Iowa DNR to Begin Annual Spring Burning

Prescribed fires planned for wildlife management areas across six counties

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will be conducting prescribed burns this spring on wildlife management areas in Benton, Cedar, Iowa, Johnson, Linn, and Tama counties. The burns are used to improve wildlife habitat, control invasive plants, restore native vegetation, and reduce wildfire risk.

Why it matters

Prescribed burning is a common and effective land management tool used by conservation agencies like the Iowa DNR to maintain healthy ecosystems and reduce the threat of uncontrolled wildfires. These spring burns are part of the DNR's regular rotation to keep wildlife areas in optimal condition.

The details

The Iowa DNR will be burning sections of several wildlife management areas, including Mink Run, Dudgeon, Red Fox, Iowa River Corridor, Hawkeye, Redbird Farms, Chain-O-Lakes, Kunch, Union Grove, and West Salt Creek. The burns typically take place over the course of a single day, starting in mid-morning and concluding by early evening, when weather conditions are suitable.

  • The prescribed burns will take place between mid-March and mid-May.
  • Any burns not completed this spring will be rescheduled for the fall burn season.

The players

Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR)

The state agency responsible for managing Iowa's natural resources, including wildlife areas and prescribed burning programs.

Matt Shanklin

An Iowa DNR wildlife biologist who can be contacted with any questions or concerns about the upcoming prescribed burns.

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The takeaway

The Iowa DNR's annual spring burning program is a crucial part of their efforts to maintain healthy, productive wildlife habitats across the state. These controlled fires help control invasive species, promote native plant growth, and reduce the risk of larger, uncontrolled wildfires.