DNR Staff Report


Latest Articles:

Minnesota Moms Fish Free May 7-8

During Take a Mom Fishing Weekend Saturday, May 7, to Sunday, May 8, moms who live in Minnesota can fish without purchasing a license. The Minnesota State Legislature established this special weekend in 1988 to coincide with Mother’s Day. Most years, the fishing opener and Take a Mom Fishing Weekend are on the same weekend, but not this year. On... READ MORE >

Report Fish Die-Offs to Help the DNR

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources encourages Minnesotans contact the state if they see evidence of a fish die-off in a lake or stream. These fish die-offs happen occasionally and can result from a variety of causes. “People can help by reporting fish die-offs right away,” DNR limnology consultant Tom Burri said. “These reports help us determine whether an investigation... READ MORE >

Ojibwe Spring Fishing Season Begins Soon

Each spring, Native American tribal members in Minnesota preserve their cultural heritage while providing a vital food source for tribal communities by harvesting fish through netting and spearing. This legally protected, regulated harvest of fish usually begins in mid-April at ice-out. With the tribal spring harvest season getting underway, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources expresses support for tribal members... READ MORE >

DNR volunteers celebrated for contributions

More than 15,000 volunteers helped the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources do everything from monitoring rainfall levels to clearing trails, according to the new 2021 annual DNR volunteer report. “Our volunteers give back to their communities and the state in so many ways,” Commissioner Sarah Strommen said. “I can’t overstate how grateful we are for their continued service.” Although many... READ MORE >

Stream trout fishing opens statewide April 16

Minnesota’s popular warm weather, stream trout season opens Saturday, April 16, with quality fishing opportunities in every region of the state. Brook trout and splake fishing also open April 16 on Lake Superior and its tributary streams. Trout anglers can find information on Minnesota’s trout streams and lakes on DNR’s website (mndnr.gov/Fishing/Trout). Modeled after the DNR’s popular LakeFinder tool, StreamFinder... READ MORE >

Renew watercraft registration early, use online renewal

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources encourages boater owners to renew expired watercraft registrations before this year’s boating season. Boater owners are encouraged to renew registrations online or at a local deputy registrar’s office rather than by mail. If they renew online, they can print out the confirmation page to use as their temporary permit. Boaters also may write down... READ MORE >

Spring thaw ushers in start of temporary state forest road, trail closures

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will begin temporarily closing some state forest roads and trails as seasonal melting makes them too soft to support vehicle traffic without causing damage. Depending on weather and local site conditions, the temporary closures are expected to begin at southern Minnesota locations in mid-March. Closures could remain in effect until May. “The annual spring... READ MORE >

Anglers reminded to remove ice shelters in advance of upcoming deadlines

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officers are reminding anglers about the upcoming deadline to remove their ice fishing shelters. In addition, anglers are reminded to do their part in keeping our lakes clean by picking up trash, even if it doesn’t belong to them. In the southern two-thirds of the state, structures must be off lakes by the end... READ MORE >

DNR reminds homeowners to plan ahead for spring burning restrictions

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources reminds Minnesotans who intend to burn vegetative debris, such as grass, leaves, brush and untreated lumber, to do so now, when there is ample snow on the ground, rather than in the spring when wildfire risk is greatest due to brown grass and low humidity. Each year, spring burning permit restrictions are put in... READ MORE >

DNR grants help children get outside, begin a lifetime of outdoor experiences

Apply through March 10 for funding aimed to increase outdoor experiences, education and stewardship The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is pleased to announce another phase of the extremely popular No Child Left Inside grants. These grants help more children cast a line, study animal tracks, hike or bike, or simply learn more about nature. “We continue to have high... READ MORE >