IA DNR: DNR Will Continue to Accept Comment on Uses of Iowa’s Streams and Rivers

DES MOINES – As part of its efforts to better protect Iowa’s streams, the DNR announced today that it will continue to accept public comments on stream use designations.

“We are delighted in the amount of interest and response we are getting from the public about these important protections for our streams. We want to be able to continue this important dialogue with Iowa’s citizens, which is why we are continuing the comment period,” said DNR Director Richard Leopold.

The DNR is asking for Iowans’ comments on the recommended stream uses planned for approximately 3,000 miles of streams. A listing of the specific streams where comments are being sought is available at: http://www.iowadnr.com/water/standards/files/noia_streamuse.pdf.

While comments were originally due Dec. 11, the DNR will continue to accept comments until 5:00 p.m. Jan. 2, 2008. The information and comments received from citizens is an important element in deciding the recreational uses of specific segments of streams.

“Public input has been an invaluable resource for us in this process of assessing recreational use of our streams. When we are literally assessing thousands of miles of streams and rivers, it would be an almost impossible task without the assistance of our citizens in telling us where and how they are using Iowa’s water for recreational purposes,” said Leopold.

“I think the amount of public input and comment we’ve received is testimony as to how valuable water resources are to Iowans,” Leopold added.

The DNR has conducted six public comment meetings across the state earlier this fall. So far, more than 1,000 comments have been submitted.

Beginning in 2006, the DNR extended protection to more than 26,000 miles of streams for aquatic life and recreational uses. Before that time, only 2,276 miles of streams were protected for higher recreational uses such as swimming, boating and wading. About 12,000 miles were designated to protect fish and other aquatic life.

“Less than two years ago, only three percent of streams in Iowa were protected for swimming, the recreational use that requires the highest level of protection,” said Chuck Corell, water quality bureau chief for the DNR.

“In the past, no protection for recreational use has ever been in place for many of our streams,” said Corell. “The designations we are proposing for the vast majority of our streams will be a drastic increase in the amount of protection for Iowans and aquatic life that use these streams.”

The DNR will consider the public’s comments before finalizing the agency’s stream use recommendations. Any person may submit written suggestions or comments on the proposed rule through Jan. 2, 2008. Comments should be submitted to Adam Schnieders, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Wallace State Office Building, 502 East 9th Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50319; fax (515)281-8895; or e-mail adam.schnieders@dnr.iowa.gov. People who have questions may contact Adam Schnieders at (515) 281-7409. More information can be found on the DNR Web site at www.iowadnr.gov/water/uaa.html.