Iowa Budget Report, Dept of Natural Resources Budgets, 2016-2017

Abstract

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is the state agency charged with conserving and enhancing the states natural resources. The department has primary responsibility for management and operation of state parks and forests, protecting the environment, and managing fish, wildlife and land and water resources in this state. The Departments primary responsibilities include: Protect, conserve and enhance fish and wildlife populations and their habitats on public and private land. Expand and enhance forest resources on public and private lands. Protect, conserve and enhance the air, groundwater, surface water and land resources of Iowa, while simultaneously considering economic development needs. Provide outdoor recreational opportunities for 625,000 hunters and anglers, nearly 1 million wildlife enthusiasts and 14 million park visitors. Develop and manage 425,000 acres of public land, including 71 parks and recreation area, 510 wildlife areas, 245 lakes and four state forests. Technical assistance provided to private landowners, local governments, business and industry, and other state agencies in the areas of Land Quality and Waste Management, Air Quality, Geology, Water Supply, Forestry, Fish and Wildlife. Regulation and Enforcement of environmental and recreational regulations