Lake of the Woods Getting Greener
Algae problems worsening on the big border lake, thanks to warmer weather.
Environment/Ecology/Nature
Study Will Examine Water Quality in Rainy River Watershed
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has commenced a major study of water in the region.
Mercury Levels Drop in Wild Northern Minnesota Lakes
Research attributes reductions of the toxic metal in water and fish samples to restrictions on emissions.
Cold Winter Helped Minnesota’s Moose
Fewer moose have died this spring compared to last year, thanks to the frigid and snowy winter.
Isle Royale Responds to Dwindling Wolf Population
National Park Service will undertake a broad planning process but no new wolves will be brought to the island to supplement a declining population at this time.
Risk Management Consultant Questions PolyMet
In a newspaper column, Terry Larkin asks how much risk is okay when considering the mine proposal.
Wild Rice Study Sidelined at Last Minute
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency changes plan to announce recommendations for regulating discharges from mines and other facilities.
Moose Numbers Stay Steady, More Will be Radio-Collared
Aerial surveys indicate population relatively stable despite 2012 drop, and researchers are seeking to track 52 more animals.
Study of Mine Waste Impacts on Wild Rice Released
Research on how sulfates affect the official state grain of Minnesota will be used to determine if a key water quality standard should be changed.
New Project Designed to Restore North Shore Forests
Collaborative effort seeks to address dying birch trees and unhealthy forests.
Public Input Sought on Isle Royale Wolf Management
Hearings this month will offer information and ask for feedback about how to respond to the decline of the island’s wolf population.
Helping Northern Forests Survive the Heat
On the front page of October 20 Sunday Star Tribune, an article “Saving the Great North Woods” addresses many climate-related issues and their implications to the future of the Quetico Superior …
Moose Calves Dying at an Alarming Rate
In one of the most innovative moose research studies ever, in May of 2013, 49 moose calves in northeast Minnesota were fitted with GPS transmitting collars. Just four months later at …
Eye to the Skies – the Raptor Migration is On
The Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory in Duluth held their annual Hawk Weekend Festival last weekend, and the results of their daily bird counts are coming in. The migration begins in mid-August …
Fond du Lac Band Suspends Moose Hunt
As has been reported in Wilderness News Online, the moose population in northeast Minnesota has dropped from 8,800 moose in 2006 to 2,760 in last winter’s survey. Even more alarming is …
Islands on Two Northern Minnesota Lakes Acquired by Public Agencies
Islands on Lake Vermilion and Burntside Lake will be protected from development after being purchased by the U.S. Forest Service and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, respectively. The Trust for …
Forest Service Fighting Two Small Fires in Boundary Waters
Two small fires are burning in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, and are being intensively managed by Superior National Forest crews. The fires have not yet resulted in the closure …
MN DNR Updates Endangered and Threatened Species Lists
For the first time since 1996, the Minnesota DNR has updated the list of endangered and threatened animals and plants in the state, adding over 180 species. Listed species are categorized …
Wolf Hunt Quota Lowered Due to Population Decline
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will allow 180 less wolves to be killed during the 2013 hunting season than last year. The new quota was announced after the DNR said …
Wolf Numbers Decline, Range Increases in Minnesota
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says the first survey of the state’s wolf population since last fall’s inaugural hunting season shows the population remains strong. Estimates of wolf numbers have …