Scientists are trying to save Minnesota’s northern forests from global warming
Washington Post article raises alarms and reports on scientific research and Minnesota’s “forests of the future”
Environment/Ecology/Nature
Clean Water Act rollback could make it difficult to protect BWCAW water from mining pollution
Proposal from federal government could block MN from protecting lakes and rivers in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
Orchids of the Northwoods – Lady’s Slippers and beyond
“It all began by happenstance…The trail was overgrown, littered with fallen boles, when I noticed a glimmering iridescence unlike anything I had seen before. I had stumbled upon on one of Minnesota’s most common orchid species, the stemless (pink) lady’s slipper, glimmering with rain drops…”
Celebrating the night sky: lack of light pollution a valuable regional resource
The border region of Minnesota and Ontario offers dark nights perfect for seeing star-filled skies, northern lights, and other wonders.
Numerous lakes and streams in northeastern Minnesota available for citizen monitoring
Volunteers are vital to measure how clear lakes and streams are, providing valuable information to track long-term health.
‘No better, no worse’ – moose population in northeast Minnesota remains reduced, but steady
Annual DNR survey finds similar moose numbers to recent years, but still precariously low compared to 15 years ago.
Oil spill penalties will help protect Minnesota loons by promoting lead-free fishing tackle
Fines paid by BP for the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill will help fund Minnesota’s expanded “Get the Lead Out” program to reduce loons deaths from lead poisoning.
An Obsession with Owls
Photojournalist Ben Olson is fascinated by the owls of northern Minnesota. “While having spent countless hours in the company of these birds of prey, I am always impressed by their ability of silent flight and mastery of camouflage. Boreal forests host an array of different owl species, some relatively common, others rare, and a single transient species that is highly coveted…”
New evidence from Voyageurs National Park shows blueberries are a big deal for wolf packs
Field observations in remote areas shed new light on wolf behavior, including how they feed their pups when meat is hard to come by.
Just stopping by – checking in on the Evening Grosbeak
This bright and brilliant winter finch is a familiar sight to many in the northwoods of Minnesota, sometimes arriving in unexpected flocks of dozens or hundreds. But are they disappearing?
Two invasive species in Minnesota lakes appear to cause slower walleye growth
Study from the University of Minnesota finds that young walleye appear to be smaller in waters infested by spiny waterflea and zebra mussels, with implications for the future of popular fisheries.
High water on Lake Superior expected to continue this year after record-setting 2019
Precipitation patterns are blamed for water levels far above average, which have caused erosion, flooding, and other challenges along the shoreline.
DNR reduces trout stocking in Boundary Waters
Popular pastime of ice-fishing on wilderness lakes is at risk as DNR reduces stocking effort while warmer weather threatens coldwater habitat.
Wolves transplanted to Isle Royale are eating more than moose
Researchers studying summer predation find wolves transported to the island by the National Park Service are eating the abundant moose, as well as other prey animals.
Minnesota seeks stakeholders as state prepares to update wolf management plan
DNR invites citizens to apply for advisory committee that will take the lead on revising policies and bridging deeply different goals and opinions.
Rainy River sturgeon spawning protected by dam operation agreement
Threat to endangered fish species spurs international action to monitor activity and modify dam operations.
Experiment tracks long-term connections between climate change and Minnesota peatlands
Study seeks information about how warming affects peatlands, and how bogs could respond to climate change by releasing more carbon gasses, making the problem worse.
Den boxes could help falling numbers of fishers in Minnesota’s north woods
Researchers are deploying dozens of artificial tree cavities across the region, hoping the secretive predators will find a suitable substitute for reduced natural habitat next spring.
Michigan legislators propose moose hunting on Isle Royale
A group of four bipartisan legislators want the National Park Service to allow limited hunting, to restore ecological balance as wolf reintroduction continues.
New bird banding efforts to help reveal regional trends in avian populations
A new report shares the results of a regional bird-banding effort that is shedding new light on the status of many boreal species.