This is from Iowa DNR--it could be very important for us to attend these meetings and give input about greater protection for public lands.  Note the first meeting is at the DM Botanical Center tomorrow night.

Jane Clark

 

INFORMATIONAL MEETINGS SCHEDULED TO DISCUSS PROPOSED RULE CHANGES FOR PUBLIC LANDS
 
A series of informational meetings to highlight proposed rule changes regarding public lands will be held in October in Des Moines, Dubuque and Spirit Lake. The first is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 14th in Des Moines.
 
The primary intent of changing the rules is to clarify the application procedure, formalize the permit denial process and provide better management of public lands and waters. The proposed rules will also provide for potential penalties associated with the violation of permit conditions or failure to get a permit prior to construction on public lands. The proposed rules also provide for greater enforcement ability by the DNR in cases where private entities have encroached on public land.
 
Public lands are owned by the citizens of Iowa and include many lakes, 14 rivers, wildlife management areas, state forests and state parks.
 
The proposed rules do not pertain to docks which are covered under a separate chapter of Iowa law and have recently been revised.
 
“We have been working hard within the department to create rules that are both fair, but also provide us with the safeguards we need to adequately protect the public land owned by Iowa’s citizens,” said Diane Ford-Shivvers, assistant administrator of the DNR’s Conservation and Recreation Division.
 
Ford-Shivvers said the DNR wants the three public meetings to be active discussions on the proposed rules which are scheduled to go into effect next March.
 
“The meetings will be an opportunity for the public to learn about what changes are being proposed, but it is also an opportunity for us to hear from the public. Policy always benefits when the public is able to participate in the discussion and provide valuable input,” said Ford-Shivvers.
 
The three meetings are as follows:
 
Tuesday, Oct. 14th; 6-8 pm at the Des Moines Botanical Center, Walsh Room,
909 Robert D. Ray Drive, Des Moines.
 
Thursday, Oct. 23rd; 6-8 pm at EB Lyons Interpretive Center, Mines of Spain State Park, 8991 Bellevue Heights, Dubuque.
 
Monday, Oct. 27th; 6-8 pm at the Dickinson County Community Building, 1602 15th St., in Spirit Lake.
 
For more information, contact Inga Foster at 515-281-8967.