DNR changes management structure in state parks

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is changing the way state parks aremanaged. D-N-R Parks Administrator Mike Carrier says the new plan will groupthe parks into units of three, with a manager for each unit. The plan creates full-time managers for the parks and allows park rangers towork full-time in law enforcement. Carrier says the state hopes to enhancethe services provided in the parks.He says parks will stay safer with park rangers no longer busy withadministrative duties.Carrier says they’re starting to implement the new system this fall so it’llbe in place by next year’s outdoor recreation season. Carrier says therewill be increased costs that the D-N-R will ask the legislature to fund.