Study: Wolves help moose by preventing spread of deer parasite
“We might be able to keep moose in Minnesota.” Scientists find wolves reduce risk of deadly brainworm carried by whitetail deer.
Environment/Ecology/Nature
Creature feature: Black-backed woodpeckers need forest fires for their survival
Uncommon and unique birds depend on forest fires for food and habitat.
Lessons from the Wilderness: K-12 students learn from Isle Royale wolf reintroduction
New materials help teachers share challenges and hopes of restoring wolves to unique National Park in Lake Superior.
Experts report on Greenwood Fire: minor ecological impacts, significant public safety threats
A specialized Forest Service team quickly examined fire’s effects and recommended most urgent steps.
Federal judge puts Minnesota’s wolves back on Endangered Species list
Gray wolves in Minnesota have been a topic of controversy for years. In 2021, they were removed from the Endangered Species Act, but this decision was recently reversed, once again granting them protection. Learn more about the history and current status of gray wolves in Minnesota and other states.
Environmental groups sue to stop PolyMet over endangered species
A coalition of northern Minnesota environmental groups has sued the federal government citing a failure to protect critical habitat for endangered Canada lynx and the northern long-eared bat.
Study: Beaver behavior provides broad benefits for North Shore streams
Innovative research reveals return of aquatic rodents changed water and ecology in ways never before understood.
Partners study how to manage northern forests for moose and a changing climate
The participants are trying to answer the question, “What actions can forest managers take to improve moose habitat in the near-term, while also planning for future forest conditions?”
Creature feature: Rare lemmings in Northwoods bogs
Little-known peatland rodents could soon be listed as federally endangered.
“We badly need good fire” New film: Oshkigin Spirit of Fire
A new short film produced by the University of Minnesota and partners including tribal fire specialists, seeks to regenerate respect for the positive impacts of fire on northern Minnesota’s ecosystem. In …
Warm summers mean more ticks on moose
Researchers use two decades of moose observations to understand how climate and harmful parasites interact.
Forest Service proposes logging portions of Greenwood Fire area
Burned trees on Superior National Forest may be opened to loggers. Plan focuses on one percent of the area burned by this summer’s biggest fire in northeastern Minnesota.
Rare October tornado reported in Boundary Waters
Unusual autumn twister leaves four-mile path of downed trees across popular BWCA wilderness lakes.
Sowing seeds of a climate-resilient forest
Project seeks to connect farmers and foresters as they plan to increase reforestation efforts in northern Minnesota.
Budworm infestation blamed for forest fires
An outbreak of spruce budworms in northeastern Minnesota created conditions primed for ignition and likely fueled this summer’s wildfires.
Harmful algae blooms in Voyageurs, Isle Royale focus of new study
Federal agencies conducting research to understand threat of toxins produced by cyanobacteria
DNR asks hunters to help study climate change effects on spruce grouse
Feathers from harvested birds can provide information that will help track population.
Fire FAQs: Critical context for canoe country wildfires
Questions and answers about the wildfires consuming parts of northern Minnesota. Where do the animals go? How much of the BWCA has burned?
Voyageurs National Park removing invasive cattails and restoring ecosystem
Project seeks to manage a growing threat to the park’s wetlands.
Superior National Forest orders bear precautions
Rise in conflict between campers and bears has led Forest Service to require visitors keep their food safe.