Iowa Department of Natural Resources ending Iowa Outdoors
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A compilation of Iowa Outdoors. Photo: Linh Ta/Axios
Iowa Outdoors, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources' long-running magazine, is coming to an end this year.
Why it matters: The decades-old publication highlighted everything special about Iowa's wildlife and outdoors, from unique animal species to hidden treasures and histories of our state parks.
State of play: In an email shared last month with the magazine's subscribers, the DNR announced it was discontinuing the magazine "after carefully considering resources and priorities," per the message.
- 21,000 people subscribed to the quarterly publication, spokesperson Tammie Krausman tells Axios. It cost subscribers $22 annually.
- This year's winter issue, with a calendar, will be the final publication.
Catch up quick: The department has undergone several major changes in recent years, including phasing out state park rangers and ending employee housing.
Zoom in: The magazine often highlighted places off the beaten path, like foraging for food down the Wapsipinicon River or a rare photo of a mating ritual between western fox snakes.
What they're saying: Eric Williamson has contributed photos to the magazine over the last decade. He volunteered his photography because he wanted to help its mission to educate Iowans on the outdoors.
- Now, he worries that information will be harder to find all in one place, especially in a physical format.
- "It's a good way for people to learn about our state and getting people out of their concrete jungles that we all live in," he says.
Linh's thought bubble: Iowa Outdoors has always held a special place in our household, literally.
- My husband's photography was regularly featured, including photos showing Iowa's important role in the monarch butterfly migration path.
The bottom line: "We want to express our deepest gratitude for your loyal readership," according to the DNR's email to subscribers. "It has been a privilege to share outdoor stories and beautiful photography unique to Iowa for over 80 years. Your support has been the foundation of our work, and we are incredibly thankful for your patronage."