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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dec. 27, 2022
DES MOINES – It’s almost time to start 2023 the right way – in an Iowa state park! Join the 2023 First Day Hike Challenge through the digital State Park Passport. You can also join one of several guided hikes with park or forest staff across the state.
With the First Day Hike Challenge, park visitors can check into any of more than 50 participating state parks on the passport from Friday, Dec. 30, 2022 through the end of Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023. Every check-in will qualify for a prize drawing of a 2-night stay at a cabin at Pine Lake State Park. Restrictions will apply on the cabin stay, with reservation fees and other business rules applying.
Visitors can go to as many parks as they wish during the weekend -- every check-in counts as a contest entry. Additionally, visitors will find trail suggestions and directions from park staff under the “More Info” tab for each park entry on the passport.
For more details on First Day Hikes in Iowa’s State Parks, to find a list of guided hikes, and to find links to sign up for the Parks Passport, visit www.iowadnr.gov/firstdayhikes.
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will release trout in five locations across Iowa this winter in areas that would not support them during warmer months.
Winter trout stockings are a great place to take kids to catch their first fish. A small split shot and a hook with almost any kind of bait will catch trout.
The popular program is supported by the sales of the trout fee. Anglers need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout. The daily limit is five trout per licensed angler with a possession limit of 10.
Children age 15 or younger can fish for trout with a properly licensed adult, but they must limit their catch to one daily limit. They can buy a trout fee which will allow them to catch their own limit.
Winter trout stocking events are dependent on favorable weather and safe ice conditions. Check the DNR Trout Fishing website at www.iowadnr.gov/trout for possible changes to the schedule.
2023 Winter Community Trout Stocking Schedule
Jan. 14, Blue Pit, Mason City, at 11 a.m.
Jan. 14, Bacon Creek Lake, Sioux City, at 1:30 p.m.
Jan. 20, Moorland Pond, Fort Dodge, at 11:30 a.m.
Jan. 20, Big Lake, Council Bluffs, at 2:30 p.m.
Jan. 21, Scharnberg Pond, Spencer, at 12:30 p.m.
2023 Spring Community Trout Stocking Schedule
DNR fisheries staff will release between 1,000 to 2,000 rainbow trout in 13 additional lakes across Iowa in March and April as part of its cool weather trout program. Check the DNR Trout Fishing website at www.iowadnr.gov/trout for dates and locations. A family-friendly event is paired with most of the stockings to help anglers have success and fun while fishing.
Media Contact: Mike Steuck, Regional Fisheries Supervisor, Northeast Iowa, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, 563-927-3276.
The DNR Parks, Forests and Preserves Bureau has openings for recreational aides and seasonal patrol officers for the summer 2023 season across the state park system.
Jobs duties will include assisting park staff in patrolling the park, helping visitors, registering campers, and maintaining the park through duties such as mowing, trimming, cleaning, trail work and facility repairs. Interested applicants should have skills in general maintenance, ability to work on a team or with minimal supervision, and have strong customer relations skills.
For more details and how to apply, visit www.iowadnr.gov/Employment.
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