ARC 8607C

ARC 8607C

Proposing rulemaking related to wildlife refuges
and providing an opportunity for public comment

A Regulatory Analysis for this rulemaking was published in the Iowa Administrative Bulletin on September 4, 2024. A public hearing was held on the following date(s):

●September 24, 2024

Servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística: si habla un idioma que no sea el inglés, los servicios de asistencia lingüística están disponibles de forma gratuita. Comuníquese con el Departamento al monica.thelen@dnr.iowa.gov.

Any persons who intend to attend a hearing and have special requirements, such as those related to hearing or mobility impairments, should contact the Department and advise of specific needs.

Free language assistance: if you need assistance in a language other than English, contact the Department at monica.thelen@dnr.iowa.gov or civilrights@dnr.iowa.gov or by telephone at 515.571.4010 at least seven days before the event.

Servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística: si necesita ayuda en un idioma que no sea inglés, comuníquese con el Departamento al monica.thelen@dnr.iowa.gov o civilrights@dnr.iowa.gov o por teléfono a 515.571.4010 al menos siete días antes del evento.

ITEM 1.Rescind 571—Chapter 52 and adopt the following new chapter in lieu thereof:

CHAPTER 52

WILDLIFE REFUGES

571—52.1(481A) Established. State-owned lands and water under the jurisdiction of the department of natural resources may be established as wildlife refuges or sanctuaries for the purpose of preserving the biological balance pursuant to the provisions of Iowa Code section 481A.39; for the protection of public parks and public health, safety and welfare; and to effect sound wildlife management.

52.1(1) State parks, recreation areas and preserves. State parks, recreation areas, and preserves listed on the department’s website at www.iowadnr.gov/hunting/hunting-licenses-laws are established as wildlife refuges, except where posted as open to public hunting.

52.1(2) Wildlife refuges. Areas listed on the department’s website at www.iowadnr.gov/hunting/hunting-licenses-laws are established as wildlife refuges where posted. It is unlawful to hunt, pursue, kill, trap, or take any wild animal, bird, or game on these areas at any time, and no one shall carry firearms thereon, except where and when specifically authorized by the department. It is unlawful to trespass in any manner on these areas, where posted, during the dates posted, both dates inclusive, except that department personnel, law enforcement officials, and other persons specifically authorized by the department may enter the area at any time in performance of their duties, and hunters, under the supervision of department staff, may enter the area when specifically authorized by the department.

52.1(3) Waterfowl refuges. Areas listed on the department’s website at www.iowadnr.gov/hunting/hunting-licenses-laws are established as waterfowl refuges where posted. It is unlawful to hunt ducks and geese on these areas, where posted, at any time during the year. It is unlawful to trespass in any manner on these areas, where posted, during the dates posted, both dates inclusive, except that department personnel, law enforcement officials, and other persons specifically authorized by the department may enter the area at any time in performance of their duties, and hunters, under the supervision of department staff, may enter the area when specifically authorized by the department.

52.1(4) Restricted areas. It is unlawful to trespass in any manner on areas posted as restricted areas, except that department personnel, law enforcement officials, and other persons specifically authorized by the department may enter the area at any time in performance of their duties.

This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code sections 481A.5, 481A.6, 481A.9 and 481A.39.