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Minnesota state forest campgrounds move to “same day pay then stay” model
Published on April 13, 2026
Starting in May 2026, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is introducing a “same day pay then stay” model for camping in state forest campgrounds. Under this new model, campers will pay for their campsite prior to occupying it instead of occupying a site first and paying afterward.
Enjoy spring in Minnesota with free entrance to state parks and recreation areas, Saturday, April 25
Published on April 13, 2026
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will waive vehicle permit fees at all 73 state parks and recreation areas on Saturday, April 25.
Minnesota moms: Join the Mother’s Day weekend fishing challenge
Published on April 13, 2026
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources encourages moms who live in Minnesota to join a free virtual fishing challenge during Take a Mom Fishing Weekend Saturday, May 9, through Sunday, May 10, when Minnesota moms can fish without purchasing a fishing license.
Minnesota Twins offer special edition hats with DNR ticket package
Published on April 13, 2026
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the Minnesota Twins are once again partnering on Minnesota DNR Days at select games. Anyone with a 2026 Minnesota fishing or hunting license can access a ticket package that includes a special edition Twins fishing cap with a ticket purchase.
Minnesota DNR seeking input on hunting, fishing regulations books
Published on April 13, 2026
Anglers, hunters and trappers are invited to attend an informational webinar on Thursday, April 30 and share their thoughts with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources about the state’s annual hunting, trapping, and fishing regulations books. People are also welcome to submit feedback through May 7 through an online questionnaire, email or mail.
Red Flag Warning issued for extreme fire risk
Published on April 12, 2026
The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for two counties in southwest Minnesota, effective today, April 12, until 7 pm, due to extreme fire risk conditions.
DNR: As ice recedes, safe practices around cold water are critical
Published on April 9, 2026
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources reminds anyone who’s around lakes, rivers and ponds that cold water is dangerous and unexpected falls into the water can quickly turn tragic.
Rainfall monitoring network seeks volunteers
Published on April 9, 2026
The Minnesota State Climatology Office is seeking rainfall monitors for the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network, or CoCoRaHS. The data from backyard rain gauges are a critical source of information and it is beneficial to add more volunteer weather observers each year, even in areas where there are already volunteers.
DNR Fish and Wildlife Almanac, April 6
Published on April 6, 2026
A weekly list of news briefs about fish, wildlife and habitat management.
Don’t prune oaks April through July to protect trees from oak wilt disease
Published on April 6, 2026
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is reminding Minnesotans that not pruning or cutting oaks from April through July is the simplest way to curb the spread of oak wilt disease. Oak wilt is a non-native disease that can kill any oak species in Minnesota.
DNR launches first-of-its-kind online tree canopy mapping tool
Published on April 6, 2026
Communities across Minnesota have a powerful new way to explore, understand and plan community forests. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has launched the Community Tree Canopy Viewer, an interactive mapping tool to guide future planting and management decisions for community forests.
Minnesota DNR seeks public input on draft management plan amendment for Rice Lake State Park
Published on April 2, 2026
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is seeking public comments on a draft amendment to Rice Lake State Park’s management plan. The comment period is open through May 8.
Bear hunt lottery applications open through May 1
Published on April 2, 2026
Prospective bear hunters have until Friday, May 1, to apply for a bear hunting license from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
Summer tours at Blue Mounds, Lake Vermilion-Soudan Mine, and Forestville/Mystery Cave state parks open for reservations April 1
Published on March 30, 2026
Three Minnesota state parks offer tours that give visitors the opportunity to explore unique historic and natural features: a bison range, a former historic iron mine and Minnesota’s longest cave. These tours will return in May, and visitors can make reservations through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources starting on April 1.
Spring burning restrictions begin in Minnesota
Published on March 29, 2026
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is restricting the open burning of vegetative debris effective tomorrow, Monday, March 30, due to increased wildfire risk resulting from warm temperatures and dry conditions in parts of central, northwest, and northeast Minnesota.
Red Flag Warning issued for extreme fire risk
Published on March 27, 2026
The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for most of Minnesota effective Saturday, March 28, due to extreme fire danger.
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources adds 155 acres to southeastern Minnesota state forest through partnership with Trust for Public Land
Published on March 26, 2026
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has received a donation of 155 acres from Trust for Public Land, expanding the Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest in southeastern Minnesota.
New Pyrite Campground to welcome campers and OHV riders at Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park beginning June 12
Published on March 26, 2026
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has created a new camping experience designed with off-highway vehicle riders in mind that will open June 12.
Prevent conflicts with bears this spring by being BearWise
Published on March 23, 2026
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is encouraging homeowners to remove birdfeeders now and check their property for food sources that could attract bears. While most female bears with cubs and yearlings are still near their denning areas, some full-grown bears are starting to emerge from their dens in search of easy food sources.
Minnesota’s moose population remains relatively stable
Published on March 23, 2026
The most recent Minnesota moose population estimate is approximately 4,470 animals, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ 2026 population survey.
Minnesota DNR webinar series offers new sessions this spring
Published on March 19, 2026
Webinars on the 75th anniversary of wildlife management areas in Minnesota, turkeys, and native fish, are part of the spring lineup for the Minnesota Outdoor Skills and Stewardship Series from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
Willmar resident is 2025 volunteer snowmobile safety instructor of the year
Published on March 19, 2026
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has named Joseph Shimota the 2025 volunteer snowmobile safety instructor of the year.
Warmer weather prompts seasonal road, trail closures
Published on March 16, 2026
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has begun temporarily closing some DNR-managed roads and motorized trails as seasonal melting makes them too soft to support vehicle traffic without causing damage.
Minnesota DNR announces open water fishing regulations for Upper Red Lake
Published on March 16, 2026
Anglers fishing on Upper Red Lake during the 2026 open-water season that starts Saturday, May 9, will have a five-walleye possession limit, with only one walleye longer than 17 inches allowed. This is the same regulation that was in place for the 2025 open-water season.
DNR seeks public input on proposed updates to Rainy Lake management plan
Published on March 16, 2026
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources invites those interested in Rainy Lake fisheries management to share their thoughts on a draft update of the plan for the lake.