This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR), established by the Legislature when several state agencies consolidated in 1986. The DNR oversees compliance with water, land and air quality regulations, as well as wildlife, fisheries, forests and state parks.
To commemorate the 30th anniversary, the DNR is highlighting 30 success stories about our natural resources, including:
- Iowa’s eagle population, on the brink of extinction in 1986, now has close to 400 nesting pairs in the state.
- More than 1,200 miles of hiking and biking trails have been developed across Iowa.
- Iowa’s streams that can support naturally reproducing trout have increased from six to 45.
- 2.2 million Iowans now participate in curbside recycling in 644 Iowa communities.
For more information on Iowa’s natural resources accomplishments, go to www.iowadnr.gov/30th.