Marshalltown – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is hosting an informal gathering of hunters, anglers and trappers to discuss future direction of hunting, fishing and trapping in Iowa. The meeting is scheduled from 7 to 9 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 16, at the Marshall County Conservation Education Center (Grimes Farm), west of Marshalltown.

Anyone with an interest or opinion on the outdoors is encouraged to attend.

The Iowa DNR will present a brief history on hunting, fishing and trapping in Iowa, including success stories and issues on the horizon facing hunters, trappers and anglers.

“We see survey after survey that shows natural resources is a top form of recreation by Iowans and we want to discuss how we are working to improve our natural areas here locally, as well as across the state,” said Rick Trine, wildlife supervisor with the Iowa DNR for central Iowa. “We see our natural resources as a quality of life issue, an economic development issue, and as an environmental health issue.

“Our license buyers have a major role on outdoor improvements in Iowa. They pay the fees to hunt and fish in Iowa and we want to discuss where we are going as a state, and what opportunities they want as a license buyer. We would like to hear from as many of them as possible about which direction they would like outdoor recreation in Iowa to take in the future,” Trine said.

The meeting offers an opportunity for hunters, anglers and trappers to learn more about how their license money is spent and to discuss local priorities with DNR fish, wildlife and law enforcement staff.