Environment Archives - Page 11 of 29

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Announces Plan to Remove Dredging Debris from Park Point

In the past nine months, surveyors have discovered a gallon of mostly rocks and wood but also taconite pellets, nails, and other man made fragments.

June 1, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the City of Duluth have announced a plan to cleanup aluminum and tin metal fragments from Park Point Beach. The Corps had spread dredged sediment the help rebuild the beach washing away on Minnesota Point — but it left shards of decades old aluminum cans mixed into the sand. Since then…

Water Emergency on BWCA Leaves One Dead

The victim had been underwater for two to three minutes according to his party.

June 1, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

ST. LOUIS COUNTY.– The St. Louis County sheriff’s deputies responded to a water emergency on trout lake in the BWCA Monday afternoon at 2:20 p.m. Due to poor cell phone service, it took authorities longer to find out a 51-year-old male had fallen out of a boat and into the water on the north arm of the lake. The victim…

Forest Service Offers Tips on How To Prevent Wildfires

May 26, 2021

Natalie Noury,

DULUTH, Minn.– The Superior National Forest is reminding the public of the near-critical fire conditions in the Northland as the amount of rain we’ve seen is low, and showers have been spotty. As some areas experience droughts, the foliage is extra dry this spring. Wildfires are a huge concern this time of year, and prevention is a priority, “we just…

City of Duluth Collects 15 Tons in Sand and Salt After the Winter

May 14, 2021

Natalie Noury,

DULUTH, Minn.– For 19 years, the City of Duluth has collected sand and salt off the roads every April in an effort to prevent harmful materials making its way into Lake Superior. This year, 5 collection bins were set up around the city, and after weighing, Duluth collected over 15 tons of salt and sand which tends to be an…

Superior Fire Department Warns Public About Dry Conditions Causing Wildfires

May 14, 2021

Natalie Noury,

SUPERIOR, Wis.– With warmer weather on the way, that means people are going to start doing more outdoor activities especially having camp fires. But with those comes the dangers of a possible wildfire. This spring is drier than normal, and the Superior Fire Department is warning the public to be smart, as an increased amount of wildfires are happening in…

Wildwoods Sees More Orphaned Animals Coming In, Starts Amazon Registry For Supplies

May 12, 2021

Alexandra Burnley,

Click here to buy items from Wildwoods’ Amazon registry, and click here to make a financial donation to the nonprofit. DULUTH, Minn. — The Wildwoods Rehabilitation Center in Duluth is seeing more orphaned baby squirrels, bunnies, and other animals brought in as the weather warms up, and now the team there has launched an Amazon registry to help collect essential…

Duluth Experiencing a Camping Supplies Shortage

May 12, 2021

Natalie Noury,

DULUTH, Minn.– It’s getting warmer outside and people want to get out and enjoy it, but some outdoor stores are having trouble keeping up with the demand. Frost River in Duluth has experienced the frustrations of keeping up with the current high demand of camping supplies, especially canoe paddles, as more people are wanting to get rid of cabin fever….

Learning Life Lessons During Nature Night in Gary New Duluth

Nature Nights Will Continue Through the Summer for Youth in the Duluth Area

May 11, 2021

Brett Scott,

GARY NEW DULUTH, Minn. – Getting kids off cell phones, and into the forest. It’s a goal of one teacher in the Gary New Duluth neighborhood as the community’s rec center continues to host Nature Nights. “In spring, kids should smell like dirt,” said Leslie Bucar, youth director at the Gary New Duluth Rec Center. You can practically smell the…

Dredging of ‘Football Field’s’ Worth of Contaminants Begins in Superior’s Howards Bay

The project aims to remove thousands of cubic yards of contaminants left there by fossil fuels like coal, gas, and oil over the years by previous industries.

May 11, 2021

Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- A dredging project in Howards Bay along Connor’s Point aims to remove thousands of cubic yards of contaminants left there by fossil fuels like coal, gas, and oil over the years by previous industries. “The main goal is to cleanup Howard’s Bay,” said Corey Weston, P.E., Chief of Construction and Survey Section with the U.S. Army Corps of…

Castle Danger Brewery in Two Harbors Ready to Operate for the Summer

May 7, 2021

Natalie Noury,

TWO HARBORS, Minn.– Minnesota Governor Tim Walz yesterday announced the loosening of many restrictions beginning today including getting rid of mandatory closure times at bars and restaurants while eliminating outdoor dining limits. We caught up with leadership from Castle Danger Brewery in Two Harbors who says they’re eager to operate in a more normal capacity as they hope it’s a…

Bears Come A-Knockin’ At Home In Superior’s Billings Park

May 5, 2021

Dan Hanger,

SUPERIOR, Wis. — We’re all coming out of hibernation with the nicer weather, including a family of bears in Superior’s Billings Park neighborhood. Ken Kurtz captured five black bears on his security camera and tried to scare them off the property by yelling through the mic on the camera while at his winter home in Palm Springs, California. But he…

Friendly Reminders from Wildwoods as Spring Newborn Season Arrives

Wildwoods Would Like to Remind the Public to Contact Their Office Before Dealing with Wildlife, Especially Newborn Animals

May 5, 2021

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – Spring is a time for new life, and new beginnings, especially in the animal kingdom. Come late May and early June, fawns will start to be born, and oftentimes people end up getting in between the newborns and their mother. Staff at Wildwoods Rehabilitation Center in Duluth are currently dealing with calls for baby birds, squirrels, and…

UPDATE: Crews Still Battling Wildfire North of Virginia, Homes No Longer in Danger

As of about 5:30 the fire was still not contained.

May 1, 2021

Arman Rahman,

UPDATE: The Northland FireWire reports that fire officials say the blaze has now burned 86 acres, but is close to being contained. _________________________________________________________________________ UPDATE: According to the Northland FireWire, A fire official said the blaze burned about 56 acres so far. Several homes in the immediate area were evacuated, however, the wind shifted and those homes are no longer in…

Enbridge Line 3 Halfway Done, on Pause Until May

Since April, work is currently on an environmentally mandated "Spring Break" pause.

April 27, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Enbridge’s Line-3 Pipeline Replacement Project is 50% complete. During a virtual open house Tuesday, construction officials said 200 miles of the pipeline is welded, coded, in the ground and back-filled — leaving roughly 140 more miles left. Since April, work is currently on an environmentally mandated “Spring Break” pause. “We are paused and the reason for that pause…

WLSSD Recognized For Clean Water Performance In 2020

April 26, 2021

Alexandra Burnley,

DULUTH, Minn. — The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency gave WLSSD an award for outstanding clean water performance in 2020. WLSSD was in 100% compliance with its permits for treating wastewater that goes into the bay of the St. Louis River, which feeds into Lake Superior. One of the managers of the facility says the job of treating wastewater is a…

DNR: More Fishing Tournaments Using Immediate Release

April 25, 2021

Dan Hanger,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Wisconsin fishery officials say more tournaments are abandoning their traditional catch-hold-release formats. The Department of Natural Resources says the number of bass and walleye tournaments that have eschewed the traditional catch-hold-release format for catch-photo-release rules has increased from an average of six annually between 2010 and 2015 to more than 30 per year from 2015…

Wisconsin DNR: More Fishing Tournaments Using Immediate Release

In catch-hold-release tournaments, anglers transport fish to weigh-in areas, where they're released but not in the areas where they're caught.

April 24, 2021

Arman Rahman,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Wisconsin fishery officials say more tournaments are abandoning their traditional catch-hold-release formats. The Department of Natural Resources says the number of bass and walleye tournaments that have eschewed the traditional catch-hold-release format for catch-photo-release rules has increased from an average of six annually between 2010 and 2015 to more than 30 per year from 2015 to…

Most of Duluth’s Natural Surface Trails Reopen After Closing Due to Wet Conditions

City staff ask trail users to observe proper trail etiquette and stewardship by respecting individual trail closures and avoiding any wet/muddy trails.

April 23, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The majority of natural surface trails in Duluth are now open and ready for public use, according to the City’s Parks and Recreation Division. City staff ask trail users to observe proper trail etiquette and stewardship by respecting individual trail closures and avoiding any wet/muddy trails. If you notice that you are leaving a footprint or bicycle tire…

St. Louis County Rescue Squad Responds to Man in Overturned Canoe in Elbow Lake

April 23, 2021

Arman Rahman,

COOK, Minn.-. St. Louis County Rescue Squad and several other rescue agencies made a water rescue at Elbow Lake near Cook, where a Duluth man was found at an overturned canoe Thursday evening. At approximately 4:41 p.m. Thursday, the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office along with the Cook Ambulance Service, St. Louis County Rescue Squad, U.S. Forest Service, and Virginia…

At ‘Moment of Peril,’ Biden Opens Global Summit on Climate

April 22, 2021

Arman Rahman,

WASHINGTON (AP) – President Joe Biden has convened a global climate summit – by livestream from around the world because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Biden started it out Thursday with an ambitious U.S. pledge to cut by at least one-half the climate-wrecking coal and petroleum fumes that America is pumping out. He is hoping the commitment, along with similar ones…

Minnesota Point Beach Nourishment Project Moves Forward

A Survey of the Project will Begin by Early May With Cleanup Finished by Sept., 2021

April 14, 2021

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn.-Earlier today the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency gave an update on this year’s dredging project on Park Point. They talked about the risks involved with placing man made materials on Park Point after metal shards were found along the beach from a previous dredging. The MPCA says it is making sure this…

Duluth’s Sustainability Officer Ready To Tackle City Council’s ‘Climate Emergency’ Declaration

April 13, 2021

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth’s sustainability officer, Mindy Granley, is applauding the city council’s declaration of a “climate emergency” and says she’s ready to take Duluth to the next level to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions across the city. Granley says the city will be creating an initial five-year “climate action plan,” which will be presented to the council by the…

Volunteers Pick Up Dog Waste, Remind There’s No ‘Poop Fairy’ on Duluth Trails

City staff along with students from Harbor City International School picked up more than 50 pounds of doggie doo-doo

April 11, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Some Duluthians took advantage of Sunday’s stinky weather to do a crappy job — helping keep Duluth’s trials and waterways free of dog poop. City staff along with students from Harbor City International School picked up more than 50 pounds of doggie doo-doo in the first couple miles of the Hawk Ridge trail. Volunteers say they wanted to…

UPDATE: Firefighters Investigating Cause, Watching for Hotspots on Highway 61 After Multiple Fires Saturday

The multiple fires have burned an estimated 45 acres, according to the the Minnesota Interagency Fire Center.

April 4, 2021

Arman Rahman,

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.- Hotspots along Highway 61 North of Silver Bay are still being monitored Sunday by fire crews from six different area fire departments, Minnesota DNR Fire and Air assets, and Lake County Rescue squad, among other responders. The cause remains under investigation. The multiple fires have burned an estimated 45 acres, according to the the Minnesota Interagency…

Highway 61 Reopens After Numerous Grass Fires, Silver Bay Police Say

Authorities say "numerous grass fires" forced the closure of Highway 61 north of Silver Bay, which is an area near the Tettegouche State Park.

April 3, 2021

Arman Rahman,

SILVER BAY, Minn.- A portion of Highway 61 has reopened in Silver Bay, Minnesota, after grass fires were burning near the road. According to a Facebook Post on the Silver Bay Police Department Page, “numerous grass fires” forced the closure of Highway 61 north of Silver Bay, which is an area near the Tettegouche State Park. Around 8:00 p.m. authorities…

Line 3 Pipeline Protesters March Through Downtown Duluth

March 28, 2021

KQDS Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. — A group of Line 3 pipeline protesters marched through the streets of downtown Duluth Sunday morning. The march was led by Indigenous water protectors, as they prefer to be called. The activists believe the pipeline is a threat to Native American waters and climate change. A Duluth police spokesperson said officers observed the protest from afar and…

Superior National Forest to Start Prescribed Fires

Officials say residents around Virginia, Ely and Grand Marais may notice some smoke and see flames.

March 28, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The Superior National Forest is set to start a series of prescribed fires across the forest as soon as this week. Officials say residents around Virginia, Ely and Grand Marais may notice some smoke and see flames. The planned fires protect not only plant and wildlife, but also nearby homes and buildings from hazardous fuels and even wildfires….

City of Duluth Urges Proper Road Sand, Salt Disposal at Collection Sites

According to officials, this allows them to properly dispose it, and keep it out of the area's waterways

March 26, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- As winter slowly wraps up, people may notice a lot of road sand in their sidewalks and boulevards pushed there by snow plows. Instead of just throwing it in the trash the City of Duluth is asking people deposit it at one of their road sand collection sites. According to officials, this allows them to properly dispose it,…

$2.9 Million Proposal Would Better Prepare Minnesota Communities for Effects of Climate Change

The Proposal of $2.9 Million Would Provide Grants to Roughly 15 Communities in Central, Northeastern Minnesota

March 24, 2021

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – Climate change is expensive, and now with a new proposal from Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), funding for preventative planning and infrastructure repairs could become a reality. The proposal is for $2.9 million in grant money to be spent over the next two years. According to the MPCA, funding would help…

Planning Moves Forward For 2022 Seawall Reconstruction, Walkway Redesign Behind DECC

Duluth Council gave the go-ahead to begin looking at designs for reconstructing the aging seawall and the surrounding greenspace from the Slip to Bayfront.

March 22, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth City Council passed two resolutions for pre-design and pre-engineering work for Phase II of seawall construction and rehabilitating the pedestrian walkway along Harbor Drive between Canal Park and Bayfront. Councilors say they expect construction to begin on the seawall in 2022. They plan to use some of the $13 million in state bonding bill money the city…

U.S. Rep. Stauber Hears Iron Rangers’ Hopes to Bring Critical Minerals Mining to Region

In what he called a community conversation in Aurora, MN, the Congressman heard feedback which he plans to bring back to Washington D.C.

March 15, 2021

Arman Rahman,

AURORA, Minn.- 8th District Congressman Pete Stauber stopped by the Aurora Community Center Monday for a town hall style meeting with Iron Rangers, joining them in wanting to bring critical minerals mining to the Iron Range. “It’d be nice to see a new generation of people coming to the Iron Range to take on the next generation of mining,” said…

Looking Through the Lens of the Lighthouse Keeper

Split Rock Lighthouse Site Manager, Hayes Scriven, Has Passion for Capturing Nature's Beauty On The Job

March 11, 2021

Brett Scott,

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – They say a picture is worth a thousand words. The statement holds ever so true for one lucky photographer living along the North Shore of Lake Superior. “Photography and Split Rock go together like peanut butter and jelly, they’re just delicious together,” said Hayes Scriven, site manager at Split Rock Lighthouse. You could say the COVID-19…

Tree Clearing for Bats, Soil Processing Last Steps Before Mission Creek Restoration Work in August

Crews start tree clearing Wednesday, and expect soil processing to finish by the end of July.

March 9, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Reconstruction work is finally set to begin this summer on the Mission Creek burial site in Duluth’s Fond Du Lac neighborhood, three years after MnDOT crews accidentally tore it up working to replace the Highway 23 Bridge there. Before they can get started, they have to finish some prep work which includes a plan to keep the area’s…

Students Take Learning Science To A New Level

"They all grew up in and around Minnesota, so they know how to sled, but they never really thought about it from a physical perspective," said UMD Physics Professor Margaret Elmer-Dixon.

March 3, 2021

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – A group of UMD students used Chester Bowl Ski Hill as their classroom for the day to learn more about science. Physics is a subject most people learn about in a classroom or lab but a University of Minnesota Duluth professor is taking a new approach. “They all grew up in and around Minnesota, so they know…

Phase 4 Lakewalk Reconstruction, Police Opioid Officer on Duluth Council Agenda Monday

The tail end of Lakewalk Reconstruction and new initiatives to combat the opioid epidemic are on the docket.

February 21, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The end is in sight for Duluth’s Lakewalk Reconstruction Project as Duluth City Council will look at designs for Phase 4. They’ll also vote on changes to the Duluth Police Department, including adding a civilian opioid officer position. On Monday Council will look at design work for Phase 4 of rebuilding Duluth’s Lakewalk primarily behind the DECC, after…

Burst Pipe Sends Water Gushing Through Skywalk, Into Greysolon Plaza

According to Duluth Fire Crews, no one was injured or displaced from Greysolon.

February 16, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- A scare at Duluth’s Greysolon plaza on East Superior Street downtown on Tuesday, after water came gushing into part of the building and out onto the alley behind, a burst water pipe in the Skywalk to blame. According to Duluth Fire Crews, no one was injured or displaced as a result of this. The recent extreme cold, coupled…

Extreme Cold Keeping Some Property Managers Busy with Repairs on Houses, Apartments

At ShipRock Management maintenance staff offers to check on homes when tenants are away, to catch cold weather damage before it escalates.

February 15, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The recent arctic weather has been harder on homes in the area, especially Duluth’s older, more heat-inefficient houses and apartments. And some property managers say they’re finding their hands full with maintenance. At ShipRock Management, maintenance staff says their 10 full-time crew members have been working around the clock to combat frozen water lines and drains. “This past…

With Cold Temps, Experts Say Watch for Frozen Pipes and Faulty Windows or Doors

During cold weather conditions, it’s important to make sure you’re watching out for things like frozen pipes, and faulty windows or doors.

February 12, 2021

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn.- The temps are expected to remain frigid over the coming days, which may have an impact on your home. During cold weather conditions, it’s important to make sure you’re watching out for things like frozen pipes, and faulty windows or doors. Once you discover that your pipes are frozen, be sure to call a plumber as soon as…

More Ice Cover Good for Lake Superior, Experts Say

Experts at the Minnesota Sea Grant say more ice cover on the lake means cooler water in the summer months.

February 9, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- While ice on the lake proved almost disastrous for those anglers Tuesday, local experts say even though it’s coming in slowly, the appearance of ice cover is good news for the health of Lake Superior. Experts at the Minnesota Sea Grant say more ice cover on the lake means cooler water in the summer months. “A two degree…

Extreme Cold Frightful for Humans, Delightful for Animals at Zoo

According to Lake Superior Zookeepers, their animals are no strangers to climates like this.

February 8, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- While humans have to take extra safety measures in this extreme cold, many animals at the Lake Superior Zoo love to be outside – but with windchills this low, things like frostbite are a still a danger, regardless of species. “Most all of the animals that we have here if they’re outside this is gonna be similar to…

“Mask Out Minnesota” Encourages People To Get Outdoors

"We want to encourage you to forget the four walls of your home this winter," said Renee Mattson, the executive director for the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission.

January 28, 2021

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission has started a new initiative to encourage people to get outdoors. Commission members visited the Hartley Nature Center in Duluth to promote a new campaign called “Mask Out Minnesota.” The campaign wants to motivate people to try out state parks and trails, which have gotten more popular during the…

A Tiger At The Wildcat Sanctuary Tests Positive For COVID-19

Veterinarians conducted a Coronavirus test after sedating her, revealing she had the virus.

January 26, 2021

Nachai Taylor,

SANDSTONE, Minn.- A rescue tiger living at the Wildcat Sanctuary in Sandstone tested positive for COVID-19, but has since recovered. A tiger named Sabrina is a rescue from Texas and upon her arrival showed signs of having possible respiratory issues. Veterinarians conducted a Coronavirus test after sedating her, revealing she had the virus. It is believed Sabrina contracted the virus…

Dozens Protest Enbridge’s Line 3 Replacement on Streets Near Backus, MN

Enbridge maintains Line 3 has been repeatedly approved "based on six years of fact and science based regulatory and permitting review."

January 23, 2021

Arman Rahman,

BACKUS, Minn.- A large protest near Backus, Minnesota Saturday called on President Joe Biden to stop Enbridge from constructing the Line 3 Pipeline Replacement, protesters said, just as he did the Keystone Pipeline this week. According to organizers, approximately 200 people gathered on the streets near Backus. This comes just a day after a protester was safely removed from a…

Biden Administration Making Effort To Improve Environment Policies

January 21, 2021

Nachai Taylor,

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s the second day in office for President Biden and he’s already making an impact signing numerous executive orders in his first 48 hours. Soon he could have his eyes set on the great lakes. Northland environmental experts hope addressing climate change remains one of President Biden’s top priorities, they would like to see several regulations return…

Lack of Snow Leaving Many Northland Snowmobile Trails in Poor Condition

According to the Minnesota DNR, many of the trails around Duluth are labeled "poor."

January 19, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- It would seem Mother Nature is not keeping up with the pandemic-fueled demand to get outside and try new winter activities, as a winter lacking in snow has made an ugly scene and poor conditions on Northland ski and snowmobile trails. “We’ve been a little short on snow,” said Rob Waksdahl, Groomer Operator with the Duluth Drift Toppers….

First Responders Advise Caution As Sledding Injuries Increase

Duluth Firefighters say be careful before sledding as recent warming and freezing cycles have made snow extra slick.

January 18, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.-Many people are pent up at home and want to get outside and enjoy the winter, but our fluffy snow has gotten a little slick and hard, causing some kids and adults to get hurt while sledding around Duluth. According to officials with the City of Duluth, emergency personnel have responded to more than a dozen sledding injuries recently,…

Birkie Drops Enbridge Energy Sponsorship, Says Relationship Doesn’t Align with Race’s Values

The dissolving of this agreement comes months after Enbridge started its controversial Line 3 Pipeline replacement project.

January 9, 2021

Arman Rahman,

HAYWARD, Wis.- The largest cross-country ski race in the country, the American Birkebeiner or “Birkie” is taking a stand against what they see as environmental concerns with Enbridge Energy — dropping the corporation as a sponsor for this year’s race. According to a letter on the Birkie website, they are dissolving their previous agreement, after “we heard from some in…

Line 3 Pipeline Opponents Sue To Shut Down Minnesota Construction

December 28, 2020

Dan Hanger,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Opponents of a pipeline project that crosses three states have asked a federal court to halt construction in Minnesota on allegations that U.S. Army Corps of Engineers failed to address several environmental issues when it approved a water quality permit. Two Minnesota Ojibwe bands and two environmental groups filed a lawsuit Thursday that asks for a preliminary…

Silver Bay Woman Takes Daily Plunge Into Lake Superior

Silver Bay Resident Lauri Olson-Hohman is Going on 63 Days of Practicing the Wim Hof Method

December 23, 2020

Brett Scott,

SILVER BAY, Minn. – While many of us are dreading the cold winter months ahead, one Northland woman is embracing the season with a daily morning dip into Lake Superior. Silver Bay resident Lauri Olson-Hohman is practicing the Wim Hof Method. She’s been doing this for the past 63 days. The method is simple, yet complex. It’s a combination of…

UWS Student, Professor Track Waste of Disposable Masks, PPE in Superior

So far of the 200 pieces of data collected, most are concentrated in the East End and on the University Campus.

December 13, 2020

Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR, Wis.-Researchers at the University of Wisconsin Superior are tracking a different kind of waste that is newer in the city this year — personal protective equipment like masks and gloves. Those researchers said so far without the pandemic, the amount of plastics in the oceans is set to surpass the amount of fish by the year 2050. Now the…