Ojibwe Group To Harvest Wild Rice In Treaty Rights TestA group of Ojibwe Native Americans has put the Dayton administration on notice that it plans to harvest wild rice without state licenses later this month to try to assert rights they believe they hold under an 1855 treaty. They plan to gather wild rice on Hole-in-the-Day Lake in Nisswa on Aug. 27 and are urging conservation officers not to issue citations or seize their wild rice or harvesting equipment.
Sandhill Cranes Make Huge Minnesota ComebackJust as our national symbol, the bald eagle, has become a common sight across all parts of Minnesota, there is yet another comeback worth celebrating. The 23,000-acre Carlos Avery Wildlife Management Area is nature's oasis; a sort of wild sanctuary for all kinds of critters, offering all of them a perfect habitat in which to roam.
Dayton Signs $17M Flood, Disaster Relief BillGov. Mark Dayton has signed a bill to help rebuild Minnesota roads and restore lands hit by flooding last June. Dayton signed the bill Tuesday. The bill provides $17.3 million in state aid, including $11.8 million for flood and disaster relief.
$372.5M In Federal Funds Awarded To Conservation ProjectsProjects designed to cut down on fertilizer runoff, expand bird nesting areas and restore native grasslands are among those selected for funding under a new initiative that encourages conservation partnerships between government and private organizations.
Conservationists Claim Victory On New Farm BillWildlife and environmental groups are claiming victory for conservation practices in the new farm bill, where two of their top priorities made it into law. Farmers will be required to use good conservation practices on highly erodible lands and protect wetlands to qualify for crop insurance subsidies. And the law requires "sodsaver" protections to discourage farmers from plowing up native grasslands in several Plains and Midwest states.
Hunters Flock To Waterfowl SymposiumAn event Saturday afternoon brought hunters, outdoor lovers and natural resource managers to the Mall of America in Bloomington. The Waterfowl Symposium gives hunters and enthusiasts the chance to meet with waterfowl biologists and managers who represent conservation agencies. The focus of this year's meeting was the blue-winged teal and wild rice, an important food for migrating waterfowl.
Minnesota DNR Conservation Officer Talks Ice SafetyWith temperatures below zero, it was hard to find anyone out on the ice on Lake Minnetonka. Brent Grewe is a Conservation officer with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
MN Zoo Honored For Preserving Endangered African Black RhinoThe Minnesota Zoo landed some international honors this week. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums presented the zoo an award for Significant Achievement in International Conversation for the science-based management of rhino conversation and tourism on Namibia's communal lands program.
Despite Wet Spring, White Bear Lake Still Shrinking Despite a wet summer that's virtually wiped out Minnesota's drought, White Bear Lake still has a problem. The water level has been low for years.
$11M Deal Protects 2K Acres On Mississippi River
Minn. Drought Threatens Ground Water SuppliesMinnesota's worst drought in years is bringing back some bad memories.
Minnesota Getting More Conservation OfficersNine candidates begin training at Camp Ripley on Wednesday to become Minnesota conservation officers.
Legacy Amendment Spending Reports Fall ShortIt's been three years since Minnesota voters authorized a sales tax increase to raise money for conservation, arts and parks, but the state is unable yet to provide a public comprehensive listing of the funded projects and their outcomes.
Plenty Of Support For Delisting Gray WolvesThere was plenty of support to remove gray wolves from the federal endangered species list from nearly 200 people who attended a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service meeting in Grand Rapids.