Star Tribune series explores fighting fire with fire in the BWCA
Should fire be managed in the Boundary Waters? What have we learned from past mistakes? Experts discuss wildfire past and future in the BWCAW.
Environment/Ecology/Nature
Biologists say wolves are fond of fishing in Voyageurs Park
New research shows that wolves hunting fish – a behavior first seen in 2017 – is apparently common during sucker spawning.
Tribes and Forest Service announce co-stewardship of Superior National Forest
Historic move explains how Forest Service will respect treaty rights for northern Minnesota Ojibwe.
New film explores the dark skies of Minnesota-Ontario
‘Northern Nights, Starry Skies’ features inspiring images, cultural knowledge, and light pollution threats.
Minnesota moose survey shows slight annual decline in overall stable population
Annual moose count finds MN population is down compared to last year but its too soon to say if it’s the new normal.
Biochar forestry could reduce wildfire risk and capture carbon
Project studies potential of converting excess fuel for forest fires to useful material for several purposes.
Rare arctic plants cling to existence on unique cliffs along Minnesota-Canada border
Rare plants stranded by glacial retreat find refuge on unique outcrops in the Boundary Waters.
Environmentalists and DNR agree to restrict trapping and protect endangered Canada lynx
Judge’s order settles debate over preventing inadvertent harm to elusive forest cat.
Invasive spiny water flea found in another Boundary Waters lake
Infestation raises concerns about impacts to ecosystem and recreational fishing.
Birds in decline: survey shows dwindling populations in MN forests
Recent reports reveal shrinking numbers of birds that depend on certain forest types and specific climate conditions.
Emerald ash borer threatens northern Minnesota’s forested wetlands
Black ash wetlands are usually rich in wildlife, but are at risk of disappearing because of an invasive species.
Fishers fail to fall for fake nesting sites
Ongoing studies seek to understand why the predators are declining in Minnesota, and what humans can do to help.
Federal grant to fund moose habitat protection planning
Minnesota receives competitive grant to help coordinate conservation efforts.
Scientists search for cyanobacteria in the Boundary Waters: Part II
“Soon enough we were afloat again on the other end of the portage — and then we were paddling through green slime. The cyanobacteria in a shallow bay on the west side of the lake was ten times thicker than on Sawbill…”
Scientists search for cyanobacteria in Boundary Waters: Part I
Intense study of several northern Minnesota lakes seeks answers about past and future of region’s famous waters.
Minnesota releases new 10-year wolf management plan
DNR says it has considered many perspectives while putting together guidance for future of state’s most controversial predator.
Climate change causing trouble for tamarack trees
Scientists say the beloved tree of northern Minnesota bogs is getting wiped out by insects thriving with longer growing seasons.
Northern long-eared bats in Minnesota declared endangered
Decision will put new rules in place to preserve habitat for species hit hard by white-nose syndrome. Some politicians say protection efforts are a burden to loggers and other industries.
Coalition creating more moose habitat in northern Minnesota
State funding is letting groups restore thousands of acres of forest to types preferred by iconic animals.
Cook County approves request to ban wake boats on Caribou Lake
“Wake boats and wake surfing pose a threat to the lake by causing shoreline erosion, turbulent disruption of lake bottom sediment, increased risk of the introduction of aquatic invasion species…”