Tom Giese

For the second consecutive year, more than 1 million seedlings were sold through Iowa’s State Forest Nursery in fiscal year (FY) 2022-23, according to a report submitted in July to the Iowa Natural Resources Commission. The report by Jeff Goerndt, state forester, reflected a slight decrease in total sales over FY 2021-22, but included a significant increase in orders.
The State Forest Nursery offers landowners affordable, high-quality native plant material for use in timber production, wildlife habitat restoration, erosion control, and other conservation-related projects. Total sales were 1,049,425 during the most recent 12-month period.  That compares with 1,077,300 one year earlier. 

Water shortages can affect animals and fish in the short-term, but most will adapt to the lack of moisture in the long-term, according to Iowa’s hydrologist as well as a technician who has studied the topic.
Lower rainfall impacts stream flow, with recent corresponding drops in levels affecting fish, said Tim Hall, hydrology resources coordinator. And with the droppages come an increase in water temperatures, which causes stress on fish.