Iowa DNR Requires Hatchery Staff to Relocate from On-Site Residences by 2029

DECORAH — As part of a cost-saving initiative, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has instructed employees residing in state-owned houses at various fish hatcheries, including the Chuck Gipp Decorah Fish Hatchery, to relocate by the end of 2028. The Chuck Gipp Decorah Fish Hatchery is a production rearing station for growing rainbow trout. About 130,000 catchable-size rainbow trout are raised each year. These trout collectively stock 15 streams throughout Allamakee, Howard, Mitchell and Winneshiek counties. It has one residence on-site, currently occupied by a natural resource technician, according to the Iowa DNR. This relocation decision mirrors a previous action in 2022, when the Iowa DNR vacated park rangers from government-owned residences in 23 state parks to avoid substantial repair costs, amounting to around $1 million. At that time, the department justified retaining on-site housing for fishery staff, citing benefits such as rapid response to emergencies like power outages and around-the-clock security. "Fish hatcheries are one of the few government entities that are responsible for producing a live product," Iowa DNR spokeswoman Tammie Krausman reported to The Cedar Rapids Gazette in 2022. "On-site residences at hatcheries serve several purposes, including quick response to alarm (water, oxygen, pumps) calls, security, and performing essential tasks during non-standard business hours." On February 9, Conservation and Recreation Division Administrator Pete Hildreth informed the affected employees of the Decorah Fish Hatchery, along with those at Big Spring, Manchester and Rathbun fish hatcheries, about the requirement to vacate by January 1, 2029. "This decision is part of our ongoing efforts to streamline resources and allocate them more efficiently to meet the evolving needs of the department," Hildreth said. The planned sale or demolition of most housing units on fish hatchery grounds aims to generate savings by eliminating the need for costly repairs and updates, which have historically competed with funding for fish production and habitat conservation. According to Julie Tack, Iowa DNR Communications Specialist, the stone residence constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s at the Decorah Fish Hatchery is projected to be repurposed into an extension of the existing office buildings to provide sufficient support to all staff. "The Iowa DNR has no specific appropriation or budget to maintain its housing portfolio," said Tack. "Any housing repairs and updates are paid for by the Iowa DNR's Capitals account, which is also the source of funding for fish habitat, fish production, hatchery infrastructure, and important fish and wildlife habitat improvement projects across the state." The Iowa DNR plans to navigate emergencies with alarm systems while employees are off-site. "The Decorah Hatchery has 12 alarms installed in the facility that, when triggered, alert standby staff to respond," Tack said. "On-call staff are required to be within 15 miles of the hatchery during their on-call duty, which rotates between the hatchery's three staff, only one of whom currently lives on-site. Off-site-based emergency response is a proven model that the Iowa DNR has used for decades at other hatcheries across the state, including at some of its largest facilities." While the relocation directive impacts housing arrangements, the Iowa DNR has pledged support to affected employees during this transition. "Direct supervisors are available to provide guidance and support as desired," Tack said. "Each employee will be responsible for securing housing appropriate for them and their family within proximity to their respective hatcheries to fulfill on-call duties effectively. This model has been successful at several hatcheries where there is no housing on-site, [i.e.], for more than 30+ years at both Spirit Lake Hatchery and Mount Ayr Hatchery, and for more than 10 years at the Fairport Hatchery." The decision to vacate on-site residences aligns with the Iowa DNR's broader strategy to enhance efficiency and sustainability across its facilities statewide. As preparations for the transition continue, the department remains committed to its mission of preserving Iowa's natural resources and ensuring recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike. Stay informed, stay inspired! Newsletter sign up is free and join hundreds of free subscribers who rely on DecorahNews.com for trusted information and fresh perspectives.