DNR to lift burning restrictions in several northern Minnesota counties

Burning restrictions will soon be lifted in several counties in northern Minnesota due to the green-up of fire fuels, which eases wildfire conditions, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Full Story

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DNR urges ATV operators to ride safe and ride smart

The weeks leading up to Memorial Day are a time when many people begin taking their all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) out of the garage for the summer, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). It’s also a time when the DNR reminds ATV owners and riders to ride safe and ride smart. Full Story

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‘Shift Gears Saturdays,’ a new series of free, guided bike rides for families on Minnesota state trails, begins May 19

After a busy week of work or school, bicyclists are invited to “shift gears” and enjoy a change of scenery during a new series of guided bike rides on Minnesota state trails. Full Story

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DNR auction June 2 in New Ulm features wide variety of items

A public auction of surplus equipment will be held by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) on Saturday, June 2, at 9:30 a.m. in New Ulm. Full Story

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DNR says expect to be checked, cited for aquatic invasive species violations

Anglers and boaters can expect stepped-up patrols and citations for violating the state’s aquatic invasive species (AIS) laws, according to Lt. Col. Rodmen Smith, Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Enforcement Division assistant director. Full Story

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Minnesota Fish facts

Anglers and lakes

  • 1.4 million licensed anglers.
  • 2 million people fish.
  • Minnesota has 11,842 lakes, 5,400 of which are managed by DNR fisheries. Full Story
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DNR reminds anglers of fishing regulation changes for 2012

Minnesota anglers are reminded of new regulations on various water bodies and other changes for the general 2012 fishing season. Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) officials said the changes are summarized on page 4 of the 2012 Minnesota Fishing Regulations booklet, which is available at any license agent or online. Full Story

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DNR postcard campaign encourages anglers to bite on license buy

Like fish, Minnesota anglers can be finicky.

Sometimes they snap up a fishing license early in the year; sometimes they don’t bite at all. Full Story

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Baby bison abound at Blue Mounds State Park

It is calving season for bison at Blue Mounds State Park near Luverne, and babies are frolicking on the park prairie, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Full Story

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DNR officer honored by the Minnesota Association of Women Police

A conservation officer with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has been honored with a community service award by the Minnesota Association of Women Police. Full Story

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DNR Aquatic Habitat Program provides cost share for habitat restoration

Conservation groups, lake associations and local governments can help improve fish habitat and water quality through a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) grants program. Full Story

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Many bears visiting bird feeders this spring

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) wildlife managers are reporting an increase in nuisance bear complaints at this time of year. Bear sightings are most prevalent in northern Minnesota, but they’ve also been spotted in the metropolitan suburbs. Full Story

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Aquatic invasive species decal law changes; higher penalties go into effect July 1

A slate of new laws designed to curb the spread of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) was approved in a recent bill passed by the Minnesota Legislature and signed by Gov. Mark Dayton. Full Story

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Governor signs license fee increase bill

The price of Minnesota hunting and fishing licenses will increase in March 2013 for the first time in 12 years, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) said. Full Story

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Minnesota state parks offer a fishing opener for everyone – no license, no equipment, no experience necessary

No one should feel left out when talk turns – as it does this time of year – to plans for the big Minnesota fishing opener. Full Story

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DNR expands fishing opportunities with 20 Legacy-funded fishing piers

Anglers can wet their lines at 20 new and improved fishing piers across the state during this year’s fishing opener and throughout many fishing seasons to follow, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Full Story

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Boaters play key role in preventing spread of aquatic invasive species

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is urging boaters to take more responsibility in stopping the spread of aquatic invasive species. Full Story

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Metro area offers great fishing close to home

With the price of gas pushing four bucks a gallon, pulling a boat to a Twin Cities’ lake or river makes sense for metro area residents, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Full Story

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Early ice-out: What does it mean for the walleye opener?

Mike Duval of Brainerd and Tom Jones of Aitkin are Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) fisheries biologists. They work extensively on fish habitat issues. In the interview below, they discuss this spring’s early ice-out, and what it means for fish behavior and fishing patterns. Full Story

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Fishing connected me to nature, can help nurture your kids, too

By Tom Landwehr
Commissioner, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

As I reflect on things that have shaped who I am, I realize that it is many things and many people, but also that fishing played a major role. Full Story

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Lake Waconia shines among metro region waters

Roughly 45 minutes west of the tall towers and busy streets of downtown Minneapolis lies a gem of a lake where, come May 12, Gov. Mark Dayton will seek Minnesota’s favorite fish for the walleye opener. Chances are good he’ll succeed. Full Story

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DNR announces student poster contest winners

Seventh and eighth grade students from Belle Plaine, Cold Spring and Granada were the top winners in the 28th annual Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) “Roadsides are for the Birds” poster contest. Full Story

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Minnesota state parks and trails to offer ‘how to’ camping, paddling, climbing, fishing, archery programs for families this summer

As part of its ongoing effort to get more people outdoors, Minnesota state parks and trails are offering a series of skill-building programs that will introduce camping, fishing, paddling, climbing and archery to the next generation this summer. Full Story

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Carver County judge dismisses lawsuit against DNR over aquatic invasive species

Carver County District Court Judge Philip T. Kanning has dismissed a lawsuit brought against the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) by a group of west metro lake associations and property owners. Full Story

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DNR to lift burning restrictions May 7 in several more Minnesota counties

Restrictions on open burning will be lifted next week in 13 additional counties, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Full Story

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DNR seeks watercraft inspector applicants

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking watercraft inspector interns for the upcoming boating season. The inspectors are stationed at public accesses on lakes and rivers infested with invasive species such as Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussels. Full Story

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DNR announces temporary closures to protect spawning areas

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has announced temporary closures to the taking of fish May 1 – May 11 on a number of designated spawning beds in Itasca County. These areas will reopen for the May 12 fishing opener. Full Story

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DNR announces temporary closures to protect spawning areas

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has announced temporary closures to the taking of fish May 1 – May 11 on a number of designated spawning beds in St. Louis County. These areas will reopen for the May 12 fishing opener. Full Story

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Groundwater sampling underway in Sibley County

Water samples from 90 wells in Sibley County will be collected and analyzed over the next three months by hydrogeologists from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Full Story

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Groundwater sampling underway in Nicollet County

Water samples from 90 wells in Nicollet County will be collected and analyzed over the next three months by hydrogeologists from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Full Story

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Contact DNR before starting water-related project work

Dry weather over the past several months has created unique opportunities for water-related project work, but it is vital to look into permit requirements before starting those projects, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Full Story

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DNR conservation officers receive awards

Five conservation officers with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently received awards for their hard work and dedication to protecting and preserving the state’s natural resources. Full Story

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Power company provides alternate home for nesting ospreys

A new platform has been installed on a power pole in Cass County to accommodate nesting ospreys, according the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Full Story

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DNR receives donation of equipment

A donation from the Land of Lakes Bowfishing Association (LLBA) will help conservation officers with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) enforce noise levels of generators used during night bowfishing on waterways. Full Story

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Walk-In Access enrollment deadline June 1

A June 1 deadline is in place for landowners in 21 southwestern Minnesota counties to 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 and Minnesota Twins celebrate Earth Week with tree planting at St. Croix State Park

In celebration of Earth Week and as part of the Break a Bat, Plant a Tree partnership, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Minnesota Twins today planted 20 white and Norway pines 18 to 24 inches tall in St. Croix State Park, where 13,000 acres of trees were damaged during a devastating storm in July 2011. Students from Hinckley Elementary School joined representatives from the DNR and the Twins front office at the ceremonial planting event. Full Story

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DNR reminds horseback riders that a Horse Pass is required on state-managed horse trails

As Minnesotans saddle up for the 2012 horseback riding season, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds riders to get a Horse Pass before hitting any state-managed horse trails. Riders without the pass are subject to fines. Full Story

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Bighead caught in St. Croix underscores urgency around Asian carp

The discovery late last week of another Asian carp at the mouth of the St. Croix River underscores the need to move ahead with efforts to stop their spread, according to officials with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Full Story

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DNR: Celebrate Arbor Month by creating a healthy yard

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds people that May is Arbor Month in Minnesota and Arbor Day, April 27, marks the beginning of an entire month of celebrating trees. Full Story

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Apply now for the 2012 Minnesota elk hunt

Hunters have until Friday, June 1, to apply for one of 23 elk licenses offered this year by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Full Story

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Lake sturgeon making a comeback on Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Section of Fisheries is celebrating a major milestone in the recovery efforts of the lake sturgeon population on Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River. According to DNR fisheries biologists, short-term population recovery goals have been met, which is a big step toward full recovery. Full Story

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DNR to lift burning restrictions in 13 Twin Cities metro and central Minnesota counties

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will lift burning restrictions in 13 Minnesota counties beginning at 8 a.m. Friday, April 27. The DNR is lifting restrictions in areas where green-up is occurring and wildfire conditions are easing. Full Story

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DNR offers 12 parcels of land for sale

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will offer 12 parcels of land for sale at public auction May 30 at 11 a.m. in the DNR’s Central office, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN 55155. Registration begins at 10:30 am. Full Story

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DNR commissioner signs final Anoka Sand Plain and Hardwood Hills Subsection Forest Resource Management plans

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Commissioner Tom Landwehr announced the signing of the final Subsection Forest Resource Management plans (SFRMPs) for the Anoka Sand Plain and Hardwood Hills subsections located in central and west-central Minnesota on April 9.

Full Story

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Minnesota state parks and trails geocaching program

The Geocaching Wildlife Safari, a high-tech treasure hunt, is nearing the end of its three-year run as one of the more popular programs of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Parks and Trails Division.

Full Story

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