Iowa is blessed with a variety of rivers, creeks, and lakes offering a number of different types of experiences for beginner to expert paddler. 18,000 miles of navigable streams await exploration by curious paddlers from across the state. The Iowa DNR wants you to enjoy, appreciate, and respect Iowa's rivers.
Keep It Clean, Keep It Fun
This new Iowa Department of Natural Resources campaign is designed to improve people's behavior on Iowa rivers. To combat complaints of littering, noise, and poor behavior, the Iowa DNR is increasing law enforcement on rivers to reduce illegal activity.
But you can do your part by following these three principles:
- Keep it clean - Pick up trash as you go along
- Keep it fun - Use respectful language and behavior so everyone can enjoy the river
- For everyone - Respect private property, sandbars, and riverbanks
Litter Cleanup
Rental companies distribute materials to help paddlers report illegal activities they see. We are supplying boat and tube rental liveries with new river trash sacks, posters, and stickers to help spread the word and promote a better ethic of on-river use, especially in the summer months.
Littering is another significant problem on some rivers, especially at access points, and the DNR will be distributing blue mesh bags that people can take with them and pick up litter as they go.
What is a water trail?
Water trails are recreational corridors and routes on rivers and lakes that provide a unique experience all water users. Water trails help re-connect Iowans to their waterways’ history, heritage, geology, fisheries, and wildlife.
Water trails provide access and can include amenities like:
- riverside camping
- wild spaces
- picnic areas and restrooms
- watercraft rentals provided by local, state, and federal partners.
Coordinated signage and mapping systems guide users toward the types of experiences they seek, ranging from a highly social first-time river experience lasting a few hours to multi-day adventures.
Water trail partners at the local level are encouraged to steward the natural and economic values of their waterways to help boost local economies and give Iowans outdoor experiences just out their back doors.
Iowa DNR water trails staff lead through setting standards for planning requirements, providing funding and technical assistance, and maintaining the framework of the overall system.