Wet conditions have lowered the fire danger and prompted the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to lift burning restrictions in all or parts of 32 Minnesota counties. Restrictions were lifted at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 21. Full Story

Burning restrictions lifted in 32 Minnesota counties
Cold water dangerous to boaters this Memorial Day weekend
Minnesotans are eager to hit the water for Memorial Day weekend, but the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is reminding boaters that warmer weather does not mean warm water. Full Story
Threat of aquatic invasive species re-emerges with boating season
With boating season moving in to high gear this Memorial Day weekend, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is reminding boaters and anglers to be extra vigilant to help stop the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS).
DNR urges people to leave fawns alone
May is the month when most fawns are born. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is urging people to leave fawns alone. Full Story
Take a kid fishing and fish free June 7-9
Celebrate the end of the school year with a potential angler-to-be by fishing for free with a child 15 or younger, June 7-9, during Take-A-Kid Fishing weekend, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) said. Full Story
New Freeborn County WMA conserves critical swan, crane habitat
The public is invited to the dedication of a new wildlife management area (WMA) southwest of Blooming Prairie that will conserve 500 acres of gently rolling hills containing 100 acres of wetlands, the highest point in Freeborn County, remnant prairie and remnant bur oak woodland, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) said. Full Story
Walk-In Access enrollment deadline extended to June 14
Landowners have an extra two weeks to enroll in the Walk-In Access program, as the deadline has been extended to June 14, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) said. Full Story
DNR proceeds with plan for charter school at Fort Snelling Upper Post
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is moving ahead with a proposal for adaptive reuse of historic buildings overlooking Fort Snelling State Park by a group planning to create a new charter school. Full Story
Public asked to report Blanding’s turtle sightings to the DNR
Anyone seeing a rare Blanding’s turtle in southwestern Minnesota is asked to report that sighting to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), to help with ongoing research on the species. Full Story
Grass carp near Sartell is northernmost find for Asian carp
An angler bowfishing on the Mississippi River north of Sartell last week shot a 25-pound grass carp, an exotic species that previously has been found only much further south in Minnesota, including lower portions of the Mississippi, according to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Full Story
DNR conducting aerial sandhill crane survey in northwestern Minnesota
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) started an aerial survey of sandhill cranes, Monday, May 13, in an area from Crookston, north through Thief River Falls to the Canadian border. Full Story
DNR adds burning restrictions for 4 additional counties
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is placing burning restrictions on four additional counties in northern Minnesota because receding snow cover has created conditions conducive to wildfire. Full Story
Forest tent caterpillar population is building
Forest tent caterpillar populations have been rising in some northern and west-central Minnesota counties since 2007, and that trend is expected to intensify, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) said. Full Story
Turtles now crossing roads to reach nests
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is asking people to leave turtles alone as the turtles cross roads to reach nesting areas. Full Story
Shingobee Bay public water access will be closed through June 28 for improvements
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will expand and improve the Shingobee Bay public water access site south of Walker, beginning Monday, May 13. The site, located off Highway 371 in an old rest area, will be closed during construction. The DNR expects it to reopen by Friday, June 28. Full Story
DNR safety instructors honored
Three hunter education instructors with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) are marking their 50th year of service. Full Story
Mountain bike trails open at Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area
The mountain bike trails at Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area in Crosby opened for the season on Friday, May 10. The area features 25 miles of single-track trails for bikers of all skill levels, from beginners to experts. The trails wind through 800 acres of deep-red soil, birch and aspen forests and scenic vistas overlooking turquoise mine lakes. Full Story
Apply now for Minnesota elk hunt
Hunters have until June 14 to apply for one of 23 elk licenses offered this year by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Full Story
At opener, some river reaches closed to fishing in northwestern Minnesota
A number of river reaches in northwestern Minnesota will be closed to fishing when the fishing opener arrives May 11. Most closures will extend through midnight May 17 and are necessary to protect concentrations of walleye, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) said. Full Story
Burning restrictions in place for some northeastern Minnesota counties; permits required for open burning
Burning restrictions are in place for several counties in northeastern Minnesota and residents are reminded that permits are required for open burning, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) said. Full Story
Kathy Dummer returns to New Ulm area as DNR program leader
Kathy Dummer is returning to the area where she grew up as she begins her role as strategic program manager for the Parks and Trails Division of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in New Ulm. Full Story
Blue Mounds State Park welcomes baby bison
While the late spring has delayed many things, it has not postponed the arrival of baby bison at Blue Mounds State Park near Luverne in the southwestern corner of Minnesota, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) said. Full Story
Keep birds healthy, avoid moldy birdseed
Moldy birdseed and unclean bird feeders can make birds sick, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources said. Full Story
DNR initiates public input process on Leech Lake special walleye regulation
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is initiating the public input process on potential walleye regulation changes on Leech Lake. Full Story
DNR asks for volunteers to help Minnesota’s loon population
Volunteers can help Department of Natural Resources (DNR) biologists discover the major cause of death of the common loon by collecting dead loon specimens for testing. This statewide study to find answers about loon mortality is being conducted by the DNR’s nongame wildlife program. Full Story
DNR conservation officers recognized
Six conservation officers (CO) with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) were recognized recently during annual in-service training at Camp Ripley in Little Falls. Full Story
Minnesota River provides a unique and relaxing fishing experience
Anglers looking for a unique and relaxing fishing experience will be rewarded with the time they spend on the Minnesota River, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Full Story
Give a Mother’s Day gift by wearing a life jacket
As thousands of anglers plan to hit the water for this weekend’s fishing opener, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds everyone to be safe and responsible every time they step into a boat. Full Story
Big rivers, big fish, be different, fish metro
By Harland Hiemstra, DNR information officer
Go ahead, Metropolitans, dare to be different. Full Story
State parks and water trails in Park Rapids area offer scenic spots to wet lines and paddles
Abundant fishing and paddling opportunities can be found at the state parks and state water trails near the Governor’s Fishing Opener in Park Rapids, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) said. Full Story
Roadsides for Wildlife poster contest winners announced
Seventh and eighth grade students from Holdingford, Proctor, and Cold Spring were the top winners in the 29th annual Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) ‘Roadsides Are for the Birds’ poster contest. Full Story
National trails group selects DNR employee for advocacy award
The nonprofit group American Trails recently awarded Mary Straka, the off-highway vehicle (OHV) program consultant for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the 2013 State Trail Advocacy Award for Minnesota. Full Story
DNR conservation officers using dogs to detect zebra mussels
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will be using three zebra mussel-sniffing K-9 teams for the first time this year to help combat the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS). Full Story
DNR angling regulation changes for Otter Tail County lakes
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Fergus Falls area fisheries office advises anglers of some recently reviewed and modified special angling regulations on several Otter Tail County lakes. The new regulations are effective for 2013. Full Story
DNR places burning restrictions on additional counties
Statewide fire conditions have led the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to place burning restrictions on additional counties. Full Story
Grants available for events celebrating 50th anniversary of Minnesota state water trails
In celebration of the 50th anniversary of Minnesota’s state water trails system, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is encouraging communities and outfitters to apply for grants to plan and implement special events throughout the state. Full Story
DNR to conduct statewide aerial Canada goose survey
A statewide aerial Canada goose survey began Sunday, May 5. Full Story
New fishing license options cater to angler interests
Minnesota anglers who fish a lot or a little can hook newly created licenses tailored to their desires. Full Story
New DNR video showcases black bear research
A new video showcasing the DNR’s black bear population research and a visit to a bear den is now featured on the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) YouTube channel. Full Story
DNR reminds boaters to take precautions against aquatic invaders
While many Minnesota lakes are still covered by a thick layer of ice, the open water fishing season is just around the corner and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is already gearing up for this year’s fight against zebra mussels, spiny waterfleas and other aquatic invasive species (AIS). Full Story
DNR tagging walleyes at Mille Lacs; return tag and get a lure
Anglers who catch a Mille Lacs Lake walleye with an orange tag on its body can receive a free fishing lure if they return that tag to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Full Story
Netland selected to manage wildlife for DNR in 6 counties
Cory Netland will manage wildlife in Brown, Chippewa, Kandiyohi, Meeker, Redwood and Renville counties as the new area wildlife supervisor for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Full Story
Annual forest stand examination list available for review
The annual stand examination list for potential timber sales on state-administered forest land in the upcoming fiscal year is now available for public review, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) said. Full Story
Aquatic plant removal may require permits
Lakeshore property owners are reminded that removal of aquatic plants from Minnesota lakes may require a permit from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Full Story
DNR closes Little Cut Foot Sioux Lake to protect walleye
An area near the egg collection operation on Little Cut Foot Sioux Lake in Itasca County will be closed May 11-17, because of high concentrations of walleye, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) said. Full Story






