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DNR Fish and Wildlife Almanac
Published on June 21, 2021
A weekly list of news briefs about fish, wildlife, and habitat management that can be used in full, as separate short stories, or to jump-start a longer article.
Hot weather likely contributing to fish die-offs
Published on June 21, 2021
Reporting groupings of dead fish helps the DNR and others know when a response is needed
Invasive, deadly oak wilt confirmed in Crow Wing County
Published on June 21, 2021
Oak wilt, a non-native, invasive fungal disease that kills all species of oak in Minnesota, has been confirmed for the first time in Crow Wing County. To reduce further spread, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is reminding area residents and visitors to avoid pruning oak trees until August and not move firewood.
Red Flag Warning issued
Published on June 18, 2021
With extreme fire risk conditions across Minnesota today, the National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for the following counties: Aitkin, Anoka, Benton, Carlton, Carver, Cass, Chippewa, Chisago, Crow Wing, Douglas, Hennepin, Isanti, Kanabec, Kandiyohi, Lac Qui Parle, McLeod, Meeker, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Pine, Pope, Ramsey, Renville, Sherburne, St. Louis, Stearns, Stevens, Swift, Todd, Washington, Wright and Yellow Medicine.
DNR responds to wildfire at Scenic State Park
Published on June 17, 2021
Firefighters are responding to a 10-acre wildfire located in Scenic State Park, 3 ½ miles southeast of Big Fork. The fire is burning in mature pine and brush in the remote northeast corner of the park, and is 50 percent contained. The cause of the fire has yet to be determined.
High fire danger brings burning restrictions to north-central counties
Published on June 17, 2021
To help ensure public safety and protect natural resources, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is activating burning restrictions beginning 12:01 a.m. Friday for the southern and eastern portions of Beltrami county, and all of Cass, Crow Wing, Hubbard, Itasca, Morrison, Todd and Wadena counties.
DNR stresses safety after deadly few weeks on the water
Published on June 17, 2021
It’s been a deadly start to the open-water season in Minnesota. As of June 16, as many as nine people have been victims of boating fatalities. That number, which is preliminary, marks the most fatalities at this point of the year in more than a decade. In addition, a higher-than-average number of people have drowned at places like beaches and swimming pools.
DNR Fish and Wildlife Almanac
Published on June 14, 2021
A weekly list of news briefs about fish, wildlife, and habitat management.
Bemidji-area conservation officer Hannah Mishler named CO of the Year
Published on June 14, 2021
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officer Hannah Mishler has been named the 2020 DNR Conservation Officer of the Year, an annual award given to an officer for outstanding overall career performance. Col. Rodmen Smith, director of the DNR Enforcement Division, recently presented the awards to the officers.
Experimental early teal season in place, shooting hours extended for 2021 waterfowl hunt
Published on June 14, 2021
Hunters have a new opportunity to harvest up to six teal during an experimental five-day early teal season and shooting hours will continue until sunset rather than ending at 4 p.m. during the first portion of Minnesota’s waterfowl hunting season.
Climate-informed reforestation taking place at state parks along North Shore
Published on June 10, 2021
Throughout the Great Lakes region, the northwoods signature tree species such as paper birch, quaking aspen, balsam fir and white spruce are slowly giving way to invasive grasses and shrubs.
Take a Kid Fishing Weekend is this Friday-Sunday
Published on June 7, 2021
During Take a Kid Fishing weekend Friday, June 11, through Sunday, June 13, Minnesota residents can fish without licenses if they take children 15 or younger fishing with them.
DNR Enforcement Division welcomes aboard 2 new K9 teams
Published on June 7, 2021
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Enforcement Division’s K9 Unit now has six dog/handler teams spread across the state, following the recent graduation of two teams from a 17-week K9 school. Lt. Phil Mohs and CO Scott Staples – and their dogs Mack and Fennec, respectively – graduated May 27 and began working in the field immediately thereafter.
Certified firewood and clean gear protects forests from invasive species
Published on June 7, 2021
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources encourages Minnesotans to get outdoors for the many benefits outdoor recreation brings. However, increased outdoor recreation can also lead to a heightened risk for the movement of invasive species.
DNR Fish and Wildlife Almanac
Published on June 7, 2021
A weekly list of news briefs about fish, wildlife, and habitat management.
High-to-extreme fire danger across northern Minnesota this weekend
Published on June 5, 2021
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) cautions residents and visitors in northern Minnesota to be aware of elevated fire conditions through the weekend. An unintentional spark from a campfire or other outdoor activity in the hot, gusty and abnormally dry conditions could ignite a wildfire.
Red Flag Warning expanded
Published on June 4, 2021
With extreme fire risk conditions across northern Minnesota today, the National Weather Service has expanded a Red Flag Warning to include the following counties: Becker, Beltrami, Cass, Clay, Clearwater, Cook, Crow Wing, Hubbard, Itasca, Koochiching, Lake, Lake Of The Woods, Mahnomen, Otter Tail, St. Louis, Wadena and Wilkin.
Red Flag Warning issued for Friday
Published on June 3, 2021
With extreme fire risk conditions expected in northwest Minnesota on Friday, June 4, the National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for the following counties: Kittson, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake and Roseau.
Online public forum on Little Rock Creek area groundwater use set for June 17
Published on June 3, 2021
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will host an online public forum June 17 to provide updates on plans for ensuring a sustainable groundwater supply in the Little Rock Creek area.
Grand Rapids lakes offer trout angling fun and fish for the frying pan
Published on June 1, 2021
For some, it’s a springtime tradition combining fun, family time outdoors, and — if luck is good — something for the frying pan.
Although walleye were the species targeted by most northern Minnesota anglers starting May 15, the date also coincided with the fishing opener for stream trout on inland lakes. Species defined as stream trout include brook, brown, rainbow and splake.
Approximately 40 percent of anglers who purchase a trout stamp in Minnesota fish inland lakes managed for stream trout. Grand Rapids area fisheries manages three mine pit lakes and seven natural lakes for stream trout. The DNR typically stocks trout in these lakes once per year. Stocked waters include Kremer, Lucky, Moonshine, Erskine, Camp Four, Deepwater, Pickerel, LaRue, Tioga and Kinney lakes.
In May, DNR staff stocked trout from the Spire Valley, Crystal Springs and Lanesboro state fish hatcheries into five lakes in the Grand Rapids area:
Zebra mussels confirmed in South Long Lake in Crow Wing County
Published on June 1, 2021
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has confirmed a report of zebra mussels in South Long Lake, near Brainerd in Crow Wing County. Five hundred feet of the Nokasippi River upstream and downstream of South Long Lake will also be listed for zebra mussels.
DNR Fish and Wildlife Almanac
Published on June 1, 2021
A weekly list of news briefs about fish, wildlife, and habitat management.
DNR to protect wild deer health through temporary ban on movement of farmed deer in Minnesota
Published on June 1, 2021
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has issued an emergency rule temporarily prohibiting the movement of all farmed white-tailed deer within the state, with the exception of deer being transported to slaughter. The rule takes effect Tuesday, June 1, and ends Saturday, July 31.
Safe boating tips for Memorial Weekend
Published on May 27, 2021
The long Memorial Day weekend marks the traditional start to summer and, for many people, kicks off the recreational boating season. Waterways throughout Minnesota already have been more crowded than usual this spring, an apparent continuation of what was an exceptionally busy year in 2020.
DNR to prepare environmental impact statement on Grindstone Dam
Published on May 27, 2021
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) for the proposed Grindstone Dam removal project located in Hinckley, Minnesota. The EIS will evaluate the potential environmental effects of the project as well as several alternatives.