Habitat will be restored, enhanced or protected on more than 3,500 acres under the latest round of Conservation Program Legacy (CPL) grants administered by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Full Story

DNR awards $2.6 million in latest round of habitat grants
Remember to obtain permits for open burning
Residents are reminded that permits are required for open burning and those permits have limitations, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Full Story
Knutson named new DNR assistant area wildlife manager
Amber Knutson has been named the new assistant area wildlife manager for Lincoln, Lyon and Yellow Medicine counties, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Full Story
New required aquatic invasive species rules decal for boaters now available
A new required decal is now available for Minnesota boaters to help remind them of the state’s aquatic invasive species laws, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced today. Full Story
New walleye regulation at Mille Lacs Lake; good fishing expected
Anglers who fish Mille Lacs Lake during the 2012 season will be able to keep walleye less than 17 inches in length, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). This is a change from last year’s regulation that allowed keeping of walleye less than 18 inches. Full Story
DNR promotes two conservation officers
Two conservation officers with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) have recently been promoted, the agency said. Full Story
Hard work pays off for DNR firearms safety instructor
The 2011 Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ Firearms Safety Education Volunteer Instructor of the Year isn’t afraid of a little hard work. As a matter of fact, Frank Przybilla of Ham Lake not only organizes and teaches firearms safety classes, but DNR snowmobile and all-terrain vehicle safety classes as well. Full Story
New state park reservation system fully phased in
Camping and lodging reservations
now available up to a year in advance
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced today that the phased-in rollout of their state park reservation system is complete. Camping and lodging reservations are once again being accepted up to a year in advance. More than 8,500 reservations have already been made online and through the Minnesota-based call center. Full Story
Conservation officer candidates begin training on the 125th anniversary of the game warden service
It seems only appropriate that the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) 13th Conservation Officer Academy got underway March 28 at Camp Ripley on the 125th anniversary of the game warden service in Minnesota. Full Story
Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area mountain bike trails open
The mountain bike trails at the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area in northeastern Minnesota have opened for the season, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Full Story
Pelicans return to Minnesota after near extinction
Flocks of giant white birds are catching the eyes of birders and outdoor enthusiasts across Minnesota as once-rare American White Pelicans return to their summer nesting grounds at 16 sites across the state, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Full Story
DNR offers tips to protect homes from wildfires
Spring is here and so too is the threat of wildfires. Because of that, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is encouraging homeowners throughout the state to take steps now to lower fire risk and ensure a rapid fire response. Full Story
DNR fisheries summer fieldwork schedule on Aitkin area lakes
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Aitken area fisheries staff has announced the assessment schedule for the 2012 field season. 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 state forest nurseries announce spring seedling sale
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) state forest nurseries are gearing up for their spring seedling sale and have available a wide variety of native, bareroot conifer and hardwood tree and shrub seedlings. Specialty packets, such as the wild turkey and grouse packets, are also available and include a mixture of tree and shrub seedlings that will attract wildlife. Full Story
DNR announces temporary, seasonal fishing closures
As ice-out begins and waters warm, anglers should regularly visit the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) website to check for seasonal closures that protect fish spawning areas. Full Story
Comments sought on rule limiting special northern pike regulations
Comments on rules governing special regulations for northern pike and other fishing regulation matters will be accepted until Thursday, May 30, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has announced. Full Story
DNR announces plans to address Wood Lake water issues
Plans are underway to address flood water issues related to Wood Lake in Brown and Watonwan counties, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Full Story
DNR roving crew specializes in southern Minnesota habitat work
A highly mobile and skilled habitat team is strategically working across southern Minnesota to manage and improve grasslands for wildlife, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Full Story
DNR urges early season boaters to use caution
With the ice receding from lakes and rivers at what seems like a near record pace, many boaters and anglers are already launching their boats. There were 400 or more fishing boats reported on the Mississippi River, March 17, on the 12-mile stretch between Lock and Dam Number 3 north of Red Wing to the head of Lake Pepin. Full Story
With early spring, use caution launching boats
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) wants early season boaters to know that conditions at ramps may make boat launching a challenge. Full Story
Exposed lake beds are subject to shoreland rules
With abnormally low water levels exposing lakebed on many state lakes, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds riparian property owners that what looks like “dry land” still may be subject to rules regulating what can and cannot be done on shoreland and in public waters. Full Story
DNR reminds landowners to identify property lines prior to starting construction projects this spring
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds homeowners and landowners living adjacent to state of Minnesota owned lands to make sure that they know where their personal property lines are located before beginning any construction projects this spring. Full Story
DNR takes aim at southeastern Minnesota deer issues
Just as all politics are local, so too are deer issues.
Recognizing this, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has created a new position to better manage deer and deer hunter-landowner relations in southeastern Minnesota. Full Story
Residents, dealers reminded to review dock and boat lift canopy regulations
Spring boat shows are popular this time of year, and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds residents to review dock and boat lift canopy regulations before investing in new equipment in order to ensure it will meet current standards. Full Story
Minnesota DNR hires Bob Welsh to manage wildlife habitat program
A veteran Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) biologist has been selected to manage the state’s wildlife habitat program. Bob Welsh, an assistant regional wildlife manager for the past six years, will oversee the agency’s recently realigned forest, wetland and prairie-farmland habitat programs. Full Story
Bald eagles on spring migration back to Minnesota
Bald eagles are migrating back to Minnesota and may be seen in large numbers across parts of the state over the next few weeks, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Full Story
Oneka Elementary in Hugo establishes school forest
Oneka Elementary School in Hugo has designated the 25 acres of old field and wetland surrounding their school as the Oneka School Forest, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Full Story
DNR to reassess deer population goals
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will begin reassessing deer population goals this spring.
From 2005 through 2007 the DNR used an extensive public input process to establish deer population goals for all of the state’s approximately 130 deer permit areas. Now that those goal populations have been achieved in most areas, the DNR will use a similar process to reevaluate population goals in 23 permit areas in southwestern and north-central Minnesota. Full Story
Silver, bighead carp were caught by commercial fishermen March 1 in Mississippi River near Winona
A silver carp and a bighead carp were caught in a seine net by commercial fishermen March 1 in Pool 6 of the Mississippi River near Winona, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Silver and bighead carp, members of the Asian carp family, are nonnative species that can cause serious ecological problems as they spread into new waters. Full Story
DNR names Erik Thorson acting big game program leader
Erik Thorson, a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) forest wildlife coordinator, has accepted a temporary assignment to oversee the agency’s while-tailed deer and other big game programs. Full Story
Brown’s Creek State Trail on track for paving now that purchase agreement is signed
An estimated 75,000 people annually might travel on foot or bicycle to and from downtown Stillwater and the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway in the near future along the 5.9-mile Brown’s Creek State Trail corridor that the state of Minnesota acquired Feb. 16 from David Paradeau. He operated the Minnesota Zephyr dinner train along the route until 2008. Full Story
DNR officer honored by the Minnesota Wildlife Society
Solving a high-profile poaching case involving a record 8-point buck. Responding to major floods in Minnesota and North Dakota. Being among the first responders following the 35W bridge collapse. Full Story
DNR names Forrest Boe director of Forestry Division
Tom Landwehr, commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), announced today his selection of Forrest Boe as director of the DNR’s Forestry Division. Full Story
Land transaction will protect working forest
Forest Capital Partners, DNR, The Nature Conservancy expand forest conservation partnership
Forest Capital Partners, The Nature Conservancy and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced today the closing of a new conservation easement that boosts Minnesota’s role as a national leader in protecting the environmental contributions of private, working forests. The 6,966-acre easement in southeastern Koochiching County is in addition to a 51,163-acre transaction completed in 2007 and a 76,249-acre transaction completed in 2010 with the same partners. 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
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 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
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
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
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 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






