DNR
ISSUES 2010 STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT REPORT
MEDIA
CONTACT: Kevin Baskins at (515) 281-8395 or [log in to unmask]
The
DNR evaluated the health of the state’s natural resources in eight areas:
Iowans
outdoors, land protection, deer, game birds, wildlife diversity, clean air,
clean lakes and water quality. DNR Director Richard Leopold announced the
results at Tuesday’s Environmental Protection Commission meeting in
“We’re pleased to see
improvements in a number of areas. Yet, we have a number of challenges and much
work to do, especially for wildlife habitat,” said Leopold. “We’ll continue to
work with Iowans to build on our successes and see real changes on the landscape
in the future.”
Leopold pointed to a
historical investment in environmental protection and natural resource
development that will bolster improvement efforts.
“We’ve invested more
than $100 million in 2009, largely a result of federal stimulus funding and the
Resource Enhancement and Protection program, and it will no doubt have positive
effects on our environment,” Leopold added.
The report notes more
Iowans are fishing, camping, boating and paddling in the state, likely a result
of improved outdoor opportunities and the economy.
“Iowans have been
rediscovering the beauty in their own backyards, staying close to home for
vacations and weekend getaways,” said DNR Deputy Director Pat Boddy. “When
Iowans have the chance to experience the outdoors, they develop an appreciation
for our natural resources and better understand the need to preserve and protect
them.”
However, fewer Iowans
hunted pheasants in 2009, as the number of birds in the state continued to drop.
While historically harsh winters and wet springs have taken a toll, the real
issue is a major loss of habitat for pheasants. The same habitat is critical for
improving ever-dwindling populations of jackrabbits, prairie chickens and other
wildlife in the state.
The full State of the
Environment report is available on the DNR Web site at www.iowadnr.gov/status.html.
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