From the Iowa Department of Natural Resources

Iowa state parks and forests are gearing up for a busy Memorial Day weekend, the traditional start of the outdoor summer recreation season.

“Park visitors are excited to get outside and enjoy the beautiful weather,” Sherry Arntzen, chief of the DNR’s State Parks, Forests and Preserves Bureau, said. “Our parks offer a variety of activities for all enthusiasts from hiking the trails to picnicking, fishing and swimming. There’s something for everyone while enjoying the outdoors.”

Campers are urged to plan ahead when visiting Iowa state parks and forests for Memorial Day weekend. Most electrical and full hookup sites in busy parks are already reserved, so campers may want to consider non-electric sites or at “hidden gem” parks a little further away from home. To find site availability and make a reservation, go to https://iowastateparks.reserveamerica.com.

For an up-to-date list of park and trail closures due to renovations or weather-related alerts, visit the DNR’s Alerts and Notifications web page.

Park visitors can help take care of the parks by cleaning up trash after themselves, and carrying out what they brought in. Park vehicles in designated parking lots and not along roadways. If visiting beaches, be aware that most swimming areas do not have a lifeguard on duty, and pets must be kept off beaches and be on a leash.

“We hope that campers enjoy their time and make memories while staying in our parks and recreational areas, and do so safely and return again,” Arntzen said.

Tips

• Keep track of the weather and have a plan in case of severe weather
• Be a good neighbor. Observe quiet hours and keep noise levels respectful
• Practice Share the Trail etiquette
• Pack bug spray, sun screen and a basic first-aid kit
• Check the registration kiosk for activities in the area
• Keep pets on leashes

From the Iowa Department of Natural Resources 

Thousands of Iowans will be camping and building campfires this Memorial Day weekend and throughout the summer. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) encourages campers to buy firewood from where they will burn it instead of bringing it from home.

“Moving unseasoned firewood around the state can threaten the health of our forests by spreading insects like emerald ash borer (EAB), oak wilt, and other pests that live in firewood,” Tivon Feeley, DNR Forest Health Forester, explains.

Plenty of firewood is available locally to your favorite state or county park. Ask a park ranger or campground host where you can get local firewood. Make sure you burn all of your firewood at your campsite; don’t leave it or transport to a new area.

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship requires all firewood sold or acquired in Iowa to have the county and state of harvest location on the label of packages and the delivery ticket for bulk firewood.

 Learn more about the importance of using local or certified heat-treated firewood at www.dontmovefirewood.org.