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Iowa Department of Natural Resources

Our Mission

The department's mission is to manage, protect, conserve, and develop Iowa's natural resources in cooperation with other public and private organizations and individuals, so that the quality of life for Iowans is significantly enhanced by the use, enjoyment, and understanding of those resources.

Law Enforcement Bureau

Boating is fun and exciting for everyone who participates. Education is the key to having a safe and enjoyable experience on the water with friends and family. We sincerely appreciate your interest in participating in Iowa’s Boater Education Program and enjoying Iowa’s boating opportunities safely and responsibly.

Iowa offers a wide variety of water resources and recreational opportunities, including 36 natural lakes, 283 artificial lakes, 4 federal reservoirs, and thousands of miles of navigable inland rivers and streams.

The number of recreational boat registrations in Iowa continues to increase each year. In 2001, there were nearly 225,000 registered boats in Iowa. In contrast, in 1970, there were only about 100,000 registered boats.

Clearly, boater education is more important now than ever. With increasing numbers and types of boats and watercraft, safety awareness and boater education are imperative to the safety and welfare of all who use Iowa’s waterways. The mission of our boating safety education program is to ensure safe and enjoyable boating while protecting lives, property, and the environment.

So, welcome to the Iowa Boater Education Program! This is your first step in playing an important role in making Iowa waterways a safer place for everyone.

Remember, boat smart from the start—wear your life jacket!

Important DNR Phone Numbers

  • General DNR Information 515-281-5918
  • TTY Users—Contact Relay Iowa 1-800-735-2942
  • Records Center 515-242-5818
  • 24-hour Emergency Response 515-281-8694
    For environmental spills and releases of hazardous materials ONLY.
    Do not call this number with questions concerning road kill deer, deer seasons, etc.
  • TIP (Turn In Poachers) 1-800-532-2020
    Call this number to report crimes only.
  • 24-hour Phone Information System 515-281-5145
    New! DNR’s automated telephone system can provide around-the-clock answers to many of your natural resource questions.

In Case of a Boating Accident or Emergency, Contact a Conservation Officer

They can be reached through the six public safety communication centers listed below.

  • Atlantic 712-243-3854
  • Cedar Falls 319-277-4761
  • Cedar Rapids 319-396-4414
  • Des Moines 515-323-4360
  • Fairfield 641-472-5001
  • Storm Lake 712-732-1341

Regional Offices

(DNR Fish, Game and Law Enforcement) Contact a regional office for all your general boating questions and needs.

HEADQUARTERS
Wallace State Office Bldg.
502 E. 9th St.
Des Moines, IA 50319-0034
515-281-5918

NORTHEAST
Manchester Fish Hatchery
22693 205th Avenue
Manchester, IA 52057
563-927-3276

NORTH-CENTRAL
Fish and Wildlife Station
1203 North Shore Drive
Clear Lake, IA 50428
641-357-3517

NORTHWEST
Spirit Lake Fish Hatchery
122 252nd Ave.
Spirit Lake, IA 51360
712-336-1840

SOUTHWEST
Cold Springs State Park
57744 Lewis Rd.
Lewis, IA 51544
712-769-2587

SOUTH-CENTRAL
Wallace State Office Bldg.
502 E. 9th St.
Des Moines, IA 50319-0034
515-281-5918

SOUTHEAST
Lake Darling State Park
110 Lake Darling Road
Brighton, IA 52540
319-694-2430

Environmental Protection

Dead fish can be a sign of a natural fish kill—or a water quality problem. If you see fish floating or dead game laying in or near a stream, call the DNR Division of Environmental Protection office in your area.

Field Office 1
909 West Main St., Suite 4
Manchester, IA 52057
563-927-2640

Field Office 2
2300 15th St. SW
P.O. Box 1443
Mason City, IA 50401
641-424-4073

Field Office 3
1900 N. Grand Ave.
Spencer, IA 51301
712-262-4177

Field Office 4
1401 Sunnyside
Atlantic, IA 50022
712-243-1934

Field Office 5
401 SW 7th, Suite I
Des Moines, IA 50309
515-725-0268

Field Office 6
1004 West Madison
Washington, IA 52353
319-653-2135

Poaching Is a Crime!

If you observe or know of a fish or wildlife violation, report it to TIP as soon as possible by calling 1-800-532-2020. Provide as much information as possible when you call, such as a description of the possible violator, the vehicle, and the time and location of the violation.

A conservation officer will be dispatched to investigate. Since the TIP program began in 1985, more than $100,000 has been approved in reward payments.

Turn In Poachers—1-800-532-2020—You can remain anonymous!

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