The anglers who enjoy Minnesota’s sky blue waters are a powerful engine for the state’s economy, according to a new survey data released by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Full Story

Anglers spend $2.4 billion in Minnesota, according to new report
Burning restrictions placed on 13 additional counties in central Minnesota
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will place burning restrictions on 13 additional counties in central Minnesota at 8 a.m. Monday, May 6. Full Story
Golf course opens for the season at Fort Ridgely State Park
Golfers can enjoy natural scenery, local history and a challenging game as the golf course is now open for the season at Fort Ridgely State Park, south of Fairfax, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) said. Full Story
DNR wildlife seeks comments on Kenogama Lake management plan
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) invites the public to comment until May 24, on a waterfowl management plan for Kenogama Lake in western Itasca County. The DNR proposes to actively manage Kenogama Lake, located west of Lake Winnibigoshish, for waterfowl. Full Story
DNR reminds landowners to identify property lines prior to starting construction projects
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds homeowners and landowners living adjacent to state of Minnesota-owned lands to learn where their personal property lines are located before starting construction projects this spring. Full Story
DNR invites public input on Minnesota River State Trail master plan – Franklin to Le Sueur
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Parks and Trails Division is conducting two open houses in May to provide information and receive input about a master plan for the Minnesota River State Trail between Franklin and Le Sueur. Full Story
Warm weather, cold water can be dangerous mix for boaters, paddlers
Boaters, canoeists and kayakers anxious to hit newly-thawed rivers and lakes across the southern part of the state should consider the potential danger of cold waters, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Full Story
Portions of Willard Munger State Trail to be closed for repairs, reconstruction
Portions of the Willard Munger State Trail will close this summer between Carlton and Duluth for repairs and maintenance related to the June 2012 flood, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) said. Full Story
Gov. Dayton proclaims April 21-27 as Wildfire Prevention Week
Gov. Mark Dayton has proclaimed April 21-27 Wildfire Prevention Week, as most wildfires in Minnesota occur in April and May. Once this year’s snow melts, hazardous fire conditions are likely. Full Story
DNR advises checking status of boat ramps, campgrounds, roads and trails before traveling
Before venturing out to campgrounds, trails and public water accesses statewide, people should check online or call ahead to avoid surprises, advises the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Full Story
Cormorants to be controlled on Lake Vermilion
Double-crested cormorants will be controlled at Lake Vermillion this spring in an effort to limit the number of birds that eat yellow perch and potentially small walleye, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Full Story
Celebrate Arbor Month and brighten Minnesota by planting trees
“Plant Trees for a Brighter Minnesota,” is the theme of Arbor Month in May, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) said. Arbor Day, April 26, marks the beginning of a month-long celebration of trees. Full Story
DNR proposes to drop hybrid muskie stocking on 5 west metro lakes
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will conduct a public open house to discuss and take comments on its proposal to suspend hybrid (tiger) muskellunge stocking on five lakes in Carver County and Hennepin County. Full Story
DNR to begin aerial seeding program throughout northeastern Minnesota
Northeastern Minnesota residents may notice helicopters in the sky over state lands in the next few weeks as the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) begins its spring aerial seeding program that includes more than 100 locations. Sites near the Brainerd area will be the first locations seeded. Full Story
DNR announces temporary closures in Tower area to protect spawning areas
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has announced temporary fishing and spearing closures on a number of designated spawning beds and fish preserves in northern St. Louis and western Lake counties. The temporary closures are in accordance with Minnesota Statute 6264:0125 to protect fish when they are more susceptible to catch and overharvest as well as limit disruption in spawning areas. Full Story
Duval hired as DNR district manager in Brainerd
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has hired Michael Duval as the western district manager of the Ecological and Water Resources Division in the Northeast Region. Full Story
Minnesota DNR goes live with video-streaming peregrine falcon camera
Starting this week, live video from a pair of peregrine falcons in a nesting box at the top of an office building in downtown St. Paul will be featured on the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) website. Full Story
DNR urges homeowners to resist pruning or removing conifers with red needles until late spring
Conifers growing in Minnesota have had a long, hard winter with plenty of opportunities for winter injury, according to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). By now, many people have noticed conifers full of brown and red needles, especially along highways. People might have seen the conifers in their yards, or along buildings and driveways, are turning red or brown. Full Story
Last chance for lake service provider training before ice-out
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has added two aquatic invasive species (AIS) training sessions for businesses that install or remove water-related equipment such as docks, lifts, rafts, boats, or sprinkler systems from Minnesota lakes and rivers. Full Story
Wildfire Prevention Week raises awareness of outdoor fire hazards
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has declared April 21–27 as Wildfire Prevention Week to increase awareness of outdoor fire hazards. Full Story
DNR’s ‘PlayCleanGo’ program kicks-off new campaign to curb invasive species spread
Minnesota’s terrestrial (i.e. land-based) invasive species outreach program known as, “PlayCleanGo: Stop Invasive Species in Your Tracks,” is kicking off a new campaign, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) said. Full Story
DNR to hold public hearing on Lake 14 management and designation April 25
A public hearing on a proposal to formally designate Lake 14 in Big Stone County for wildlife management will be hosted by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Thursday, April 25 at the Ortonville Public Library, 412 NW 2nd St. Full Story
Public invited to DNR Waterville area fisheries open house April 20
The public is invited to attend an open house at the Waterville area fisheries office of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) on Saturday, April 20, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Full Story
No wild deer test positive for CWD
None of the more than 2,300 deer tested for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in three specific areas of Minnesota have tested positive for the disease. Full Story
DNR seeks comments on topics for state EIS on proposed flood project in Fargo-Moorhead area
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking public comments on the scoping documents for a state environmental impact statement (EIS) on the potential environmental effects of a proposed flood diversion project in the Fargo-Moorhead area. Full Story
More charges to be filed in investigation of illegal sales of game fish in northern Minnesota
Authorities are bringing state charges against 21 individuals following a major investigation into the illegal sale and dumping of thousands of protected game fish in north-central and northwestern Minnesota. Full Story
DNR receives proposals for reuse of historic Fort Snelling Upper Post
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has received five proposals for restoring and reusing a group of historic buildings overlooking Fort Snelling State Park near the main Twin Cities airport. The DNR is working with a number of partner agencies, which have formed a joint powers board, including the National Park Service, Hennepin County, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board and the Minnesota Historical Society. Full Story
DNR decides Minntac mine extension does not require an environmental impact statement
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has determined that the environmental assessment worksheet (EAW) process for a proposed extension at the Minntac mine near Mountain Iron has provided adequate information on potential environmental effects. The DNR’s decision, called a negative declaration, means an environmental impact statement (EIS) will not be required. Full Story
Bears emerging from hibernation; cause for preparation, not alarm
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) wildlife managers are reporting an increase in bear sightings as the animals begin emerging from hibernation. Bear sightings are most prevalent in northern Minnesota, but bears can also be spotted in some metropolitan areas. Full Story
Burning restrictions take effect April 21 in east-central Minnesota
Even though much of Minnesota received late season snowfall, fire danger is expected to rapidly increase when the weather warms up, the snow melts and winds dry the dead standing grass and brush in open areas. Full Story
Storm damage closes campground at Blue Mounds State Park through April 21
Blue Mounds State Park, near Luverne in the southwestern corner of Minnesota, has closed its campground through Sunday, April 21, due to ice-storm damage. Full Story
Volunteers needed for Lac qui Parle State Park summer programs
Lac qui Parle State Park seeks volunteers to help with a variety of summer educational programs for children and young adults. Full Story
Pelicans return to Minnesota after near extinction
Flocks of giant white birds are catching the eyes of outdoor enthusiasts across Minnesota, as once-rare American White Pelicans migrate north to their nesting grounds across the state. Full Story
Trout fishing on Paul’s Creek begins April 13
Rainbow trout fishing will return to Paul’s Creek, near St. Peter, as the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) begins stocking operations for the April 13 stream trout opener. Full Story
New test results show no DNA evidence of Asian carp, but scientists urge continued action
New analyses for Asian carp DNA in water samples from the Mississippi and St. Croix rivers showed little evidence of bighead and silver carp, researchers announced in a report released today. Full Story
Cook County fishing closures will protect spawning fish
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) wishes to inform anglers that there will be several fishing closures in Cook County during the beginning of the 2013 fishing season to protect concentrations of spawning walleye. Closures on Minnesota-Ontario waters are made in cooperation with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and affect both sides of the border. Full Story
Low water in Rice Lake to be maintained through summer
A substantial decline in wildlife use and habitat quality on Rice Lake, located within Rice Lake State Park, has prompted the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to begin lowering water levels for the upcoming growing season. Full Story
DNR invites input on proposed Winona County mountain bike trail
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) invites the public to review and comment on a proposal to add 9.6 miles of new bicycle trail to the existing 6.5 mile Plowline Trail system in southeastern Minnesota’s Winona County at an open house. The meeting is Thursday, May 30, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at the Stockton Community Center on North D Street. Full Story
Minnesota state parks and trails offer a new season of outdoor ‘I Can!’ programs for families
Families will learn how to pitch a tent, hook a fish, paddle a kayak or canoe, scale a cliff and shoot a bow at nearly 200 “I Can!” programs offered this summer at Minnesota state parks and on state water trails. The newly expanded “I Can!” series of outdoor programs are designed to introduce kids to camping, fishing, paddling, climbing and archery. Full Story
DNR invites comments on Lake Fourteen vegetation management plan
Persons interested in reviewing and commenting on the Lake Fourteen vegetation management plan have until April 15, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) said. 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
Have a hunting or fishing license? Get a special rate on Twins tickets
Kids and adults who have a 2013 Minnesota hunting or fishing license can buy discounted tickets online to six Minnesota Twins baseball games and receive a free regulation blaze orange Twins logo baseball cap as part of a special promotion with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Full Story
Mille Lacs Lake regulations changed to boost walleye population
Regulations that will limit the harvest of walleye and potentially increase the harvest of northern pike and smallmouth bass will be implemented on Mille Lacs Lake this spring as part of a multi-year effort to rebuild the lake’s legendary walleye population. Full Story
DNR Parks and Trails Division names new area supervisor
The Parks and Trails Division of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has selected Jeremy Losinski, who has until recently been the manager of Lac qui Parle State Park in Montevideo, to oversee outdoor recreation in eight west-central counties. Full Story
DNR invites public input on proposed forest trails in Pine County
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) invites people with an interest in recreational trail systems and motorized vehicle use in the Chengwatana, Nemadji, General Andrews and St. Croix state forests in Pine County to attend an open house on Wednesday, May 22, to review a set of proposals that include changes to trail systems in the four state forests. The open house will be from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Askov Community Center, 6369 Kobmagergade in Askov. Full Story






