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6 tips for soaking up more stormwater in your yard

6 tips for soaking up more stormwater in your yard

  • 4/20/2020 1:44:00 PM
  • View Count 9386
Not that long ago, Iowa consisted of nearly 80 percent prairie with plants and soil that could easily soak up stormwater with little to no runoff after heavy rains. Today, with drastic changes in land use, things have changed. With so many impervious surfaces (surfaces that shed water, such as roofs and concrete), runoff is forced quickly down storm drains and straight into local water bodies. Here are some ways to soak up more water in your yard to help prevent erosion and flooding in your lawn and home, as well a...
DNR enforcement actions

DNR enforcement actions

  • 4/16/2020 2:34:00 PM
  • View Count 2898
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.
Air Quality permits under review

Air Quality permits under review

  • 4/16/2020 2:32:00 PM
  • View Count 2245
DES MOINES – The DNR Air Quality Bureau has the following draft permits up for review. The permits help protect Iowans’ health and air quality. DNR’s permitting staff review each permit application to ensure facilities comply with state and federal air quality requirements.
Leave wildlife babies where they belong -- in the wild

Leave wildlife babies where they belong -- in the wild

  • 4/14/2020 2:23:00 PM
  • View Count 4338
It's as predictable as May flowers - from border to border, the Wildlife Baby Season has arrived in Iowa. From now until at least mid-June, DNR field offices across the state will be inundated with hundreds of phone calls and scores of deliveries regarding "orphaned wildlife."
Iowans can do their part in helping the Monarch habitat grow

Iowans can do their part in helping the Monarch habitat grow

  • 4/14/2020 2:21:00 PM
  • View Count 6385
The recent news from the World Wildlife Fund and Mexico’s Comisión Nacional de Áreas Naturales Protegidas on monarch wintering numbers was an eye opener  – the butterflies covered an estimated seven acres of forest canopy in Mexico – less than half of last year’s population. Experts estimate a long-term average of 15 acres of occupied forest canopy is necessary to sustain the eastern North America monarch population.
Caves at Maquoketa Caves State Park to remain closed through at least April 30

Caves at Maquoketa Caves State Park to remain closed through at least April 30

  • 4/14/2020 2:16:00 PM
  • View Count 2910
MAQUOKETA - The caves at Maquoketa Caves State Park will remain closed through April 30, in accordance with Governor Reynolds’ social distancing efforts. The trail system for the park’s most popular caves involves narrow boardwalks and handrails, making it difficult for visitors to maintain physical distances of at least six feet. Visitors can access the rest of the park while the caves are closed. 
Geode State Park restoration project timeline extended

Geode State Park restoration project timeline extended

  • 4/14/2020 2:14:00 PM
  • View Count 3246
Danville, Iowa – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) extended the timeline to complete in-lake restoration work at Geode State Park due to poor working conditions throughout the winter. Current restoration activities will improve water quality at Lake Geode and enhance accessibility and recreational opportunities in the park.
8 cool things you should know about peregrine falcons

8 cool things you should know about peregrine falcons

  • 4/14/2020 2:05:00 PM
  • View Count 29698
It’s spring, and one of Iowa’s most fascinating and rare birds of prey is currently getting down to the serious business of nesting! Do you know these facts about one of the fastest animals on the planet?
Why do fish school?

Why do fish school?

  • 4/9/2020 3:36:00 PM
  • View Count 7260
Call it the original synchronized swimming - fish, moving smoothly and swiftly, all in coordination with hundreds of other fish - that’s how fish do school.
DNR enforcement actions

DNR enforcement actions

  • 4/9/2020 1:32:00 PM
  • View Count 2442
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.
Air Quality permits under review

Air Quality permits under review

  • 4/9/2020 1:28:00 PM
  • View Count 2377
DES MOINES – The DNR Air Quality Bureau has the following draft permits up for review. The permits help protect Iowans’ health and air quality. DNR’s permitting staff review each permit application to ensure facilities comply with state and federal air quality requirements.
Stay safe this spring fishing season

Stay safe this spring fishing season

  • 4/9/2020 10:40:00 AM
  • View Count 2430
As temperatures warm up this spring, many Iowans are wondering if they can still fish in light of the COVID-19 health emergency. The answer is yes, but be careful and responsible.
Stay safe and “distance” to start this paddling season

Stay safe and “distance” to start this paddling season

  • 4/7/2020 12:38:00 PM
  • View Count 3992
With recent warm temperatures, restless paddlers are ready to put canoes and kayaks in the water. Early spring paddling can provide solitude, exercise and an opportunity to see amazing wildlife, but extra precautions are needed to stay safe.
April 16 EASY Air Webinar Cancelled

April 16 EASY Air Webinar Cancelled

  • 4/3/2020 1:56:00 PM
  • View Count 1854
We regret having to cancel the EASY Air training webinar scheduled for April 16. With the difficult logistics of five presenters working from remote locations, we decided to postpone the training.
DNR enforcement actions

DNR enforcement actions

  • 4/2/2020 2:25:00 PM
  • View Count 2277
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.
Air Quality permits under review

Air Quality permits under review

  • 4/2/2020 2:23:00 PM
  • View Count 2275
DES MOINES – The DNR Air Quality Bureau has the following draft permits up for review. The permits help protect Iowans’ health and air quality. DNR’s permitting staff review each permit application to ensure facilities comply with state and federal air quality requirements.
Mississippi River walleye length limit changes effective April 1

Mississippi River walleye length limit changes effective April 1

  • 4/1/2020 3:29:00 PM
  • View Count 20660
Based on overwhelming support received during public meetings in March, Iowa DNR is extending current length limits in Mississippi River Pools 12-20 to now include the entire Mississippi River in Iowa. This change will reflect regulation changes in Minnesota and Wisconsin waters of Pools 9-12.
Time to start planning to control plants in Iowa ponds

Time to start planning to control plants in Iowa ponds

  • 3/31/2020 12:33:00 PM
  • View Count 2694
A healthy pond needs aquatic plants, but too many plants can limit the pond’s use and cause imbalances in the fish population. If you had problems using your pond last year because of aquatic plant growth, you could have similar problems this year.
Iowa fishing and hunting regulations not affected by COVID-19

Iowa fishing and hunting regulations not affected by COVID-19

  • 3/31/2020 12:32:00 PM
  • View Count 3449
Iowa's hunting and fishing regulations are not affected by the current COVID-19 health emergency in Iowa. Despite rumors on social media channels, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has no plans to eliminate seasons, relax regulations or change license prices.
Rathbun and Spirit Lake fish hatcheries busy netting walleye

Rathbun and Spirit Lake fish hatcheries busy netting walleye

  • 3/31/2020 12:30:00 PM
  • View Count 5071
MORAVIA, Iowa – The late night, annual walleye collection will start this week at Rathbun Lake and the Iowa Great Lakes. Crews with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Bureau will set gillnets at night looking for walleyes ready to spawn.
Upcoming Trainings: The Bottom Line on Industrial Stormwater

Upcoming Trainings: The Bottom Line on Industrial Stormwater

  • 3/30/2020 10:29:00 AM
  • View Count 2288
Mark your calendars and register to attend one of the upcoming sessions of "The Bottom Line on Industrial Stormwater."  This workshop was offered in 2018 and 2019 and has been scheduled again to meet demand for the information and training.
Iowa state parks reduce some amenities as part of COVID-19 response

Iowa state parks reduce some amenities as part of COVID-19 response

  • 3/28/2020 1:42:00 PM
  • View Count 10639
Iowa state parks are continuing to look at ways to help protect the health of visitors and staff during the COVID-19 health emergency. Iowa state parks are still open. However, please be aware of the following operational changes, effectively immediately, before visiting a state park.
Air Quality permits under review

Air Quality permits under review

  • 3/26/2020 11:42:00 AM
  • View Count 1801
DES MOINES – The DNR Air Quality Bureau has the following draft permits up for review. The permits help protect Iowans’ health and air quality. DNR’s permitting staff review each permit application to ensure facilities comply with state and federal air quality requirements
Caves closed seasonally for bat hibernation at Maquoketa Caves State Park

Caves closed seasonally for bat hibernation at Maquoketa Caves State Park

  • 3/24/2020 12:05:00 PM
  • View Count 5402
MAQUOKETA - The caves at Maquoketa Caves State Park will reopen to the public after bat hibernation season on April 15. The popular caves are closed annually from Oct. 15 to April 15 to protect hibernating bats. Visitors have access to the rest of the park while the caves are closed. 
Staying safe during Iowa’s spring turkey seasons and spring fishing

Staying safe during Iowa’s spring turkey seasons and spring fishing

  • 3/24/2020 12:03:00 PM
  • View Count 12619
Protecting yourself during the COVID-19 national pandemic starts with following the guidance from our state and national health experts – maintain at least six feet between each other, wash your hands with soap for 20 seconds, cover your cough, stay home if you feel sick and avoid groups of 10 or more people. These are unprecedented times and personal health and safety takes top priority.
Iowa fishing and hunting regulations not affected by COVID-19

Iowa fishing and hunting regulations not affected by COVID-19

  • 3/24/2020 12:01:00 PM
  • View Count 8965
Iowa's hunting and fishing regulations are not affected by the current COVID-19 health emergency in Iowa. Despite rumors on social media channels, the DNR has no plans to eliminate seasons, relax regulations or change license prices.
DNR investigating drowning on Mississippi River

DNR investigating drowning on Mississippi River

  • 3/23/2020 8:46:00 AM
  • View Count 2945
GUTTENBERG, Iowa - The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is investigating a drowning that happened on March 21, around 1:30pm, near the spillway of Lock and Dam #10 on the Mississippi River.
Working from home? Iowa EASY Air is a Great Option!

Working from home? Iowa EASY Air is a Great Option!

  • 3/20/2020 9:08:00 AM
  • View Count 2529
Are you social distancing and working at home but still need to submit an air permit application? If so, consider using EASY Air, the DNR’s electronic air permit application system for both construction and Title V operating permit applications.
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