Landowners affected by last summer’s wind storms in Pine County and other parts of Minnesota will find help at the Family Woodlands Conference set for March 9-10, at the Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center in Duluth. Full Story

Family Woodlands Conference in Duluth offers help to landowners in blowdown area
Speeding up government: DNR achieves 99 percent permit efficiency
In its latest report on permitting efficiency to the Minnesota Legislature, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reports it has met new targets for expediting permit applications 99.6 percent of the time. Full Story
DNR looking for safe and responsible hunter mentors
People who have paid attention to recent outdoors newspaper, magazine and television stories may have noticed pictures of beaming youths following a successful hunt. What’s often missing from the picture is the young hunter’s mentor who made such a successful experience possible. Full Story
Volunteers add $8 million in value to DNR
Nearly 26,000 citizens donated services valued at $8 million during 2011 to assist the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in accomplishing its conservation mission through a variety of projects and programs. That’s the equivalent of an extra 179 full-time staff, according to the DNR. Full Story
DNR, NWTF mentored youth turkey applications due soon
The application deadline is midnight Monday, Feb. 13 for first-time youth turkey hunters, ages 12 to 17, who are looking to go afield this spring and learn from an experienced National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) volunteer, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Full Story
Nonresident Off-Road Vehicle Trail Pass now available
Trail passes for nonresident off-road vehicles (ORV) are now available, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Full Story
Coon Rapids Dam pool to be raised this winter; property owners and recreationists should be on alert
Asian carp pose a significant threat to aquatic habitat in the Mississippi River, so the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will be requesting the Three Rivers Park District to raise the water level in the pool behind the Coon Rapids Dam this winter to make it a more effective fish barrier. Full Story
Candlelight ski/snowshoe/hike event at Rice Lake State Park Saturday
A candlelight ski, snowshoe, and hike will be held at Rice Lake State Park on Saturday, Feb. 4, from 6-9 p.m. A warming shelter, campfire, baked goods, and hot drinks will be offered to all those who attend. Full Story
Nicholas Brown hired as DNR invasive species specialist
Nicholas Brown has been hired as the primary contact for aquatic invasive species (AIS) in a 13-county area of south-central Minnesota, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Full Story
Aerial moose survey begins in northeastern Minnesota
Recent snowfall in northeastern Minnesota has allowed for the start of the 2012 aerial moose survey, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Full Story
DNR trout restoration project will provide brook trout fishing opportunities in west-central Minnesota creek
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently stocked Lawndale Creek, located in Wilkin County in west-central Minnesota, with approximately 570 adult brook trout weighing about one-half pound each. Full Story
DNR seizes 234 fish at Lake of the Woods, urges anglersto know rules before fishing special regulation lakes
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently seized 234 walleye/sauger for a variety of violations on Lake of the Woods. Full Story
TIP honors McBroom as Officer of the Year
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Conservation Officer Dan McBroom of Rochester has been named the 2011 Minnesota Turn In Poacher (TIP) “Officer of the Year.” Full Story
Minnesota Family Woodlands Conference March 9-10 in Duluth
The hoots of an owl after dark may cause some to pause and wonder, “What was that?” The deer snacking on a favorite plant may cause one to think, “What can I do?” The field out back may cause one to ponder, “How can I put this to its best use?” The opening of a property tax statement may cause one to react, “How can I reduce this burden?” Full Story
DNR issues citation for cougar shooting in Jackson County
Charges have been filed today by the Jackson County attorney’s office against a Jackson County man in southwestern Minnesota for allegedly shooting a cougar on Nov. 27, 2011, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Full Story
DNR invites suggestions for improving forest trails in Pine County at Feb. 16 open house
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will host an open house from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 16, to hear public suggestions for improving the motorized and non-motorized recreational trail system in the Chengwatana, Nemadji, General Andrews and St. Croix state forests in Pine County. The open house will take place at Rutledge Community Center, 7369 Highway 61, Rutledge (about 90 minutes north of the Twin Cities). Full Story
Minnesota Twins drop in for a snowshoe hike at Lake Bemidji State Park
With spring training around the corner, some Minnesota Twins players took advantage of an opportunity to go snowshoeing at Lake Bemidji State Park on Jan. 25. Full Story
DNR invites public comment on changes to horse trail system, proposed horse camp at Split Rock Creek State Park
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Division of Parks and Trails is amending the management plan for Split Rock Creek State Park to change the location for a proposed horse camp and trailhead, and to recognize some additions to the horse trail system, including a new interim trailhead. An open house will be held on Thursday, Feb. 16, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the park office for anyone interested in learning more about the plan amendment. Park staff will be available to discuss the plan amendment, copies of which will be available. Full Story
DNR completes aggregate resources mapping for Kanabec County
Landowners, county staff and citizens interested in the sand and gravel resources of Kanabec County are invited to an open house hosted by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Feb. 22 at 3 p.m. in lower level Conference Room 3 at the Kanabec County Courthouse. Full Story
DNR program pays landowners to allow public hunting on their land
Landowners in 21 southwestern Minnesota counties can earn money by allowing public hunting on their private land through the Walk-In Access (WIA) program, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Full Story
DNR releases proposal for wolf harvest season this fall
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is proposing an inaugural gray wolf hunting and trapping season this fall that calls for a conservative harvest quota of 400 animals. Full Story
Remember to help wildlife during tax season
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Nongame Wildlife Program is urging Minnesotans to remember to help wildlife by donating to the Wildlife Checkoff Fund on their tax forms. Every dollar donated helps ensure the future of wildlife in Minnesota. Full Story
Annual forest stand examination list available for review
The annual stand examination list (ASEL) for state-administered forest land, prepared by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), is available for public review. Full Story
Minnesota’s Wolf Management Plan to take effect Jan. 27
Minnesota’s population of wolves will transition from federal protection to state management by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) on Jan. 27, bringing with that transition a number of law changes. Full Story
Minnetonka resident wins 2012 turkey stamp contest
A watercolor painting of two tom turkeys by David Chapman of Minnetonka will be featured on Minnesota’s 2013 Wild Turkey Stamp. His design was chosen from among 13 entries in a contest sponsored by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Full Story
Minnesota deer harvest declines 7 percent in 2011
Lower deer populations and a windy first weekend of the firearms season resulted in Minnesota’s deer harvest dropping 7 percent in 2011, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Full Story
DNR to hold open houses to discuss northern pike special regulations
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) invites the public to visit a DNR area fisheries office Friday, Feb. 17, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., to provide comments and learn more about why the northern pike special regulations were dropped on a permanent basis on 15 lakes. Full Story
DNR Enforcement Division names new operations manager
Capt. Phil Meier, a 34-year veteran of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), has been promoted to major and named the Division of Enforcement’s operations manager. Full Story
DNR hosts meeting on vegetation plan for Carson and St. Louis bays
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will hold a public meeting to discuss a proposed Lake Vegetation Management Plan (LVMP) for Carson and St. Louis bays on Lake Minnetonka in Hennepin County. Full Story
Candlelight skiing at Sakatah Lake State Park Jan. 28
Enjoy a beautiful evening of cross country skiing by candlelight at Sakatah Lake State Park on Saturday, Jan. 28, from 6 to 9 p.m. Full Story
Theft threatens deer habitat restoration experiment
The discovery of an equipment theft is threatening the continuation of a remote white cedar plantation designed to improve deer habitat in northern St. Louis County. Full Story
DNR survey shows fewest fish houses on south-central Minnesota lakes in 35 years
Warm weather, eroding ice conditions, and changing technology may be responsible for the lowest numbers of fish houses on south-central Minnesota lakes in 35 years, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Full Story
Peat fires are unique and challenging in Minnesota winters
Peat fires can be a common occurrence during a dry Minnesota summer. They are normally rare in the middle of the winter, but this season may be an exception. Full Story
New camper cabins offer a warm way to enjoy winter at Lake Shetek State Park
When planning a family getaway this winter, consider Lake Shetek State Park. It can be a warm and cozy experience with three new heated camper cabins. Full Story
Low water on Buffalo Lake will improve habitat
Low water levels on Buffalo Lake this winter may make it a better place for waterfowl and other species of wildlife, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Full Story
DNR awards $7.14 million in Parks and Trails Legacy Grants
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), through its Parks and Trails Legacy Grant Program, has awarded $7.14 million in grants to 28 local communities. These grants will help local governments acquire, develop, restore and maintain parks and trails of regional or statewide significance across Minnesota. Funding for this program comes from the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment. Full Story
No additional CWD positive deer detected in southeastern Minnesota
Good news.
That’s what the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has received following the testing of more than 2,300 deer this fall and winter for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). Full Story
Essar SEIS determined adequate
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced on Jan. 9 in the EQB Monitor that the Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) on the proposed Essar Steel Minnesota Modifications Project is adequate. Now that the SEIS process is complete, final permit decisions can made by local and state regulatory agencies. Full Story
Coahran to lead Spicer Area Fisheries for DNR
Dave Coahran has been selected to manage the fisheries of 40 lakes and several rivers and creeks across seven counties as the new Spicer Area Fisheries supervisor for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Full Story
DNR Division of Parks and Trails solicits grant applications for 2012
Millions of dollars in state and federal funding will be available in 2012 for building trails, acquiring park land, installing fishing piers and otherwise expanding outdoor recreation opportunities in Minnesota, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Division of Parks and Trails. Full Story
New DNR lake service provider permit, aquatic invasive species training scheduled
Training and permitting requirements for people who install and remove water recreation equipment will be implemented by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) this summer. Full Story
DNR launches new prevention efforts in 2012 to slow spread of aquatic invasive species
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced today its new strategies to fight the spread of aquatic invasive species across the state in 2012.
The efforts take a two-pronged approach: to increase inspections and decontamination of boats at and near water bodies, especially those infested with aquatic invasive species; and to increase awareness that the public must do its part not to spread invasive species. Full Story
Limited wolf season possible in 2012
Minnesota wildlife officials have begun to plan for a limited gray wolf hunting and trapping season in late 2012.
This action follows last month’s announcement that wolves will return to state management Jan. 27 following roughly 35 years of federal protection. Full Story
Numbers show education, enforcement are still important to preventing spread of invasive species
Conservation officers with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) issued about 840 citations or warnings in 2011 to violators of Minnesota’s aquatic invasive species (AIS) laws. That’s about 550 citations and warnings or about three times more citations and warnings than were issued in 2010 for similar offenses. Full Story
DNR to purchase 20 decontamination units in fight against spread of aquatic invasive species
Thanks to the Minnesota Legislature and Gov. Mark Dayton, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will purchase 20 additional decontamination units in 2012 that will be used to clean watercraft and marine equipment and help prevent the spread of zebra mussels and other aquatic invasive species. Full Story






