Minnesota’s 87 counties are the beneficiaries of about $30 million in state payments that help support public lands. State lands are not subject to local property taxes. As an alternative, a local government aid program called Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) provides funds to counties for state-owned, natural resource lands. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, which calculates the... READ MORE >
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will use a $1.1 million grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to support the work of Minnesota’s Lake Superior Coastal Program, fund three significant local projects and continue the program’s quarterly Short Term Action Request (STAR) grants. Project funding includes: Shore Protection Structure Assessment. The DNR will work with a contractor... READ MORE >
Anyone interested in discussing deer and deer management can tune in to a virtual open house on Tuesday, August 18, hosted by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. The meeting will include a presentation from Barbara Keller, the DNR’s big game program leader, who will share information about Minnesota’s deer and deer hunter population, explain some of the upcoming changes... READ MORE >
Anyone who finds several or more dead fish in a lake or stream can help by reporting these fish die-offs, which happen occasionally and usually result from natural causes. “It can be unsettling and concerning to find a number of dead fish,” said Tom Burri, limnology consultant with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources who deals with water quality issues... READ MORE >
Minnesota’s lakes and rivers have been particularly popular this season as people ignite or reignite their passion for the water and take advantage of abundant opportunities to boat and fish close to home. With a busy Fourth of July weekend on tap, the Department of Natural Resources reminds boaters the best times on the water are those that end safely.... READ MORE >
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is seeking volunteers to help monitor the loon population in Cook and Lake counties in northeastern Minnesota. Volunteers are needed for one day during the June 26 through July 6 monitoring period to count the number of adult and juvenile loons on pre-selected lakes. For the past 20 years, with the assistance of hundreds... READ MORE >
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will reopen its campgrounds at state parks, state forests and recreation areas in a phased approach beginning June 1. Governor Tim Walz announced that public and private campgrounds may reopen beginning June 1, if they create a Preparedness Plan and follow State of Minnesota campground guidelines. “We look forward to welcoming overnight visitors back... READ MORE >
Dry conditions the last two weeks of April have contributed to several wildfires in northwestern Minnesota. The Department of Natural Resources warns of an outlook for similar conditions into May, increasing the potential for higher wildfire activity in the region. Everyone can do their prevention part by following current burning restrictions and being safe with fire. “Year after year, escaped... READ MORE >
Clean, drain, dispose every time This past weekend’s fishing opener comes with a reminder to always follow Minnesota’s laws to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. Along with taking care to follow social distancing guidelines while fishing and boating, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources said it’s also important to take a few minutes for invasive species prevention every... READ MORE >
Anglers can find fantastic fishing opportunities all across Minnesota. Wherever you are, chances are there is a lake, river or stream nearby with fish that can be caught. But what if that fishing pole in storage has caught more cobwebs than fish? Worry not, help is on the way from Ray Ruiz, an angler who loves to catch fish close... READ MORE >
