Outdoors

Key decisions affecting Iowa’s state parks, wildlife management, and outdoor recreation rules will be made next week when the Iowa Natural Resource Commission meets in Storm Lake.

Several projects are currently underway at the Sherwood Forrest in Dickinson County.

Community Relations Coordinator Amy Heibult shared the news in a recent interview, highlighting the enhancements planned for the popular outdoor space.

Two local cities are being honored for their efforts in tree planting and maintenance.

The Iowa Great Lakes was declared ice free last week. DNR Research Biologist Jon Meerbeek says typically East Lake is typically the first to go, but Big Spirit Lake had a large open spot all winter.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources wants you to know that smoke you see emanating from some state parks like Spring Run, Cayler Prairie, and Center Lake in the coming weeks are likely controlled burns.

Spencer’s trail system saw a burst of activity with this week’s warmer weather. Park and Rec Director Bob Fullhart say the mild winter should allow summer Maintenace work to begin ahead of schedule.

Exciting developments are underway along the Des Moines River for the City of Estherville. Lexie Ruter, Executive Director of the Estherville Area Chamber of Commerce, shared more details with Northwest Iowa Now.

The walleye fishing season on Spirit, East and West Okoboji lakes is open through Feb. 14th. It will close after that date and reopens on May 3rd. These are the only Iowa lakes that have a closed season for walleye.

The Iowa DNR are working bring back to the much-anticipated paddlefish to the Iowa Great Lakes.