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As part of Operation Dry Water, DNR increases patrols for impaired boaters over holiday weekend
Published on July 2, 2025
During this upcoming long Fourth of July weekend, lakes and rivers across Minnesota likely will be at their busiest. Among those planning to join those on the water: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources conservation officers and public safety partners, whose aim is to ensure everyone makes it home safely at the end of the day. Officers will be out as part of Operation Dry Water, an annual nationwide campaign which runs from July 4-7. The campaign highlights the dangers of boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs and calls attention to the heavy penalties associated with boating while intoxicated. The goal is to make the water safer for everyone by removing anyone operating under the influence.
Tagged fish lead biologists to school of invasive carp in Mississippi River Pool 8
Published on July 1, 2025
Invasive carp previously fitted with acoustic tags have led the Minnesota DNR and its state and federal partners to a school of invasive carp in Pool 8 of the Mississippi River at the confluence of the Root River in Minnesota, near La Crosse, Wisconsin.
Public input sought on reducing statewide walleye limit from six to four
Published on June 30, 2025
Changes in lake habitat, ecology and conditions coupled with technological advances in fishing gear and methods are prompting the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to seek public input on a possible reduction in the statewide walleye possession limit from six to four fish.
Minnesota DNR seeks input on proposed special fishing regulations
Published on June 30, 2025
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is asking for input on several special fishing regulation proposals. Each year, the Minnesota DNR reviews all existing fishing regulations, proposes new special regulations that apply to individual waters and asks the public for input about the proposals. All new special regulations are reviewed on a regular basis to evaluate effectiveness.
Minnesota state parks, recreation areas and trails offer Fourth of July fun; camping reservations still available
Published on June 26, 2025
Minnesota state parks, recreation areas and trails are great places to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday. There is an abundance of recreational opportunities for individuals, friends and families to enjoy for an hour, a day, or a full weekend.
Watercraft, gear must meet Canadian aquatic invasive species requirements before entering Canada
Published on June 26, 2025
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources reminds boaters and anglers that Canada requires watercraft and equipment to meet Canadian aquatic invasive species regulations before crossing into Canada.
Zebra mussels confirmed in Moose Lake in Itasca County, Portage Lake and Inguadona Lake in Cass County
Published on June 26, 2025
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has confirmed the presence of zebra mussels in Moose Lake, near Deer River in Itasca County, in Portage Lake, near Bena in Cass County, and in Inguadona Lake, near Longville in Cass County.
Help document wild species at Chamberlain Woods event in Le Sueur County
Published on June 26, 2025
Anyone interested can learn from biologists and naturalists, while helping scientists document species diversity, on Saturday, July 26 during the BioBlitz event at Chamberlain Woods Scientific and Natural Area in Le Sueur County. The BioBlitz is a chance to shadow or assist naturalists and other scientists as they inventory the living organisms inhabiting the Chamberlain Woods in a one-day field study. It is an opportunity to learn from some of the top experts in Minnesota.
Well sampling planned for the Groundwater Atlases of Lincoln and Pipestone counties
Published on June 26, 2025
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will collect water samples from about 90 wells in each county late this summer and fall to develop The Groundwater Atlas of Lincoln County and The Groundwater Atlas of Pipestone County.
Lake Maria drawdown in progress this summer
Published on June 23, 2025
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is conducting a drawdown on Lake Maria in Murray County, located southwest of Garvin. The temporary lowering of water levels on the 442-acre shallow lake is taking place to improve wildlife habitat and water quality.
Wildlife Drive opening at Roseau River Wildlife Management Area
Published on June 23, 2025
The 27-mile Wildlife Drive within the Roseau River Wildlife Management Area will be open from Saturday, July 19, through Sunday, July 27, and on the following weekends, Saturday, Aug. 2, and Sunday, Aug. 3, and Saturday, Aug. 9, and Sunday, Aug. 10. The self-guided tour traverses wetland, woodland, brushland, grassland and farmland habitats, providing visitors ample opportunity for wildlife viewing.
New Ulm volunteer named 2024 ATV safety instructor of the year
Published on June 18, 2025
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has named Steve Rykhus, of New Ulm, as the 2024 ATV instructor of the year.
DNR adds eight counties to deer feeding and attractant ban
Published on June 18, 2025
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has added eight counties to a deer feeding and attractant ban to reduce the risk of chronic wasting disease spread, after CWD was detected in wild deer in new areas of the state last year.
Minnesota DNR extends comment period on muskie plan to June 30
Published on June 12, 2025
People can now share their thoughts on a draft update of the state’s long-range plan for muskellunge through Monday, June 30.
Opportunities available to hunt elk in Minnesota
Published on June 10, 2025
Hunters have through Thursday, July 3, to apply for one of four elk licenses offered this year by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
Four new dog/handler teams join the DNR’s K9 Unit
Published on June 9, 2025
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources K9 Unit has expanded by four dogs and handlers and increased its ability many times over to detect aquatic invasive species, locate lost people, detect possible game and fish violations, and assist local law enforcement agencies with their evidence-detection needs.
New education requirements in effect July 1 for some boaters in Minnesota
Published on June 5, 2025
Beginning July 1, 2025, more people who operate motorboats or personal watercrafts on Minnesota waters must obtain a valid watercraft operator’s permit. The updated requirements, passed into law during 2023, are intended to make boating safer by ensuring people operating motorized watercraft know the rules and are properly trained.
ATV riders can explore Minnesota riding opportunities for free June 14-15
Published on June 5, 2025
Minnesotans with an all-terrain vehicles registered for private or agricultural use won’t need to pay the additional registration fee ($60 for three years) to ride the state’s public ATV trails on June 14-15. Out-of-state riders can explore Minnesota’s ATV trails this weekend as well without the need for a nonresident ATV trail pass ($31 for one year).
June is Great Outdoors Month in Minnesota
Published on June 4, 2025
Gov. Tim Walz has proclaimed June 2025 as Great Outdoors Month in Minnesota, encouraging Minnesotans to explore the state’s natural treasures and take part in the wide array of outdoor activities available across public lands and waters. The proclamation highlights the vital role outdoor recreation plays in the state’s identity, economy, and quality of life, and celebrates key initiatives like Get Out MORE (Modernize Outdoor Recreation Experiences).
Take a Kid Fishing Weekend is this Friday through Sunday
Published on June 4, 2025
During Take a Kid Fishing Weekend (Friday, June 6, to Sunday, June 8), Minnesota residents can fish without licenses if they take children 15 or younger fishing. Casting a line is one way among many to enjoy Great Outdoors Month, in June.
Volunteers needed for DNR loon survey
Published on June 2, 2025
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking volunteers to help monitor the loon population in Aitkin, Becker, Cook, Crow Wing, Itasca, Kandiyohi, Lake, and Otter Tail counties. Volunteers are needed for a minimum of one morning during the July 4 through July 14 monitoring period, to count the number of adult and juvenile loons on pre-selected lakes.
Celebrate the grand opening of the Glendalough State Park trail center on June 14
Published on June 2, 2025
On Saturday, June 14, Glendalough State Park will celebrate the completion of its new trail center and the trail extension past Sunset Lake. Visitors can enjoy an open house at the new building from 10 a.m. until noon with cake and lemonade served by the Glendalough Park Partners. A program begins at 11 a.m. with appearances from State Senator Jordan Rasmusson, Battle Lake Mayor Richard Bullard, and senior DNR officials.
Piers added with Get Out MORE funding
Published on June 2, 2025
New fishing piers at Leech Lake in the city of Walker, and Lake Francis in the city of Elysian, are the newest of many fishing infrastructure improvements made possible by the Get Out MORE (Modernize Outdoor Recreation Experiences) one-time funding approved by the Minnesota Legislature in 2023.
Minnesota DNR seeks applicants for Lake Winnibigoshish, Rainy Lake input groups
Published on May 27, 2025
The DNR is seeking people with a range of perspectives and experiences, including local fishing guides, local anglers, anglers from across Minnesota, local businesses and local resorts, and water-based businesses, to serve on two fisheries input groups, one for Lake Winnibigoshish and the other for Rainy Lake.
Minnesota DNR webinar series offers ways to learn about the outdoors this summer
Published on May 27, 2025
Webinars on walleye genetics, buckthorn management, and fish dubbed “living fossils” like gar and paddlefish will be among the outdoors topics covered in the summer series of the Minnesota Outdoor Skills and Stewardship Series from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.