Isle Royale National Park, in response to guidance from the state of Michigan and the Western Upper Peninsula Health Department, is announcing a delay in the opening date of the park to support federal, state, and local efforts to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The opening date of the park will be changed from April 16 to […]
Wondering ‘61: Walking Grand Marais
I am learning more about my adoptive home. The COVID-19 pandemic has us all sheltering in. We are learning old and new ways to keep busy. One of mine is walking to the post office instead of driving. The temporary demise of pickleball has pushed me out the door onto the Grand Marais streets. What use to be a 10-15 […]
The joy of early spring yard work
During these uncertain times, you can find comfort and relief in seasonal routines. Canadian geese have returned to the Grand Marais Rec Park and they will tell you that green grass and other spring treats are available if you look carefully for them. There are tender green plants under the brown grass, tucked into the bushes and even under the […]
Limited recreation services provided on the Superior National Forest
The Superior National Forest has shut down restroom facilities at recreation sites across the national forest until further notice, however, trails and roads may be open for use depending on conditions. Rustic campgrounds and group sites will remain shut down until further notice. These shutdowns are to protect the health and safety of employees and members of the public during […]
Nature’s medicine for COVID-19
It’s no surprise spending time in wild places substantially reduces stress. Tall white pines and trout fishing do wonders, especially during a global pandemic. Take a short drive up the Gunflint Trail, where cell phone service flickers, and the layers of anxiety and worry melt away. Cook County locals Hanna Zakrzewski and Phill Hass recently embraced spring’s sunny momentum, plucked […]
Springtime temporary road and trail closures on state lands
Spring thaw and saturated soils from heavy rainfall last fall are negatively impacting road and trail conditions on state lands, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. This may affect Minnesotans who live near these areas and use these roads for essential travel or to get outdoors near their homes. Several roads and trails in state forests, state parks, […]
Muskrat love
In early spring when the ice breaks up in the watershed and recedes from the banks and beaver lodges, when the snow evaporates on the rocky shorelines and melts into the cattails and carex and cutgrass, the muskrats come out of their homes bursting with life and blinking. Lone muskrats leave their home waters and make a wandering exodus, across […]
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Due to the Coronavirus, check before you plan to go. Ruby’s Pantry Cook County Ruby’s Pantry, 2nd Tuesday of the month food distribution 5 – 6:30 p.m., $20 (cash only) Sponsored by Spirit of the Wilderness Church. You will be amazed at all the food you get at the Cook County Community Center. No financial or other qualifications—this is surplus […]
Conservation Officer Tales
Although the Cook County News-Herald knows that the majority of sportsmen and women are law-abiding folks, there are a few that run afoul of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Conservation Officers. Periodically, the DNR provides a report of some of the miscreants the Conservation Officers (CO) have encountered. The News-Herald shares these stories as a reminder to all […]
Safety is paramount around late ice and open water
As the winter-to-spring transition unfolds, the way people experience the change in seasons will be a little different this year. But while we stay close to home for our outdoor time and practice social distancing, one thing remains the same. People must put their safety first, especially around lakes and rivers where the ice conditions vary around the state. With […]