DES MOINES, Iowa - The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is making policy adjustments in state parks and lakes that have drawn larger than normal crowds during the COVID-19 pandemic.
DNR has partnered with the Department of Public Safety and the Polk County Health Department to remind people to follow all social distancing guidelines to help minimize the spread of Covid-19.
Fireworks shows at Lake Macbride and Lake Manawa have both been cancelled this year due to safety concerns with large crowds and the spread of the virus. Fireworks are strictly prohibited in state parks, and only sparklers are allowed.
The national Operation Dry Water campaign to stop boating under the influence (BUI) is in effect Friday through Sunday, and is focused on the Fourth of July holiday weekend. DNR says it made 16 BWI arrests and stopped nearly 2,000 vessels during last year's Operation Dry Water.