DES MOINES — Staff with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) are currently conducting their annual nighttime spring spotlight surveys across the state, collecting information on Iowa’s deer and furbearer populations.

The annual survey is conducted from mid-March through April in each county, beginning an hour after sunset, preferably on nights with low wind, high humidity and above freezing temperatures. The routes cover different habitats from river bottoms, to farm fields, prairies, woodlots, pastures and timber stands.

“Keeping the routes and conditions consistent provides more reliable data,” said Jace Elliott, state deer biologist with the Iowa DNR.

The 25-mile routes – two per county – are driven below 25 miles per hour with staff shining spotlights out of both sides of the vehicle, recording the number of deer and furbearers seen along with the habitat type, at different points along the way. This is one of the only surveys that provides an index on elusive furbearer species, like badgers and otters. Staff are careful to avoid shining homes and livestock while on the survey and contact the county sheriff ahead of time in case they receive any calls.

“This survey produces really valuable information on our deer and furbearer populations, both locally and at the state level, allowing us to see population trends over time,” said Elliott. The survey began in the late 1970s as a way to collect information on the raccoon population, but was expanded to include deer and other furbearers.

“It’s an important index that is combined with other data and surveys we use that gives us the most complete picture for these species and guides our management decisions to benefit the resource,” Elliott said.

The survey report will be posted later this summer to the Iowa DNR’s website at https://www.iowadnr.gov/Hunting/Population-Harvest-Trends

By O. Kay Henderson (Radio Iowa)

Republicans in the Iowa legislature have voted to prevent city and county building codes that restrict what kind of siding can be used on the outside of homes.

Senator Janice Weiner (WY-ner), a Democrat from Iowa City, said it’s a bill that benefits the vinyl siding industry. “I don’t understand why we are voting on a bill that supports one particular industry,” Weiner said. “…This takes away local control to regular local design standards. Vinyl also happens to be very flammable.”

Senator Mike Webster, a Republican from Bettendorf who works in construction, responded. “It’s not about vinyl siding because a city could easily tell you you can’t put brick in particular areas, you couldn’t use aluminum siding in particular areas, you’ve got to paint your house a certain color in certain areas,” Webster said. “This is telling cities and counties that the ultimate local control is the home buyer and the home owner.”

If the governor signs the bill into law, there could be exceptions for cities that have building code requirements for the outside of homes that are in historic districts or homes in special purpose zones.

By O. Kay Henderson (Radio Iowa)

Republicans in the Iowa House have released an overall state spending goal for the next budgeting year that’s $82 million higher than Republicans in the Iowa Senate have proposed. It’s also $35 million than Governor Reynolds proposed in January.

“Quite honestly it’s because we have 100 members who represent their constituents who have suggested needs,” said Representative Gary Mohr, a Republican from Bettendorf who is chairman of the House Appropriations Committee. “…With our available resources, we feel very comfortable the state can afford to do that.”

Mohr, who spoke with reporters on the House floor, said the plan spends “substantially less” than projected tax revenue in the coming year, leaving room to “perhaps” adopt deeper cuts in the state income tax. Mohr said just because there’s more tax money that could be spent doesn’t mean it should be spent. “That’s why we build a budget for the state for the next year that meets the needs in the area of justice systems, courts, education, economic development, health and human services,” Mohr said, “and anything left over we think needs to go back to the taxpayers of Iowa.”

In a written statement, Senate Majority Leader Jack Whitver said he’s optimistic the Republican-led legislature “will do more for the taxpayer” before the 2024 session ends. Democrats say Iowans deserve more information about the tax and spending plans Republicans are developing — and public schools deserve more state support.

Earlier this week, the governor signed a bill into law that sets the general level of state spending on K-12 students in public and private schools. It also raised pay for public school teachers and other school staff. Mohr told reporters a majority of state funding is spent on Iowa’s education system, so that’s a major milestone.

“We’re down to hopefully the last two or three weeks of session and that’s being optimistic,” Mohr said. “…The big priority over the next two or three weeks is passing these budget bills.”

April 16th is the 100th day of the 2024 legislative session. That’s the date daily expense payments for lawmakers end and it’s considered the target date for adjourning the annual legislative session.