Articles Tagged: Iowa Department of Natural Resources

After 10 years of successes and complications of the Nutrient Reduction Strategy, The Gazette reviews how it could be improved.

The two-pronged plan details how Iowa hopes to reduce its nutrient pollution from agriculture and industry.

The Gazette dove into ISU data to investigate how to-date conservation practices and facility upgrades have impacted Iowa’s nitrogen and phosphorous pollution

A northwest Iowa man, who was convicted last month of felony theft and 50 timber violations, argued that the Charter of the Forest of 1217, which established commoners’ rights to use public lands, applied to his case. The man admitted to cutting down and taking dozens of trees from a wildlife management area over the course of more than a year.

Two $60,000 donations will fund 20 more receivers across Iowa and help researchers track animal migrations

Bald eagle surveys in Iowa in 2023 showed a return to normal after 2022, the worst nesting season for many years, likely because of bird flu, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources reported.

The Iowa DNR has filed nearly 100 enforcement actions so far this year against companies or individuals who violated Iowa laws designed to protect Iowa’s environment. Cities and counties also work to stop discharges and hold offenders accountable. Critics say there isn’t enough enforcement and the fines are too small to deter future violations.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service selected two Iowa projects for the funds, which stem from the Inflation Reduction Act

A Stockton facility has agreed to pay a $5,000 fine for illegal dumping after a former employee allegedly buried underground at least 20 barrels, some containing unknown liquids.

Groundwater, soil monitored for solvents left behind by plastic packaging production

A draft of a new Iowa Administrative Code Chapter 65 released in September required new CAFOs near karst terrain to have a greater barrier between manure basins and the porous soil common in northeast Iowa. But the version the DNR sent to the Environmental Protection Commission in mid-November did not include that provision.

Private wells in Minnesota are facing nitrate contamination that must be addressed. Iowa is no stranger to these water quality issues

People stealing trees from public and private land in Iowa is an infrequent but growing occurrence, according to state conservation officers. In one recent case, set to go to trial this week, a Pocahontas County man is charged with felony theft for taking trees from a wildlife management area.

The REAP grant will go toward native plants, trails and recreational amenities on the historic grounds

Meanwhile, reports of chronic wasting disease continue to ramp up