Docks and dock platforms provide access to Minnesota’s lakes and rivers, and are regulated to help protect public safety as well as aquatic habitat. As summer approaches, the Department of Natural Resources encourages property owners and lake service provider businesses to review the regulations, to ensure the equipment they own, sell or install is in compliance. Extensive dock systems may... READ MORE >
Despite this spring’s wet weather, much of Minnesota is still dry enough to fuel a dangerous wildfire, according to the Department of Natural Resources. “It’s easy to think all of this rain has saturated the ground enough to prevent a wildfire,” said Casey McCoy, the DNR’s fire prevention supervisor. “But even though the ground may be wet, the reality is... READ MORE >
With waterways across the state clearing of ice, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources reminds anxious boaters that wearing a life jacket is a critical safety necessity during the spring “cold water” season. While boaters should always wear a life jacket no matter the water temperature or season, public safety officials stress wearing a life jacket – not just having... READ MORE >
Each year, fisheries staff from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Grand Marais area office conducts fisheries surveys and assessments to monitor changes in fish populations, and to evaluate management strategies. Survey methods and their frequency vary based on the types of information needed to make management decisions for individual lakes and streams. Large lakes with heavy use are surveyed... READ MORE >
Applications for bear hunting licenses are being accepted now through Friday, May 3, wherever Minnesota hunting and fishing licenses are sold, online at mndnr.gov/buyalicense, and by telephone at 888-665-4236. A total of 3,400 licenses are available in 13 permit areas. Bear licenses cost $44 for residents and $230 for nonresidents, and there is a $5 application fee. The 2019 season... READ MORE >
Anglers in Cook County will notice fishing closure signs at several area lakes this spring. These temporary closures are regularly enacted to protect concentrations of spawning walleye. Closures on Minnesota-Ontario waters are made in cooperation with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and affect both sides of the border. The following closures took effect on April 1: . Sea Gull... READ MORE >
Minnesota’s popular warm weather stream trout season opens Saturday, April 13, with quality fishing opportunities in every region of the state. Brook trout and splake fishing also opens on Lake Superior and its tributary streams that have no posted boundaries. “The trout fishing opportunities are improving through investments in trout habitat, angler access, sound land use, and science-based management. Anglers... READ MORE >
Following the pattern observed in neighboring states, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is reporting a substantial but expected decline in the number of bats in Minnesota. The decline is due to the effects of white-nose syndrome (WNS), a disease that is harmful and usually fatal to hibernating bats. Recently completed DNR bat surveys have recorded declines up to 94... READ MORE >
Conditions for snowmobile riding in many parts of the state are as good as they’ve been in a long time, prompting what Department of Natural Resources conservation officers call the biggest number of riders in years to hit the state’s 22,000 miles of snowmobile trails. While zipping around on a sled is a great way to experience Minnesota’s snow-covered outdoors,... READ MORE >
Minnesota’s new big game program supervisor will be Barbara Keller, an experienced wildlife researcher and manager who begins Feb. 1 overseeing the state’s deer, elk and moose populations with the Department of Natural Resources. “Barbara has a strong background in all aspects of managing deer, moose and elk populations, which will be an asset here in Minnesota,” said Paul Telander,... READ MORE >
