State Agriculture and Natural Resources Policy Advisor Kayla Lyon is the new director for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. She takes over from Brian Trautman who’s been serving as acting director since the retirement of Chuck Gipp. Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement’s Policy Director Adam Mason says they have several major concerns with Lyon’s appointment as the head of the DNR.

He says the state’s water quality is just getting worse and action needs to be taken to correct that.

Mason says the only way water quality will be improved is if farmers are mandated by the state to reduce nutrient runoff.

Lyon begins her new job on July 8 and her appointment must be confirmed by the Iowa State Senate when it convenes next year.