Iowa Lawmakers Propose Merging Agriculture and Natural Resource Departments

Bill would require study on combining Iowa DNR and Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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A bill has advanced from an Iowa House subcommittee that would require a study on combining the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS). The proposal has faced opposition from environmental and conservation groups who are concerned that merging the two departments could hinder the DNR's enforcement responsibilities.

Why it matters

The two state agencies have different priorities and perspectives, with the DNR focused on environmental protection and conservation, while IDALS is more oriented towards supporting the agricultural industry. Merging the departments could create conflicts of interest and make it harder for each agency to fulfill its core mission.

The details

The bill, House File 2042, would have the Department of Management conduct the study on combining the DNR and IDALS. Environmental groups like the Sierra Club Iowa Chapter argued that the merger would be like "the fox guarding the hen house", as the two entities have conflicting goals. Backcountry Hunters & Anglers also opposed the bill, worried that wildlife would be managed more as a commodity than a natural resource. Lawmakers advanced the legislation from the subcommittee despite concerns about the unknown costs and potential loss of federal funding if the merger caused the state to fall out of compliance with environmental standards.

  • The bill advanced from an Iowa House subcommittee on Thursday, February 12, 2026.

The players

Pam Mackey-Taylor

Representing the Sierra Club Iowa Chapter, she opposed the bill and suggested a merger between the DNR and the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services would have more overlap.

Max McDaniel

Speaking on behalf of the Iowa Chapter Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, he opposed the bill and expressed concern about Iowa's wildlife being managed by a department focused on viewing animals as livestock and a commodity.

Rep. Jeff Cooling

A Democratic representative from Cedar Rapids, he questioned the intent of the legislation and noted that the idea of merging the two departments didn't come up during a recent state-mandated realignment.

Rep. Megan Srinivas

A Democratic representative from Des Moines, she expressed concern about the unknown cost of the study and the potential loss of federal funding if the merger caused the state to fall out of compliance with federal environmental standards.

Americans For Prosperity

The only group registered in favor of the bill, though they did not speak at the subcommittee meeting.

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What they’re saying

“The two entities you're trying to merge have some pretty conflicting perspectives on how they pursue their portion of the government – in many respects, it would be like the fox guarding the hen house.”

— Pam Mackey-Taylor, Representing the Sierra Club Iowa Chapter (IOWA CAPITAL DISPATCH)

“I worried about Iowa's wildlife being managed by a department that is 'used to viewing animals as livestock and as a commodity rather than a natural resource.'”

— Max McDaniel, Speaking on behalf of the Iowa Chapter Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (IOWA CAPITAL DISPATCH)

What’s next

The bill will now move forward in the legislative process, with the potential for further debate and amendments before a final vote.

The takeaway

The proposed merger of Iowa's Department of Natural Resources and Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship highlights the ongoing tension between environmental protection and agricultural interests in the state. The outcome of this debate could have significant implications for how natural resources and wildlife are managed in Iowa going forward.