Tuesday, May 28, 2013

IOWANS URGED TO BE CAUTIOUS AROUND FLOOD WATERS; NUMEROUS SYSTEMS BYPASSING BECAUSE OF HEAVY RAIN

MEDIA CONTACT: Kevin Baskins at 515-281-8395

DES MOINES —Following a rainy Memorial Day weekend and with significant additional precipitation in the forecast for the next week, Iowans are being urged to take additional precautions around flood waters.

In addition to the more obvious drowning dangers associated with often swift-moving, unpredictable flood waters, elevated levels of bacteria and other potential contaminants may be present as well.

Over the past 48 to 72 hours, many wastewater treatment facilities around the state have been unable to keep up with the unprecedented amount of water flowing into the treatment plants. Consequently, many have had to bypass untreated sewage to keep the sewage from backing up into homes and businesses which would provide an even greater risk to human health.

People are urged to avoid ingesting or directly contacting flood waters, especially if they have cuts or abrasions that may be susceptible to infections from contact with bacteria. People with weakened immune systems should also avoid contact with flood water due to the potential contact with bacteria. Swimmers and anglers should thoroughly wash after coming in contact with water during flooding conditions.

A number of large cattle feedlots, particularly in the northwest portion of the state, are also overflowing.

The good news is that the livestock facilities have been proactive in managing their operations during a challenging weather pattern, minimizing potential environmental impacts to rivers, streams and lakes, said Gene Tinker, coordinator of the DNR’s animal feeding operations program.

“We have seen producers pump manure from one basin to another to prevent overflows. Others have been using center pivots (irrigation) and land applying manure to prevent overflows. I give a lot of credit to the producers and to DNR field staff who have been involved with training livestock operators on how to properly deal with these situations,” said Tinker.

The DNR did extensive water sampling during the floods of 2008 and found that spikes in bacteria levels and other contamination could be found in the flood water. However, the sampling also showed that elevated levels of bacteria and other contamination did not last long in areas where streams and rivers were moving swiftly.

However, elevated levels of bacteria and other contamination can remain higher in areas where flood water has been “trapped” such as basements or non-flowing backwater areas.

Sampling of public beaches in 2008 showed that bacteria levels dropped relatively quickly after flooding when water was exposed to sunlight. It is also believed that the flooding conditions also helped “flush the system” washing bacteria off the landscape and quickly downstream.

The DNR has also done past sampling of bypassed wastewater during heavy rain events and found that the environmental impacts have been sharply reduced because of the high amount of dilution that is occurring from the large amounts of water generated by the precipitation.


Flooding Impacts Four State Parks

Three state parks overlooking scenic Iowa rivers are closed after heavy rainfall sent the rivers out of their banks, flooding the parks. 
George Wyth State Park, in Black Hawk County, will likely be close through the weekend due to flood conditions on the Cedar River.
Dolliver State Park, in Webster County, closed at noon Monday, when the Des Moines River left its banks. The river blocked access to the cabins and campground, but the north shelter and south lodge and group camp remain open.
Walnut Woods State Park has been closed in anticipation of the City of West Des Moines closing Walnut Woods Drive due to a flood warning for the Raccoon River.
Springbrook State Park, near Guthrie Center, is closed due to flood conditions on Springbrook Creek and the Middle Raccoon River.
The DNR is contacting all reservations to arrange for a refund. Updates will be provided on the DNR’s website www.iowadnr.gov/Destinations/StateParksRecAreas/ClosureInformation.aspx
In addition to the campground closures, the Neal Smith Trail, along the Des Moines River, will likely be flooded when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers increases the water release from Saylorville Lake. Signs and barricades will be posted alerting users of the closure.
Rock Creek State Park will reopen once the electric pedestals are inspected. As of Sunday, Rock Creek Lake had returned to its banks.

Media Contact: Greg Van Fosson, State Parks District Supervisor, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, 515-571-4010.

From the May 28 Iowa Outdoors
Volunteer Wildlife Surveys
Volunteer wildlife surveys are an example of citizen science projects that students can be involved in. Citizen science projects combine useful observation or data collection with an opportunity for students to learn more about scientific principles, problems, and processes as well as helping them better understand our environment and how to protect it.

Wildlife survey projects involve students in data collection, presentation, and involvement on a local, state, national, and even global level. There are many wildlife surveys that classrooms, and schools can choose to become involved in. One such opportunity is the frog and toad call surveys.

Frog & Toad Call Surveys
Every year during the early spring (as the air and water temperatures start to rise) frogs and toads, roused from their winter slumber, start a harmonious call that echoes through the valleys and fields of Iowa. Western chorus frogs are usually the first of the pint-sized amphibians to start their spring time refrain but they are soon followed by spring peepers, leopard frogs and many more!

Male frogs and toads call during the spring to attract mates. By listening and recording the species heard and the location biologists can gain important information about the health of a population and about the water quality. Amphibians have thin permeable skin and so are sensitive to pollutants in the water. There is concern for amphibian species worldwide as they have declined globally due to pollution.

To find out more about the VWMP or to sign up for a frog and toad route contact the state coordinator, Stephanie Shepherd at 515-432-2823 x 102, vwmp@dnr.iowa.gov.

IDNR Frog & Toad Call Surveys

Iowa HerpNet

ISU Extension Publications: Iowa Reptiles and Amphibians

Thursday, May 23, 2013

One of our Fish Iowa! instructors recently shared a video of her class and a unit they did on lures and baits. What a great way to build on the Fish Iowa! manual! Thank you for sharing Norma!

"We finished the unit on lures and bates. The students than researched a fish and decided what lure/bait they wanted to use. They created a hypothesis and we went to Greenfield lake to test it out. They will write a scientific report on their finds and confirm or refute their hypothesis. Mr. Swanson is a co-teacher for the class in the video and he helped suppy some of the fishing gear. We caught large mouth bass, walleyes,crappies, and sunfish. Thank you for the program. I took 4 different class out and the students loved it. You can use any part of the video/pictures that you want if you would like to." Norma McCutchan--Biology teacher

To view a video of Norma's class fishing visit:
http://www.flipshare.com/view.aspx?nRecipient=&nFrame=MDc2NDEyNjQtODcyOC00QzQ2LTk3RkQtQTg5OTQ5Qzg0RjQx&nT=

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

PLAY FISH BOWL WITH THE DNR ON FACEBOOK

MEDIA CONTACT: Jessie Brown, DNR, at 515-281-5131 or Jessie.Brown@dnr.iowa.gov

DES MOINES — Anglers can settle the age-old debate on what the best fish in Iowa is this spring with the Fish Bowl, a new DNR contest on Facebook – and be in the running to win a prize package of fishing lures valued at $100.

Beginning May 21 at 5 p.m., two fish representing each region of the state will face off to determine which fish will be Fish Bowl Champion. To vote for a fish, go to the DNR’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/iowadnr and comment on the Fish Bowl posts with your fish of choice. Be sure to “like” the DNR’s page while you’re there to see future Fish Bowl posts.

The playoff schedule is as follows:
·         May 21: southwest regional, bluegill vs. crappie
·         May 23: northeast regional, trout vs. pike
·         May 27: southeast regional, flathead catfish vs. largemouth bass
·         May 29: northwest regional, walleye vs. smallmouth bass
·         June 2: western semifinal
·         June 5: eastern semifinal
·         June 9: Fish Bowl Final
·         June 10: Fish Bowl champion announced

When the Fish Bowl champion is announced June 10 on Facebook, the post will also include a link to the DNR’s website, where fans can register to win a prize package of fishing lures valued at $100.

A full bracket will be updated on the DNR’s website at: www.iowadnr.gov/fishbowl, along with contest rules and other information.

For more pictures of fish in the running, visit the DNR on Pinterest at www.pinterest.com/iowadnr and check the “Iowa Fishing” board. Updates will also be posted on Twitter at www.twitter.com/iowadnr.

From the IDNR May 21 Iowa Outdoors

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

new Online Video Shows How To Catch Popular Fish

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is creating a new series of online videos to help beginning anglers to catch more fish.
The first video, an introduction to crappie fishing, focused on the how to fish for crappies during the spawn, which is currently underway. Catch Crappies NOW, can be found at www.iowadnr.gov/fishing in the tab on the right side of the screen.
“This new series is designed to teach fishing to those who have little or no knowledge of how to do it through format that they are comfortable with - web videos,” said Joe Larscheid, chief of Fisheries for the Iowa DNR.
A fisheries biologist will walk viewers through tackle and bait selection, how to find the right location, when the fish will likely be there and what resources the DNR has that can help them to catch fish.
Videos on how to catch bluegills, largemouth bass and channel catfish will be uploaded later this spring.
“Our intent is to get these videos online while fishing is peaking so viewers can use the tips to have success,” Larscheid said.

From the IDNR May 21, 2013 Iowa outdoors

Monday, May 20, 2013

Nature Games

Summer vacation is just around the corner! As you plan your last few weeks (or days!) of school keep these fun nature-based games in mind for students. Track and field days would be a fun way to incorporate one of these fun, active, outdoor animal games!

Critter Crawl
Students compete as teams in a relay race. The first student in each line moves like the assigned animal to advance to each station. Each student completes the course. For older students, add a free station where each student can choose an animal movement.

Station 1 – slither like a snake
Station 2 – hop like a bunny
Station 3 – fly like a bird (flap arms)
Station 4 – walk like an elephant (legs straight, arms straight – extended in front)
Station 5 – gallop like a horse

Thumper in the Thicket
Arrange hula hoops across the playing area. Divide students into two groups: rabbits and foxes. Rabbits start on one side of the playing field and the foxes on the opposite side. At a signal the rabbits hop to the safe place (hula hoop) before getting tagged by a fox; there can only be two rabbits per safe place. If tagged by a fox, they become a fox. At the end of each round a safe place (hula hoop) is removed. Continue removing safe places until one remains.

Deer Tag
Select 2-4 students to be hunters. The remaining students are deer in a forest. Hunters are positioned across the play area. Deer start at one end of the “forest” and try to get to the other side without being tagged by a hunter. As deer are tagged, they become hunters. As an extra challenge, include restrictions on how the hunters can tag the deer (e.g. right hand only, one hand behind their back, hopping on one foot).

For older students, partition the play area in fourths or halves. Limit the number of hunters allowed in each area.

Wildlife Charades
Give each student a slip of paper and ask him/her to write down a name of an animal they see in their backyard or on the playground. Put the slips of paper into a hat. One at a time, each student pulls a slip of paper from the hat. He/she must act out how that animal moves, looks, or acts in nature, while the other students try to guess what kind of animal it is. There can be no sounds, only actions. For younger students, cut out pictures of wildlife commonly found it Iowa and have the kids pull out a picture and imitate that animal. This could also be a group activity. Students could work as teams and together act out the animal while the other team guesses what kind of animal it is.

Leap Frog
Mark off two parallel lines (using chalk, masking tape, or rope) two to three feet apart to create a stream. For large groups, create several streams to keep all students active. Students line up on both sides of the stream, facing each other (towards the middle). Outside of the lines are the “banks of the stream” and the middle is “in the stream.” The leader will call out one of two commands: “in the stream” or “on the bank.” Students must leap like frogs according to the command. If a player follows the wrong command, they must sit out. The leader can repeat the command “in the stream” while players are in the stream and if any student moves, they are out of the game. To add further challenge, the leader can give false commands like the “in the lake” or “in the ocean.” Students should only move to the commands “in the stream” or “on the bank.”

One Fish, Two Fish
Designate 2 students as ducks. The remaining students are fish. Fish are scattered throughout the pond. When the music begins the fish “swim” around the pond. The ducks waddle around trying to tag the fish. If a fish is tagged he/she becomes a duck and tries to tag the fish. When the music stops all fish must freeze. The ducks continue to waddle around trying to tag the frozen fish. If a frozen fish moves while the music is stopped, he/she becomes a duck. When the music starts again, fish begin to swim. Continue until 2 fish remain. You can repeat the game with the last 2 fish becoming the new ducks.

Pheasant Hunt
Students form a line alternately facing in opposite directions in a squatting position. The first student in line is the "pheasant" and may run around the line in either direction. The last student is the "fox." The fox must run around the line in the same direction he/she starts, trying to catch the “pheasant.” The "fox" can step into line behind a player, tap his/her shoulder, and change places with him/her. When the "pheasant" is caught, the "fox" becomes the "pheasant" and the tagged "pheasant" gets in line opposite from the "fox" starting end. A new "fox" starts the chase anew.

The Hungry Caterpillar
Scatter small balls or cones across the play area. Divide students into small groups. Each group is a hungry caterpillar searching for food. The first student in each group is the caterpillar’s head and the remaining students are the body. The last student carries a ball bag. Caterpillars must travel around the play area in single file, holding onto the student in front of them. Each caterpillar must collect as much food (balls) as possible within the time limit (30 sec - 120 sec). Only the head of the caterpillar can guide the body and only the head can pick up the food (one at a time) and pass it back through the body. The food must be passed to each student down the line (as in relay) to where it is collected in the caterpillar's stomach (ball bag). To increase difficulty, designate a specific method in which the food must be passed (e.g., using left hand only, passing to the rear over the head, under the legs).

Metamorphosis Relay
Students are butterflies racing through their various life stages. Divide students into two teams. Students begin the race in a curled up position to represent an egg.

Station 1 – the caterpillar: students wiggle through a maze, searching for food
Station 2 – the chrysalis: students climb into a burlap sack and race to the next station
Station 3 – the adult caterpillar: students grab a colorful scarf and “flies” to the finish line

How Many Coyotes Can Live in this Forest?
Students are coyotes collecting food to survive. For a group of 25 – 30 coyotes, spread 25 each of 4 colors (green, blue, yellow, red) of rubber bands throughout the playing area. Each color of rubber band represents a different food in the coyote’s diet (green – plants; blue – cottontail rabbits; yellow – mice; red – deer). Place a plastic bag at the start line for each student. Students must gallop through the play area, pick up one colored rubber band, gallop back to the start line, put the rubber band in their plastic bag, and gallop back to collect more food. Students can pick up only one rubber band at a time. Continue until all the rubber bands have been collected. Have each student count how many of each color rubber band they collected in their bags. In order to survive, each coyote needs to have 7 green rubber bands, 7 blue rubber bands, 6 yellow rubber bands, and 2 red rubber bands.

Protect Your Harvest
Place 4 hula hoops in each corner of the playing area (make sure there is room around each side of the hula hoops for the students to move around them in a safe manner). Choose 4 students to be squirrels. Place a bucket in the middle with four bean bags. Each squirrel grabs a bean bag from the bucket and places it inside one of the hula hoops. Squirrels must stand outside the hula hoop and guard their nut (bean bag). The rest of the class moves around the hula hoops, trying to steal the nuts. Squirrels try to tag the thieves and stop them from stealing their nut. If a thief is tagged, he/she must move to the next hula hoop. If a thief successfully steals the bean bag without being tagged, he/she becomes the new squirrel. The old squirrel joins the rest of the class and tries to steal the nuts.

Nature Boogie
Students work in small groups. Show students pictures of plants and animals commonly found in Iowa. As a group, students chose plants and animals and create a series of dance movements (e.g., horse trot, dog shake, bunny hop, frog leap, cat pounce, snake slither, grapevine). Groups perform their dance for the class. For older students, encourage groups to incorporate music into the dance routines.

Tuesday, May 14, 2013




Above is the thank you card the Aquatic Education Program of the IDNR received today from Drew, a first-grader from Berg Elementary, who won his age division in the IDNR "Take It Outside Art Conest ". We are very happy to see that Drew is excited to go fishing and spend time outdoors with his family! Below is an excerpt from the letter we also received from Drew's art teacher, Chris Noel. Thank you Chris for the wonderful letter! We loved hearing from you!

“Thank you so much for sponsoring this contest and providing opportunities for students to express themselves creatively about nature. One of my first grade students, Drew ****, won in his age division. He and his family were very excited to learn of his accomplishment
and recognition….As an art teacher, I get bombarded with contest possibilities. Yours is one I can work into the curriculum in a meaningful way. This year we first had a discussion about animals that live in Iowa. I used the Smokey the Bear posters I got at the Iowa Arboretum years ago. Then we talked about composition, and looked at some examples. Finally, I reminded students of the self-portraits they had done earlier in the year since they were to include themselves in the picture….Again, thanks so much for providing this opportunity for young people, and for the wonderful prize packages you award.”
-          Chris Noel, Art Department, Newton Community School District

Monday, May 13, 2013


2013 Brass Bluegill Award

Each year the Iowa Department of Natural Resource’s Aquatic Education Program honors an individual for their efforts in helping Iowa’s youth become skilled anglers and advocates of fishing and natural resources conservation. Dan Anderson, Science Teacher at MFL MarMac High School in Monona, is the 2013 recipient of the Brass Bluegill Award.

Anderson has established an outstanding local program that exemplifies the goals of Fish Iowa! He has taught a fishing and aquatic education unit for nine years. “I usually work with about 20-30 sophomores through seniors ever year in my Natural Resources Science class. I then use my high school students to help teach the kindergartners and 3rd graders casting and a unit on fishing.”

Dan takes students to the DNR fisheries management station in Guttenberg where they actually assist with electro-fishing to sample walleye and sauger populations. “The students that go with have a lot of fun and find it hard to believe that people actually get paid to do such a fun job. Most of these kids are hoping for a career in the Iowa DNR.”

Anderson’s class has been involved with various other projects related to Fish Iowa! and Iowa’s  aquatic resources. His class won the Fish Iowa! Video Contest in 2010 & 2011. His students put together three to five-minute segments on different chapters of the Fish Iowa! module. The segments were then put together to create a comprehensive fishing instructional video. Dan’s class also participated in the clean-up of a two-mile section of Sny Magill Creek and Recreation Area with staff at the DNR Big Springs Hatchery.

“I teach Fish Iowa! because I believe we need to get more kids involved in outdoor activities and away from their iPods® and computer screens. Kids who spend a lot of time outdoors value our natural resources and have a greater respect for nature. My dad took me fishing all the time when I was a kid, and those days were the best memories I have of childhood. Hopefully some of these students will take their friends and family out and make some lasting memories too. I enjoy seeing the smiles on the faces of kids when they catch their first fish and watching them grab for the last few crumbs off the plate at our fish fry. It’s a lot of organizing, but it’s worth it if we can get more kids involved in outdoor activities.”

Dan was presented with his award at the Natural Resources Commission meeting in Dubuque on May 9. As part of the award, Dan’s Natural Resource Science Class received a set of 24 spinning rods and reels with carrying racks from the Aquatic Education Program. Fish Iowa! strives to create safe anglers and responsible stewards of Iowa’s aquatic resources. Fish Iowa! is supported by Sportfish Restoration Funds, which are obtained from excise taxes paid on fishing tackle and related items and fishing license dollars.

Tuesday, May 7, 2013


Fish Iowa! Games Regional Casting Competitions &
Family Fishing Events

Storm Lake Hatchery
When:
Friday, June 7, 2013

Kent Park
When:
Sunday, June 9, 2013

For Times, Locations, & Registration
:
Iowa Games (www.iowagames.org) > Sports > Summer Games > Fish Iowa Games Regional (for regional)

Medalists from a Fish Iowa! school casting competition must register in the
Medal Class. Non-Medalists and students who did not participate in a Fish Iowa! school casting competition must register in the Open Class.

Age Divisions:
Age 8 & younger, Age 9-11, and Age 12 & older

Questions:
For questions contact the Aquatic Education Program of the IDNR at EdInfo@dnr.iowa.gov or 641-747-2200

Friday, May 3, 2013

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources announces the new H2O Campaign!
The IDNR recently announced its new Healthy and Happy Outdoors or H2O campaign and web application. The new campaign supports the Governor’s “Healthiest State Initiative”. H2O is aimed at getting more Iowans outdoors by showing them where they can go and what they can do when they get there.

H2O consists of a searchable website where people can find outdoor destinations and activities. Iowans are encouraged to register and log their outdoor activities. Members who register their activities each month will be entered to win outdoor-recreation based prizes!
Visit the new H2O website at:
Look for H2O at the Iowa State Fair this year!!