DES MOINES - The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has confirmed the public library at 707 Iowa Ave., in Onawa, as a location for the wildlife rules public meeting on February 21. The meeting provides a setting for the DNR to listen to the public’s thoughts on hunting and trapping regulations for this fall.
These meetings are part of the process for making rules in state government. The meeting is from 6 to 9 p.m.
“Any rule changes must be discussed with Iowa’s citizens who might be impacted by the changes before the rule changes are proposed. The process helps ensure that rule changes serve the public’s wishes and do not impact Iowa’s economy,” said Todd Bishop, chief of the wildlife bureau.
At each meeting DNR staff will facilitate a discussion about what went well last fall, what didn’t, and what changes hunters and trappers would like to see for this fall.
These discussions along with the data that the wildlife bureau collects on harvest and population numbers will be used to develop recommendations for any rule changes. Any changes must be approved by the Natural Resource Commission and then go back to the public for further comment before taking effect next fall.
Meetings will be held in Altoona, Atlantic, Boone, Burlington, Calmar, Chariton, Council Bluffs, Creston, DeWitt, Knoxville, Lake View, Onawa, Ottumwa, Peosta, Sheldon, Solon, Spencer, Tripoli and Ventura.
Complete locations are available online at www.iowadnr.gov
Any person attending the public meeting and has special requirements such as those related to mobility or hearing impairments should contact the DNR or ADA Coordinator at 515-725-8200, Relay Iowa TTY Service 800-735-7942, or Webmaster@dnr.iowa.gov, and advise of specific needs.