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DNR News Releases

Wildfire smoke contributes to air quality exceedances in May

• 6/1/2023 4:11:00 PM
• View Count 2604

Des Moines, IA – The Air Quality Bureau has recorded 33 exceedances of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) over the last 14 days. Smoke from wildfires in Northern Canada contributed to 32 ozone exceedances and one fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exceedance between May 18th and May 31st. Iowa has averaged less than four ozone exceedances per year over the last five years. These exceedances are the first of the NAAQS measured in Iowa this year.

Don’t be fooled by summer heat: Iowa’s waters are still dangerously cold

• 6/1/2023 3:56:00 PM
• View Count 3574

Summer heat entices many to plunge into local lakes to cool off. Air temperatures may soar into the 90s this weekend but water temperatures are much cooler, especially below the surface.

Air Quality permits under review

• 5/30/2023 2:38:00 PM
• View Count 2570

DES MOINES – The DNR Air Quality Bureau has the following draft permits up for review. The permits help protect Iowans’ health and the air where we live. DNR’s permitting staff review the applications to ensure facilities comply with state and federal air quality standards. The public has the right and is encouraged to comment on draft permits. DNR considers public comments before finalizing the permits. Submit comments in writing to the assigned permit writer before 4:30 p.m. on the last day of the comment peri...

Different habitats on the Upper Wapsi Wildlife Area attracts and supports diverse wildlife

• 5/30/2023 11:48:00 AM
• View Count 5554

The Upper Wapsi Wildlife Area is returning to a mix of wetlands, timber, and prairie that traditionally would make up this area, hosting various wildlife from sandhill cranes, Canada geese, red-shouldered hawks, bobolinks, pheasants, to wild turkeys, blandings turtles, smooth green snakes and white-tailed deer.

Discover Hidden Gems with the 2023 State Park Passport

• 5/30/2023 11:45:00 AM
• View Count 7870

The Iowa State Park Passport is back in 2023 and better than ever.

Boater collides with bridge piling on Cedar River

• 5/27/2023 8:38:00 PM
• View Count 3428

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - On May 27, 2023, at approximately 1:00 PM, Jeffrey Mattison, 51, of Cedar Rapids, collided with a bridge piling while boating on the Cedar River.

Water conservation alert declared for portions of northern Pottawattamie, Harrison, Shelby, Audubon, and Cass County

• 5/26/2023 3:48:00 PM
• View Count 3737

AVOCA, Iowa - A mandatory nonessential water usage restriction is in effect immediately for the customers of the Avoca Treatment Plant Distribution System. Regional Water Rural Water District has declared “Level Yellow,” the second of a system of progressive levels within its Emergency Water Conservation Plan.

Boil order for portions of Pottawattamie, Harrison, Shelby, Audubon, and Cass County

• 5/25/2023 3:51:00 PM
• View Count 2589

AVOCA, Iowa - Pottawattamie, Harrison, Shelby, Audubon, and Cass County residents and businesses served by Regional Water Rural Water Association, PWS # 8300184, are being advised to boil their water before using it due to a problem in the distribution system resulting in a loss of pressure.

DNR seeks comment on proposed Administrative Code revisions

• 5/25/2023 3:34:00 PM
• View Count 2685

Pursuant to Executive Order 10, DNR has reviewed the following rule chapters: 567 Iowa Administrative Code (IAC) chapter 3 (adopted by reference from 561 IAC chapter 3), 567 IAC chapter 10, 567 IAC chapter 12, and 567 IAC chapter 17. Following the review of the rule chapters, the DNR has combined and revised the chapters to remove redundancies and create efficiencies. DNR seeks informal comment on the proposed rules. DNR will accept written comments until June 23, 2023. Written comments or questions regarding ...

Air Quality permits under review

• 5/25/2023 3:29:00 PM
• View Count 2599

DES MOINES – The DNR Air Quality Bureau has the following draft permits up for review. The permits help protect Iowans’ health and the air where we live. DNR’s permitting staff review the applications to ensure facilities comply with state and federal air quality standards. The public has the right and is encouraged to comment on draft permits. DNR considers public comments before finalizing the permits. Submit comments in writing to the assigned permit writer before 4:30 p.m. on the last day of the comment period.

DNR enforcement actions

• 5/25/2023 3:27:00 PM
• View Count 2444

DES MOINES – DNR staff work with individuals, businesses and communities to help them protect our natural resources by complying with state and federal laws. This approach is very effective. In the few cases where compliance cannot be achieved, the DNR issues enforcement actions. The following list summarizes recent enforcement actions. Find the entire, original orders on DNR’s website at www.iowadnr.gov/EnforcementActions

Wildfire Smoke Contributes to Exceedances of Ozone Air Quality Standards

• 5/24/2023 1:22:00 PM
• View Count 3467

DES MOINES – Wildfire smoke carries particulates as well as massive amounts of gases and a cocktail of chemicals that can enhance ozone formation hundreds or even thousands of miles downwind.

Spawning stress causes panfish kills in southern Iowa lakes

• 5/23/2023 3:35:00 PM
• View Count 3159

Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) fisheries biologists have investigated recent reports of dead bluegill and crappie in southern Iowa lakes.

Iowa DNR Fire Program gearing up for national wildfires

• 5/23/2023 1:38:00 PM
• View Count 2591

AMES – While wildland fire season hasn’t been active yet, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Fire Program has been busy getting firefighters from Iowa ready to be dispatched to wildfires across the country. 

Iowa’s Scholastic Clay Target Program crowns international skeet and international bunker trap champions

• 5/23/2023 1:34:00 PM
• View Count 2778

The Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) held championship events for International Skeet and International Bunker Trap on May 20-21.

Bat survey looking for volunteers

• 5/23/2023 1:32:00 PM
• View Count 2722

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources and Iowa State University are looking for volunteers interested in performing night time surveys for bats in Dubuque, Pocahontas, Marshall, Franklin and Butler counties.

Help protect Iowa’s forests - leave firewood at home

• 5/23/2023 1:29:00 PM
• View Count 2659

Thousands of Iowans will be camping and building campfires this Memorial Day weekend and throughout the summer.

Help stop the spread of invasive species in your community

• 5/23/2023 1:25:00 PM
• View Count 2437

Governor Kim Reynolds recently proclaimed June as Invasive Species Awareness Month in Iowa.

21-year-old man drowned Saturday on West Okoboji Lake

• 5/23/2023 1:23:00 PM
• View Count 7281

The Iowa Department to Natural Resources (DNR) is investigating a drowning Saturday afternoon on West Okoboji Lake, after Alexander Glover, 21, of Cedar Rapids, jumped off a pontoon and into the water in Miller's Bay.

Fawning season is here, deer are on the move

• 5/23/2023 1:20:00 PM
• View Count 3216

The calls have been coming in to field offices and conservation officers for the past few weeks and will only increase as the first few weeks of June marks the peak of the deer fawning season.

Share the fun of fishing during free fishing weekend June 2-4

• 5/23/2023 1:12:00 PM
• View Count 7256

Iowa residents can try fishing without buying a license on June 2, 3 and 4, as part of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) free fishing weekend. All other regulations remain in place.

Iowa Administrative Code Chapter 65 revision update

• 5/18/2023 2:39:00 PM
• View Count 3165

Pursuant to Executive Order 10, DNR has reviewed and drafted animal feeding operation rules (567 Iowa Administrative Code Chapter 65). 

Air Quality permits under review, published 5/18/2023

• 5/18/2023 2:37:00 PM
• View Count 2663

DES MOINES – The DNR Air Quality Bureau has the following draft permits for review.

DNR enforcement actions, published 5/18/2023

• 5/18/2023 2:35:00 PM
• View Count 2451

DES MOINES – DNR staff work with individuals, businesses and communities to help them protect our natural resources by complying with state and federal laws

Smoke from Canadian fires expected to impact Iowa today and tomorrow

• 5/18/2023 2:33:00 PM
• View Count 8570

Des Moines – An approaching cold front is pulling smoke from Canadian wildfires down to ground level, and areas of unhealthy, very unhealthy, and hazardous air quality are being measured across much of Alberta, Saskatchewan, Montana, Minnesota, and North and South Dakota.

DNR to present results of rules and regulations evaluation at four public meetings

• 5/17/2023 8:12:00 AM
• View Count 2523

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Bureau is hosting four public meetings to present its results from the comprehensive evaluation of administrative rules and regulations.

No Air Quality Fee Changes for Upcoming Fiscal Year

• 5/16/2023 3:24:00 PM
• View Count 2286

There will be no changes in Air Quality Bureau fees for the 2024 fiscal year, which begins on July 1, 2023, and ends on June 30, 2024.

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.

MADD, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, team up for boating BUI and ATV DUI prevention campaign to kick off summer recreation season

• 5/16/2023 1:56:00 PM
• View Count 2663

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Illinois volunteers and staff are teaming up with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to promote safe boating and ATV seasons and to educate about the dangers of operating a boat, watercraft, and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) while impaired by alcohol or other drugs.

Improve your paddling skills with DNR canoe and kayak schools

• 5/16/2023 1:54:00 PM
• View Count 2436

DES MOINES —Naturalists, youth group leaders and others who bring people out on the water in canoes or kayaks and want to learn how to teach others about paddling efficiently and safely are encouraged to attend one of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) paddling schools scheduled June through September.

Safety tips for river recreation this summer

• 5/16/2023 1:52:00 PM
• View Count 3202

Iowa rivers will soon be busy with paddlers, swimmers, and people wading to search for fossils, rocks and driftwood or to clean up litter or explore a sandbar.

Help stop aquatic hitchhikers this Memorial Day weekend

• 5/16/2023 1:50:00 PM
• View Count 2153

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds all boaters and anglers to “Clean, Drain, and Dry” their boats and equipment this Memorial Day weekend to protect Iowa lakes and rivers from aquatic hitchhikers.

Annual surveillance confirms 96 deer and three new counties for chronic wasting disease

• 5/16/2023 1:49:00 PM
• View Count 3030

Chronic wasting disease was confirmed in 96 deer that were tested during the 2022 monitoring season, including deer from three new counties – Jasper, Grundy, and Lucas. With the addition of Jasper County, chronic wasting disease has again come into central Iowa.

Iowa’s spring turkey season is one for the books

• 5/16/2023 1:47:00 PM
• View Count 3538

Despite a rainy cold closing weekend across much of state, Iowa’s wild turkey hunters reported harvesting more than 14,800 birds through the mandatory registration system, an increase of nearly 3,000 versus the 2022 harvest.

Boaters to hit the waters this Memorial Day weekend

• 5/16/2023 1:45:00 PM
• View Count 3097

The unofficial beginning to summer is just days away and that also marks the unofficial beginning of Iowa’s boating season. Boaters across the state are anxious to get out on the lake after the cool and wet spring and are preparing their watercraft for the long holiday weekend.

Visitors expected to fill parks over Memorial Day weekend

• 5/16/2023 1:42:00 PM
• View Count 2344

Iowa state parks and forests are gearing up for a busy Memorial Day weekend, the traditional start of the outdoor summer recreation season.

River Users Should Avoid Area Near Adel Wastewater Facility

• 5/16/2023 12:24:00 PM
• View Count 2317

ADEL--Persons recreating on the North Racoon River should avoid an area immediately below the Adel Wastewater Treatment Facility where a pool of partially treated waste has collected after a release on Monday.

Paddle your way to prizes!

• 5/15/2023 3:48:00 PM
• View Count 2583

The Hook n’ Paddle Passport, launched last summer, has been refreshed and is ready for a second year of fun.

Plan to participate in the joint Air Quality EO10 Rules Meeting and Client Contact Meeting on May 18

• 5/15/2023 3:43:00 PM
• View Count 1908

Stay up-to-date on current events and upcoming changes in DNR’s air quality program. Plan to attend a virtual open forum with DNR staff at the joint EO10 Rules Meeting beginning at 9 a.m. and the Air Quality Client Contact Meeting at 10:45 a.m. on Thursday, May 18.

Air Quality permits under review, May 11, 2023

• 5/11/2023 7:05:00 AM
• View Count 2099

DES MOINES – The DNR Air Quality Bureau has the following draft permits for review. The permits help protect Iowans’ health and the air where we live. DNR’s permitting staff review the applications to ensure facilities comply with state and federal air quality standards. The public has the right and is encouraged to comment on draft permits. DNR considers public comments before finalizing the permits. Submit comments in writing to the assigned permit writer before 4:30 p.m. on the last day of the comment period.

DNR enforcement actions, published 5/11/2023

• 5/11/2023 7:02:00 AM
• View Count 2432

DES MOINES – DNR staff work with individuals, businesses and communities to help them protect our natural resources by complying with state and federal laws.

Workshop to help communities fund redevelopment of abandoned or contaminated sites

• 5/11/2023 7:00:00 AM
• View Count 2316

A free, one-day workshop designed to help local communities redevelop brownfield sites on June 6 in Cedar Rapids and June 7 in Des Moines. The type of properties for consideration are where environmental contamination or concerns about hazardous materials, such as asbestos or lead-based paint in building materials, have hindered a community's interest in acquiring and redevelopment. The workshop will introduce communities to new and expanded financial and technical resources available to help redevelop these si...

Environmental Protection Commission to meet in Emmetsburg

• 5/11/2023 6:58:00 AM
• View Count 2090

DES MOINES— The Environmental Protection Commission will meet in Emmetsburg, Iowa to tour the Iowa Lakes Regional Water, Osgood Water Treatment Plant and Lost Island Lake on Monday, May 15.

Less than one week left to submit your 2022 Minor Source Emissions Inventory

• 5/9/2023 2:11:00 PM
• View Count 2158

Facilities located in the central third of Iowa and portable plants must submit their 2022 Minor Source Emissions Inventory (MSEI) by May 15, 2023.

Midwest black bear population may start calling parts of Iowa home down the road

• 5/9/2023 2:04:00 PM
• View Count 13096

There’s a pretty good chance that, in the next several weeks, Northeast Iowa will be visited by a few wandering black bears coming down from Minnesota and Wisconsin ahead of the breeding season. It’s been an annual occurrence in this region each spring since 2014.

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