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 >
Missed year of stocking will have minimal long-term impact on angling, fish populations The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will cancel its 2020 egg take operations for walleye, northern pike, muskellunge and steelhead because the work cannot be done safely under COVID- 19 social distancing guidelines. Collecting eggs and sperm from spawning fish in the wild is a labor-intensive effort... READ MORE >
Spring thaw and saturated soils from heavy rainfall last fall are negatively impacting road and trail conditions on state lands, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. This may affect Minnesotans who live near these areas and use these roads for essential travel or to get outdoors near their homes. Several roads and trails in state forests, state parks,... READ MORE >
As the winter-to-spring transition unfolds, the way people experience the change in seasons will be a little different this year. But while we stay close to home for our outdoor time and practice social distancing, one thing remains the same. People must put their safety first, especially around lakes and rivers where the ice conditions vary around the state. With... READ MORE >
Flying a drone can be a lot of fun—but it can be downright dangerous during a wildfire, according to the Department of Natural Resources. A drone has invaded the airspace above a Minnesota wildfire in each of the last four years. Such interference with fire operations is dangerous for firefighting aircraft, firefighters on the ground and the public. It is... READ MORE >
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is offering $100,000 in shooting range grants as part of an effort to increase opportunities for people to have safe places to practice shooting sports. The open-ended application period begins March 16. Grants from $2,500 to $25,000 are available. The grants require a 1:1 match and may be used for five-stand, pistol, rifle, skeet... READ MORE >
Cigarette butts, propane canisters, cans, bags and bottles (some full of human waste), blocking materials and fish carcasses, all left on the ice. Those are just a few of the items that make up the long list of litter conservation officers have found out on the ice. Litter is an issue throughout the ice-fishing season, but it tends to be... READ MORE >
Anglers in the southern two-thirds of the state have until the end of the day on Monday, March 2, to remove their fish houses from Minnesota lakes. The removal deadline for those in the northern one-third of the state is Monday, March 16. The northern and southern parts of the state are split by a line that runs west-east along... READ MORE >
