DNR staff report


Latest Articles:

Provide input on 2021 deer populations, observations

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is seeking public input via an online survey regarding 2021 deer populations and observations. The survey includes questions about experiences hunters had during the deer hunting season; issues related to damage deer might do to crops, landscaping or gardens; and other deer-related issues. The survey is open through Monday, March 14. Get more details... READ MORE >

Take steps to protect trees and shrubs from deer

In winter, property owners sometimes begin to notice broken branches or branches missing on tree and shrubs. This damage often is a result of deer browsing and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has tips to prevent it. “Hungry deer will eat plants they can access, and that can cause trees and shrubs to become quite ragged or in some... READ MORE >

DNR cautions about uneven conditions as ice season gets underway

Anglers in some parts of Minnesota have been venturing onto the ice for several weeks, while water remains open in other parts of the state. So far in December, weather in the state—which has included rain, snow and fluctuating temperatures—has affected ice-making and impacted ice that’s already formed. As a result, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources stresses the importance... READ MORE >

December CWD hunts offer deer hunters additional harvest opportunities on Minnesota- North Dakota border

Deer hunters seeking additional opportunities can harvest deer in late season chronic wasting disease management hunts along the Minnesota-North Dakota border. Hunting dates are Friday, Dec. 17, through Sunday, Dec. 19, and Friday, Dec. 31, through Sunday, Jan. 2. Deer permit areas along the border open to the CWD management hunts are 261 and 262. Hunters may participate in the... READ MORE >

DNR seeks input on license system

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is looking for input on how Minnesotans currently access the electronic license system, and what they want in the future as systems are modernized. Feedback from current and potential users — including anglers, boaters, hunters and recreational vehicle operators — is critically important. States throughout the nation are updating their license systems to take... READ MORE >

DNR seeking applicants to serve on Aquatic Invasive Species Advisory Committee

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources invites Minnesotans interested in serving on the department’s Aquatic Invasive Species Advisory Committee to apply by 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 15. Aquatic invasive species present one of the state’s most pressing natural resource issues. Preventing the spread of zebra mussels, Eurasian watermilfoil, invasive carp, starry stonewort and other invasive plants and animals is of... READ MORE >

The State Forest Nursery has urgent need for Jack pine, red pine, and black spruce cones

The State Forest Nursery needs to acquire hundreds of bushels of evergreen cones within the next few months to meet state and county orders for spring 2022 reforestation efforts, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. DNR foresters coordinate the seeding of approximately 5,000 acres each year to reforest DNR-managed land. Seeds are also planted at the nursery to... READ MORE >

In midst of deadliest boating season in 16 years, DNR asks late-season boaters to play it safe

Minnesota’s waterways were unusually deadly this year, with 17 people losing their lives in boating-related drownings and crashes—the highest number since 2005. And with weeks of open water left this year, there’s a chance that total could climb higher. “Any life lost on the water is one too many, and we hope we’ve seen the last of these terrible tragedies,”... READ MORE >

Statewide youth deer season returns October 21-24

Minnesota’s youth deer season will continue statewide for its third year, starting Thursday, Oct. 21, through Sunday, Oct. 24. The season coincides with statewide teacher workshops, so many Minnesota students don’t have school during the youth season. To participate, youth must be 10-17 years old and have a deer license. Participant numbers are not limited and there is no special... READ MORE >

DNR to review siting rule for Nonferrous Mines

On Monday, October 4, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) filed a Procedural Order in Ramsey County District Court outlining the process the department will use to review Minnesota’s siting rule for nonferrous mines. The Procedural Order describes how the DNR will seek public comment and make a decision on whether the state’s existing nonferrous mine siting rule (Minnesota... READ MORE >