Cougars, sometimes called mountain lions, historically roamed through Minnesota. The state now considers them transient and rare. However, sightings have increased in recent years, especially in the northern parts of the state. This could be due to a rise in technology, such as trail cameras, and greater public awareness, rather than actual population growth.
Throughout the Superior National Forest, small microhabitats harbor rare plants that usually grow in other climates. Many thrive in the narrow margins created by the cool, moist climate of Lake Superior and the surrounding boreal landscape. We highlight ten hidden gems that face threat from human activities and environmental changes.
Researchers have announced that lake trout have fully recovered in most of Lake Superior. The Lake Superior Committee, which manages and protects the lake, credits this recovery to decades of sound research and conservation practices. However, they caution that, given climate predictions, species management must remain proactive and vigilant.
Lawmakers passed a bill titled “Trust the Science Act” which would delist gray wolves from the endangered species list. If the bill passes into law, management would shift from federal to state governance.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recently implemented a Draft Recovery Plan to strengthen habitat protection and support breeding populations of the Canada lynx. In Superior National Forest, the population has maintained healthy numbers for the past decade; however, it could change.
Minnesota’s moose population continues to be stable, according to a recent survey. Learn more about the findings from the MNDNR report and the ongoing conservation efforts in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service seeks to stabilize population in face of climate change and other threats.
Rare plants stranded by glacial retreat find refuge on unique outcrops in the Boundary Waters.
Judge’s order settles debate over preventing inadvertent harm to elusive forest cat.
Minnesota receives competitive grant to help coordinate conservation efforts.
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.
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.
Annual report says moose decline of past decade may have leveled off for now.
“We might be able to keep moose in Minnesota.” Scientists find wolves reduce risk of deadly brainworm carried by whitetail deer.
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.
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?”
Little-known peatland rodents could soon be listed as federally endangered.
Feathers from harvested birds can provide information that will help track population.
Population appears to have be declining, as logging and other factors affect their ability to survive and reproduce.
Conservationists are driven by a sense of urgency to restore forests along Lake Superior tributaries degraded by deforestation and climate change.