Minnesota libraries in low-income communities may qualify for a new program that provides free state park permits for these libraries to loan to patrons. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will provide the permits, which library patrons can check out for seven-day periods beginning in June. The program is limited to libraries serving in low-income communities, but library patrons can... READ MORE >
Both members of married couples who want to purchase a combination angling or hunting license will need to be present at the sales location starting February 18, when the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will begin requiring both spouses to provide and verify their own complete customer records on file to purchase a combination license. “These changes will bring the... READ MORE >
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources invites the public to review and comment on a set of recommendations intended to bring measured growth, increased and equitable access, and a higher quality of outdoor recreation opportunities to Minnesotans and visitors. The draft recommendations were developed by the Outdoor Recreation Task Force (ORTF), a diverse 21-member group selected by the DNR and... READ MORE >
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has initiated a statewide master-planning project for off-highway motorcycle (OHM) trails. As part of the planning process, members of the public are invited to provide comments regarding the desired types and locations of additional trails, concerns about OHM trails, and related issues. Both OHM riders and non-riders are encouraged to share their insights. Comments... READ MORE >
Minnesotans interested in deer populations in certain areas of the state can take an active role in shaping deer population goals during an open public input process starting Monday, February 8. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources sets deer population goals — how much of an increase or decrease is desired in a deer population in a particular deer permit... READ MORE >
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Commissioner Sarah Strommen today unveiled the design of Minnesota’s newest critical habitat license plate, featuring native pollinators including a bee and butterflies. The new license plate is available now online and at deputy registrar and driver’s license offices statewide. “Many Minnesotans share a commitment to maintaining healthy populations of bees, butterflies and other native pollinators,”... READ MORE >
Anglers can look forward to positive results from fish stocking that the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources conducted in 2020, despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. While the vast majority of fish in Minnesota waters are the result of natural reproduction in healthy habitats, stocking can provide angling opportunities where they might not otherwise exist. “This ended up being... READ MORE >
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is seeking public input as it updates the state’s waterfowl hunting regulations. As a first step, the DNR is asking people to comment on potential changes that could alter seasons and create additional opportunities to hunt waterfowl. A summary of these potential changes and a questionnaire that seeks input is available on the DNR’s... READ MORE >
Anyone interested in improving access to wildlife management areas (WMAs) for people with disabilities can share their ideas online with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. “We want to hear how we can improve recreational opportunities and reduce barriers on WMAs,” said David Trauba, southern region wildlife manager. “Public lands are for all Minnesotans, including those with disabilities.” People can... READ MORE >
Although federal Endangered Species Act protections for wolves end on January 4, 2021, Minnesota laws have and will continue to protect wolves and ensure the responsible stewardship of this important wildlife species. Minnesota has the largest wolf population in the lower 48 states and is home to an estimated 2,700 wolves across nearly 40,000 square miles of northern and central... READ MORE >
