12/31/20: Area Happenings & Accomplishments

Iowa DNR plants more than 100,000 trees on public lands in 2020

The Iowa DNR reached a milestone goal to plant at least 100,000 trees on state-managed lands in 2020. The tree plantings commemorate the 100th anniversary of the National Association of State Foresters, as well as the 100th anniversary of Iowa state parks.

Native Iowa trees are being supplied by the State Forest Nursery and planted in Iowa's four state forests, dozens of wildlife management areas and 23 of its state parks.

The National Association of State Foresters (NASF) is a non-profit organization representing directors of forestry agencies in the states, U.S. territories and the District of Columbia. Members of NASF participated in the 2020 Centennial Challenge to plant millions of trees across the United States.

Hunting seasons begin closing soon

Hunting seasons will begin closing soon, starting with pheasant, archery turkey and deer seasons, and late muzzleloader deer season on Jan. 10. The staggered goose seasons begin closing in the north zone first on Jan. 9, followed by the south zone on Jan. 16 and the Missouri River zone on Jan. 23.

The season for quail, partridge, ruffed grouse, and squirrels closes Jan. 31. Rabbit season closes Feb. 28.

The furbearer hunting and trapping seasons also close on Jan. 31. Furharvesters can continue trapping beavers until April 15.

NWI ice conditions fluctuating with temperature swings

Iowa Great Lake water temperatures were around 35 degrees last week. Much of the area ice had deteriorated due to strong winds and warm temperatures, which had opened many holes as well. Cold temps in the 20's and teens this week were expected to improve conditions.

East Okoboji Lake: The walleye season is open. The water temperature was 33 degrees last week. All hoists and docks have been pulled out for the season. Bluegill, fair. Yellow perch, fair.

Lost Island Lake: Yellow perch, fair. Anglers are catching 9- to 10-inch perch in 10 feet of water. Walleye, fair.

Silver Lake (Dickinson): Walleye, fair.

Spirit Lake: The walleye season is open. Ice conditions vary across the lake with up to 4.5 inches in Anglers Bay and Templar Lagoon. Test ice often while going out. Small perch have been caught from the north grade fishing pier within the open water. The water temperature was 33 degrees last week. All hoists and docks have been pulled out for the season. Yellow perch, fair.

West Okoboji Lake: The walleye season is open. The water temperature is 34 degrees. All hoists and docks have been pulled out for the season. Bluegill, fair. Yellow perch, fair.

Conservation district offers scholarships

Conservation Districts of Iowa and the O'Brien County Soil and Water Conservation District are offering several scholarship opportunities to high school seniors to help defray college expenses.

Students who are interested in conservation and agriculture are eligible to apply. While this is a wide field and many studies qualify, preference will be given to students pursuing programs of study in conservation.

This application will be dual purpose for both the CDI and O'Brien SWCD. The application is available online at http://www.cdiowa.org and the deadline to submit it to O'Brien County SWCD, 315 S. Rerick Ave., Primghar, IA 51245, is Friday, Feb. 12, 2021.

CDI is a statewide scholarship with three awards: $3,000, $2,000 and $1,000. Winners from each region will receive $500. The first, second and third place awards will be paid directly to the applicant's school of choice in two equal installments, one upon enrollment at the beginning of the year and second at midterm. The $500 scholarships will be paid directly to the students.

The O'Brien County SWCD scholarship will use the same application, so you only need to apply once. They will be awarding two $500 scholarships, awarded at midterm to the student directly. If you have any questions, please call (712) 957-3835 ext. #3.