Minnesota’s ruffed grouse spring population counts are similar to last year and likely are following the ten-year cycle of rise and fall, a predictable pattern recorded for 71 years. Due to COVID-19 related restrictions, this past spring’s drumming counts in southeastern Minnesota were not conducted as planned. As the DNR was able to resume more field operations in May, there... READ MORE >
Test results from the second year of a study on West Nile virus in ruffed grouse showed similar results to the previous year. Antibodies consistent with virus exposure were detected in 12.3 percent of the 317 samples submitted by hunters in 2019. This compares with a 12.5 percent antibody rate in the 273 samples submitted by hunters in 2018. “West... READ MORE >
Wild rice conditions are looking good this year in many areas of Minnesota and the Department of Natural Resources is offering tips and a reminder of important regulations restricting harvest to rice stands that are ripe. “Favorable weather without too much heavy rain early in the season has been a positive for wild rice,” said Ricky Lien, DNR wetland habitat... READ MORE >
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 >
