Official State of Iowa Website

DNR News Releases

  About DNR   >   DNR News Releases

Search for a News Release


Press/Media inquiries: PIO@dnr.iowa.gov


DNR News Releases

Archive by tag: recreationReturn
RSS
Public invited to field day highlighting forest management

Public invited to field day highlighting forest management

  • 4/4/2023 11:47:00 AM
  • View Count 3057
FAYETTE, Iowa - The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Iowa State University Extension will be showcasing various forestry practices at Volga River State Recreation Area as part of a public field day on May 16.
Annual Volga State Recreation Area forestry field day set for May 24

Annual Volga State Recreation Area forestry field day set for May 24

  • 4/19/2022 11:52:00 AM
  • View Count 1164
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is hosting a forestry field day at Volga State Recreation Area on May 24, that will showcase different topics encountered by timber owners from oak regeneration to whether or not to hold a timber sale.
6 ways to safely "Take It Outside" this holiday season

6 ways to safely "Take It Outside" this holiday season

  • 11/24/2020 3:00:00 PM
  • View Count 4841
With the holiday season starting, the Iowa DNR is encouraging families to find safe ways to spend time outdoors this winter. Please be sure to keep your group small, social distance, and wear a mask when visiting places where social distancing is not possible.
Portions of Wilson Island reopens to visitors, campground area remains closed

Portions of Wilson Island reopens to visitors, campground area remains closed

  • 10/20/2020 1:03:00 PM
  • View Count 2508
A portion of Wilson Island State Recreation Area was reopened to the public on Thursday, for hunting, hiking and for boaters to access the Missouri River and Backwater Chute, 19 months after floodwaters first inundated the public area, and then stayed for nine months.  
Some facilities at Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area reopen following derecho

Some facilities at Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area reopen following derecho

  • 9/24/2020 9:05:00 AM
  • View Count 1899
LINN COUNTY, Iowa -- Campgrounds, cabins and shelters are now open at Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area following the derecho in early August. The trails and the beach remain closed as well as the lodge as DNR staff continue to work diligently to clean up damage left behind by August’s derecho.
DNR state parks making progress with derecho damage

DNR state parks making progress with derecho damage

  • 9/1/2020 1:20:00 PM
  • View Count 4711
Three weeks after a devastating derecho tore through a large portion of Iowa, and left major damage to residential neighborhoods, farms and cities, state parks across Iowa continue their clean-up efforts.
Public wildlife areas add to recreation options at Three Mile and Twelve Mile lakes

Public wildlife areas add to recreation options at Three Mile and Twelve Mile lakes

  • 6/4/2019 2:05:00 PM
  • View Count 3567
The reputation of Three Mile Lake and Twelve Mile Lake as a fishing destination is well known around the Midwest – and beyond. These two lakes, separated by two miles, are panfish and walleye heavyweights that draw anglers from Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, the Dakotas, Missouri and Nebraska eager for a chance to fill their bag limits.
Grants available for fishing and boating education programs in Hispanic communities

Grants available for fishing and boating education programs in Hispanic communities

  • 11/20/2018 11:49:00 AM
  • View Count 2848
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources’ Fish Iowa! angler education program has partnered with the Recreational Fishing and Boating Foundation’s (RBFF) Vamos A Pescar program to provide funding to local 501(c)(3) organizations to support local efforts to educate and engage families in high-density Hispanic communities through programs, classes and fishing activities.
DNR to discuss construction projects at public meeting

DNR to discuss construction projects at public meeting

  • 1/12/2018 3:03:00 PM
  • View Count 4170
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will host an informational meeting on Tuesday, January 23, from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. at the Lakeside Lab Mahan Hall in Wahpeton, IA to discuss construction plans in the Gull Point State Park Complex.
Grants available for fishing and boating education programs in Hispanic communities

Grants available for fishing and boating education programs in Hispanic communities

  • 11/7/2017 11:33:00 AM
  • View Count 3831
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources’ Fish Iowa! angler education program has partnered with the Recreational Fishing and Boating Foundation’s (RBFF) Vamos A Pescar program to provide $1,000 grants to local 501(c)(3) organizations to support local efforts to educate and engage families in high-density Hispanic communities through programs, classes and fishing activities.
Avenson Archery Range Dedicated Today

Avenson Archery Range Dedicated Today

  • 7/18/2017 3:00:00 PM
  • View Count 4966
The archery range at Volga River State Recreation Area, in Fayette County, will be dedicated Avenson Archery Range July 18, at 4 p.m.
Lake Sugema Wildlife Area offers year round recreation

Lake Sugema Wildlife Area offers year round recreation

  • 6/27/2017 12:59:00 PM
  • View Count 9511
Van Buren County historian Ralph Arnold is the person responsible for naming Lake Sugema and in a twist of mystery, he refused to say what the name meant. Only upon his death in 2002 did a letter show up in the local newspaper, the Van Buren County Register, ending the mystery – according to Arnold, Sugema is a Native American word for Mosquito.
Garner to oversee DNR’s conservation and recreation division

Garner to oversee DNR’s conservation and recreation division

  • 1/24/2017 12:20:00 PM
  • View Count 9262
DES MOINES – Iowa Department of Natural Resources director Chuck Gipp has promoted Dr. Dale Garner to lead the division that oversees the Lands and Waters, Forestry, State Parks, Law Enforcement, Fisheries and Wildlife bureaus, replacing Kelley Myers who has accepted a position with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.  
Members sought for Brushy Creek board

Members sought for Brushy Creek board

  • 12/27/2016 1:15:00 PM
  • View Count 4996
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.
Water level to drop at Easter Lake ahead of renovation this spring

Water level to drop at Easter Lake ahead of renovation this spring

  • 12/20/2016 10:58:00 AM
  • View Count 4346
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources with the Polk County Conservation, Polk Soil and Water Conservation District, Natural Resources Conservation Service and the City of Des Moines will begin another phase of work on Easter Lake to improve habitat and water quality on the 179-acre lake on the southeast edge of Des Moines.
June is Great Outdoors Month

June is Great Outdoors Month

  • 6/7/2016 1:32:00 PM
  • View Count 3823
The 2016 summer recreation season is just getting started and there are plenty of days ahead to enjoy the outdoors.
Beach Closing at Pleasant Creek State Rec Area

Beach Closing at Pleasant Creek State Rec Area

  • 5/18/2016 4:00:00 PM
  • View Count 4500
PALO -- The beach at Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area is officially closing today until shoreline restoration is completed and the lake refills.
Don't Wait for Memorial Day Weekend

Don't Wait for Memorial Day Weekend

  • 4/12/2016 7:29:00 AM
  • View Count 6736
Don’t wait until the first big holiday of the season to get out and enjoy an Iowa State Park. There are some really cool things to see and do happening right now, before the end of April! Here are five to inspire a trip outdoors, sooner rather than later.
Paddle Up To These Secluded Campsites

Paddle Up To These Secluded Campsites

  • 6/19/2015 11:02:00 AM
  • View Count 57677
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 Ideas to Celebrate Great Outdoors Month in Iowa

7 Ideas to Celebrate Great Outdoors Month in Iowa

  • 6/3/2015 4:01:00 AM
  • View Count 8106
Grab the kids or your friends, and get the bike, kayak or fishing pole - June is Great Outdoors Month! Throw the tent in the car and explore some Iowa state parks this month – and if you need a few ideas, here are some great activities and events going on in Iowa state parks this month. For more ideas, visit the DNR events calendar.
6 Great Iowa State Parks for Spring Fishing

6 Great Iowa State Parks for Spring Fishing

  • 5/12/2015 11:41:00 AM
  • View Count 19410
Spring is a great time to head out fishing, so grab a buddy, call up Dad or Mom, or load the kids into the car and get out there. Plan a day trip or spend the entire weekend at one of Iowa’s great state parks. Enjoy the beautiful weather and “hook” some memories that will last a lifetime.