The Division of Forestry, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, administers a variety of programs to maintain and improve Iowa's forest heritage. Iowa's state forest system is managed for a range of natural resources like wildlife, wood products, clean water and scenic beauty. The forests are important recreation destinations, especially for dispersed recreation like hunting, hiking and horse riding. Iowa's Forestry program features a seedling growing facility that produces about 3 million seedlings each year for reforestation and wildlife plantings. Seedlings are available for planting on state lands and for sale to private individuals who are establishing tree plantings and wildlife habitat.
Production focuses on native Iowa hardwoods using local seed sources.
Conifers and a variety of shrubs for wildlife are also available. Utilization and Marketing The Utilization and Marketing program helps the timber industry do a more efficient job of processing raw timber into useful products. It also helps locate and expand markets for Iowa's forest products. The programs help conserve forest resources through better utilization and promotes a diverse, healthy economy for all of Iowa. Protection The Protection program guards the forest resource against destructive agents through a variety of activities such as education, grants for community fire programs, making surplus military equipment available to fire departments and insect and disease identification and control.