of our lakes, prairies, woodlands, rivers and wetlands.
“Getting outdoors promotes good health for both the mind and body, and helps create memorable experiences with family and friends,” says DNR Director Chuck Gipp. “Iowa has outstanding opportunities for outdoor recreation.”
Iowa’s parks, forests and wildlife areas reflect the state’s natural and cultural history and attract millions of recreationists each year. Iowa’s state parks alone expect to host more than 900,000 overnight stays and more than 15 million day visits this year.
The national economic impact of outdoor recreation exceeds $650 billion in annual expenditures. In Iowa alone, outdoor recreation supports an estimated 105,000 jobs.
“Enjoyment of the outdoors cultivates a deeper appreciation of our natural resources,” says Gipp, “which eventually leads to better environmental stewardship, and no one understands this better than Iowans, who are committed to conserve and protect our water, air, wildlife and lands. They contribute to conservation efforts through various licenses and fees, and realize the direct relationship between natural resource conservation and the quality of life in our state.”
Great Outdoors Month also provides an opportunity to celebrate the partnership of federal, state and local agencies, the recreation and tourism industries and recreationists which makes outdoor opportunities available, adds Gipp.
For ideas on what to do or where to go to enjoy Iowa’s great outdoors, visit: www.iowadnr.gov;
www.traveliowa.com or www.mycountyparks.com.