Federal grant to fund moose habitat protection planning
Minnesota receives competitive grant to help coordinate conservation efforts.
Environment/Ecology/Nature
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…”
More wolf pups survived the summer in Voyageurs National Park area this year, boosting population
According to researchers, estimates stay near long-term average as half of this spring’s wolf pups survive difficult early months.
Report on 2021 Boundary Waters wildfire explains fire management options and benefits
The Fourtown Lake Fire was allowed to burn to some extent, helping restore a healthy forest and reducing firefighting resources needed.
New methods to remove sulfate pollution from mining may help protect wild rice
New technology being tested by the U of M could remove sulfate pollution from wastewater and mining discharge, but will it be soon enough for wild rice?
More wolves, fewer moose on Isle Royale
Annual reports reveal wolf reintroduction is part of reason for steep drop in moose.
New lawsuit alleges changes to Minnesota’s water quality rules put wild rice at risk
Fond du Lac and Grand Portage Bands file lawsuit over approval of revised state rules.
Lake trout no longer stocked in northeastern Minnesota waters
Fishery managers say population is stable where possible, and not feasible in other lakes.
MN DNR accepting comments on new wolf management plan
Minnesota DNR requests feedback on first changes to wolf management in 22 years. Public can submit input about goals and strategies for state’s population of gray wolves.
Researchers say wolves have personalities
New research from the Voyageurs Wolf Project has found that wolves have drastically different personalities when it comes to hunting beaver.
Crews plant thousands of trees where Greenwood Fire burned
Public and private groups plant more than 100,000 trees in areas burned in last summer’s Greenwood Fire. The blaze, which burned about 26,000 acres near Isabella, was the worst in several years.
Voyageurs National Park launches effort to contain zebra mussels
Portages out of infested Rainy Lake will require precautions to prevent spread of invasive species.
Signs of hope for Minnesota’s moose population
Annual report says moose decline of past decade may have leveled off for now.
Ten years after Pagami Creek Fire, groups share lessons learned
In just a few days, it burned 93,000 acres of wilderness, and threatened the lives of Forest Service personnel and visitors. A series of events based in Ely covers forest management, the fire’s aftermath, and wildland firefighting.