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 issues citation for cougar shooting in Jackson County
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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DNR, NWTF mentored youth turkey applications due Feb. 13
First-time youth turkey hunters, ages 12 to 17, have the chance 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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Snowmobile safety awareness week is Jan. 15-21
Gov. Mark Dayton, with the support of Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Minnesota United Snowmobilers Association (MnUSA), has proclaimed Jan. 15-21 as Snowmobile Safety Awareness Week in Minnesota. Full Story
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Minnesota’s natural resources and outdoor recreation opportunities were big winners in 2011
Minnesotans across the state benefitted from the creation of several exciting new outdoor recreation opportunities in 2011 and the ongoing protection of the state’s waters, forests and other natural resources, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Full Story
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Fish shelter identification required
Ice conditions on Minnesota waterways may vary, but fish shelter identification violations seem to be consistent, according to conservation officers with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Full Story
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DNR announces appointment of new Itasca State Park manager
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced the appointment of Bob Chance as its new manager of Itasca State Park. Full Story
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DNR makes major progress in St. Croix Valley blowdown recovery, but much work remains
Six months after 100-mile-per-hour winds devastated state forests and recreation areas in the upper St. Croix River Valley, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has made significant progress in restoring facilities and salvaging timber. Full Story
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DNR conservation officers take aim to free deer
Conservation officers (CO) with the Minnesota Department of Natural resources recently saved a couple of deer by shooting them. Full Story
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Major addition to Forestville State Park protects unique features
One of the largest and most spectacular additions to a state park in the past decade was completed last week with the acquisition of a 454-acre parcel that includes towering limestone cliffs, two miles of trout streams and a variety of rare habitats at Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park, about 45 minutes southeast of Rochester. Full Story
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Minnesota state parks to accept cabin and lodging reservations while reservation system is upgraded
People who want to make a reservation to stay overnight in a camper cabin or guesthouse at a Minnesota state park between now and March 31 can still do so. They should first check availability and then call the park directly to book. Availability reports will be updated and posted online by noon Monday through Friday. Full Story
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Hodgins to help manage fisheries in 11 counties for DNR
Nate Hodgins will assist in the fisheries management of 80 lakes across 11 counties in southwestern Minnesota in his new position as Windom assistant area fisheries supervisor for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Full Story
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DNR ALERT – Warm temps this week create unreliable ice in southern MN
Forecasted temperatures in the 40s across southern Minnesota this week add yet another reason to be careful if heading out on the ice, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Full Story
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DNR offers grants to diversify Minnesota’s community forests against pests, disease and damage
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is accepting project proposals to diversify community forests using Community Forest Bonding grants for 2012-2014. Grants are open to all cities, counties, townships, and park and recreation boards in cities with more than 100,000 residents. Applications are due by 4:30 p.m. on Feb. 17. Full Story
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Southeast stream trout season offers break from ice fishing
While most Minnesota anglers focus on ice fishing this time of year, those hankering for something different might want to cast their attention toward southeastern Minnesota, where the stream trout season opens Jan. 1. Full Story
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Longtime Whitewater State Park naturalist Dave Palmquist to retire
After nearly 38 years of public service as a full-time, year-round interpretive naturalist at Whitewater State Park in southeastern Minnesota, Dave Palmquist is preparing to retire, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Palmquist’s last day at the park will be Tuesday, Jan. 3. Full Story
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