In an effort to restore state land affected by wildfires or windstorms, crews with the Minnesota DNR will plant almost 2 million tree seedlings on state-owned land this spring. This will include over 2,000 acres in the northeastern part of the state.
Smelt season has officially arrived in Duluth. From the flickering headlamps of Park Point to the late night pulls of the seine nets, the annual spring run is more than just fishing—it’s a North Shore tradition 70 years in the making.
Scientists and environmentalists regard estuaries as some of the most biologically diverse yet endangered ecosystems on Earth. A new film, Estuaries in the Balance: Freshwater Nurseries of Lake Superior, highlights both the human impact and ongoing restoration of North America’s largest freshwater estuary.
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.
This spring, the USFS conducted aerial reseeding over hundreds of acres as part of ongoing efforts to restore a previously pristine area. The Greenwood Fire burned over 26,000 acres in the Superior National Forest (SNF) and earned the title of the most extreme wildfire event of 2021.
Infestation raises concerns about impacts to ecosystem and recreational fishing.
Black ash wetlands are usually rich in wildlife, but are at risk of disappearing because of an invasive species.
Portages out of infested Rainy Lake will require precautions to prevent spread of invasive species.
Scientists study Didymosphenia geminata, a nuisance species of algae called “rock snot,” in Lake Superior and North Shore rivers and streams.
Scientists, citizens, land managers, and others track sightings of non-native plant species in a joint database. The near real-time sharing of observations can help prevent the spread and manage infestations.
Discovery of juvenile invasive mussels indicates population is reproducing in iconic border lake and potentially within Voyageurs National Park.
Project seeks to manage a growing threat to the park’s wetlands.
New study details how earthworms are spread by people, and controlled by fire.
Grants to two organizations will support eradication and education to manage non-native species.
Canadian researcher seeks to improve understanding of how spiny water flea and global warming are affecting walleye and cisco.
Groups plan to work together to protect wilderness waters from organisms that threaten fishing, and the whole ecosystem.
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.
Chinese mysterysnails have been confirmed in Kabetogama Lake, raising concerns about harm to ecosystem, as officials urge compliance with prevention practices.
Bloom of unusual aquatic plant that can cover cold, clean river bottoms with slimy growth and hurt aquatic food web is discovered in Poplar River.
Tribal agencies and an international organization are working together to restore natural conditions that could let the important plant thrive again.