Environment Archives - Page 15 of 30

Council Reads Ordinance Charging 5 Cents Per Single-Use Bags

Ordinance is an effort to phase out single-use paper or plastic bags in the City.

September 23, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluthians are one step closer to being charged five cents for every single-use plastic or paper carryout bag used while shopping. The ordinance gets its first read at City Council Monday night. It would apply to all retail establishments, excluding bags used to transport take-out food, bags from pharmacists, and bags for produce and meats. The retailers would keep…

Court Suspends Two Polymet Permits

September 18, 2019

Dan Hanger,

On Wednesday afternoon, the Minnesota Court of Appeals suspended Polymet’s permit to mine and dam safety permits for its proposed $1 billion copper-nickel mine near Babbitt. The permits will be discussed at an Oct. 23 hearing. That’s when the “DNR shall be prepared to advise the court on the status of post-permit developments, including its evaluation of the Brumadinho dam…

Complaint: Man High on Meth Kills Passenger While Driving Through Kettle River

43-year-old charged with two counts of criminal vehicular homicide

September 18, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- A Willow River man is facing two counts of vehicular homicide after driving through a river while on meth, killing one of his passengers, according to the complaint. Two formal charges of criminal vehicular homicide have been filed against him, one for operating a vehicle with any amount of a controlled substance in his body. No bail has…

Thousands of Bird Watchers Flock to Witness Fall Migration at Hawk Ridge

Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory is Hosting Fall Festival Weekend September 20 - 22 in Duluth

September 18, 2019

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – As of September 1, Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory in Duluth is celebrating its 48th season of documenting the great fall migration. This natural phenomenon is attracting hundreds, if not thousands, of bird watchers from local areas, and internationally as the seasons change. Mother Nature is guiding birds of prey such as raptors toward warmer weather as they…

Getting Eclectic about Electric Vehicles at Duluth’s First Show and Tell Event

Event showcased different electric vehicles.

September 16, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth’s first ever Electric Vehicle Show and Tell was held at the electric car charging lot near Endion Station. The event showcased a range of electric vehicles, including Teslas, Chevy Volts, electric motorcycles and more. Experts were on hand to help answer questions about electric vehicles. They say some people still have their doubts about this newer driving…

Park Point Community Plays Ball Together

All ages gather to celebrate the end of summer and the beginning of fall.

September 15, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Members of the Park Point community got outside for the last few days of the Summer before Fall moves in. Folks of all ages gathered at the Lafayette Community Center to play a friendly game of softball, broken into Bayside versus Lakeside teams. Organizers say it’s nice to have neighbors out and mingling together. “I think it’s great…

Celebrating Sustainable Farming at UMD Farm Fest

7th Annual Farm Fest features fresh local music, fresh produce, and fresh conversation.

September 14, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Students, local food vendors, and community members turned out for UMD Land Lab’s 7th Annual Farm Fest Saturday. Families were invited to come hear live local music and shop freshly picked produce. They also joined the conversation about local farming and sustainability in Northland agriculture. “Just getting people to have a connection with their food system, I think…

Fun with Farm Life at Mr. Ed’s Farm

Farm invites people for free for Old Farm Day.

September 14, 2019

Arman Rahman,

HIBBING, Minn.- A real life Old McDonald showed his farm off to the public Saturday, and with a moo moo here and a cluck cluck there, Old Farm Day provided great entertainment for all ages. “A farm is a place that brings together plants, animals, soil, water sun and creates life,” said farm owner Ed Nelson. Just hop on a…

26th Annual Harvest Festival Takes Over Bayfront Park

Farmers, local crafts and artists came out to meet their customers.

September 7, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The Lake Superior Harvest Festival took over Bayfront Festival Park Saturday. Farmers and more than 30 local craftspeople and artists showed off their items. They also attended a renewable energy fair to learn more about making farming more sustainable. “This event is a really good time for people to meet their farmers face to face,” said Festival Director…

26th Annual Harvest Festival Bringing Together Local Farmers, Consumers

The 2019 Harvest Festival is Happening Saturday, September 7 at Bayfront Festival Park in Duluth

September 6, 2019

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – For 26 years the Lake Superior Chapter of the Sustainable Farming Association has hosted the annual Harvest Festival. This year’s event is taking place on Saturday, September 7 at Bayfront Fetival Park in Duluth. Farmers and vendors will begin selling locally produced goods at 10:00 a.m. and wrap things up around 4:00 p.m. Event organizers refer to…

Red Cross Seeks Northland Volunteers to Help with Dorian

Five volunteers sent already, more is always needed.

September 3, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- As Dorian continues to threaten landfall on the east coast, the American Red Cross Serving Northern Minnesota is already sending volunteers down south to help with recovery efforts. The Northland Chapter of the Red Cross will have sent 5 volunteers by Wednesday, spread out between Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas. They will help with medical and mental health…

Set Sail with the St. Louis River Alliance this Thursday

The SLRA is Hosting the annual Vista Boat Tour Thursday, September 5 from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

September 2, 2019

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – The St. Louis River Alliance (SLRA) is setting sail Thursday, September 5 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. aboard the Vista Fleet in Duluth. The SLRA is excited to be hosting the Vista Star Boat Tour for yet another year. Boarding will begin at 5:00 p.m. Departure at 5:30 p.m. Arrival back to docks by 7:00 p.m. Light…

Major Grant Will Help Fix Area Bridges

August 27, 2019

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, MN – Congressman Pete Stauber announced today that Saint Louis County will receive $10,252,000 from the Department of Transportation towards bridge repairs. There are more than six-hundred bridges in Saint Louis County. The grant would allow the public works team to accelerate their plan for bridge maintenance. An additional fifteen or more bridges with weight restrictions could be replaced….

Grassy Point, Kingsbury Bay Restoration to Complete December 2020

Minnesota DNR hosted tour of restoration site, where sediment and wood waste are being removed.

August 21, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The Minnesota DNR hosted a tour of the Grassy Point and Kingsbury Bay restoration project taking place between the Bong Bridge and Lake Superior Zoo. The project aims to remove sediment from Kingsbury Bay and 120 years of historic sawmill wood waste from Grassy Point. The restoration is expected to be done in December of 2020. “We’re gonna,…

Lake Superior Zoo Crew Showcases Work with Animals

Teen summer program shares all they learned throughout the ten weeks.

August 20, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- For 10 weeks every summer, area teens learn how to handle and care for animals alongside Lake Superior Zookeepers, and teach visitors about wildlife and conservation. On Tuesday the Zoo Crew showed off all they do at the Zoo, along with what they’ve learned this summer. For some Zoo Crew members who want to become veterinarians, the program…

Council Passes Amended Golf Course Resolution, Step Closer to Calling for Development Proposals

Council voted 8-0, with amendment that new property must meet certain requirements.

August 19, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth City Council voted to pass a resolution that allows the potential sale of 50 acres of Lester Park Golf Course and 10 acres of Enger Park Golf Course to a developer to use for affordable housing. The council passed the resolution 8-0, with Councilor Jay Fosley absent. It comes with an amendment that any proposals for…

Parents and Kids ‘Climb’ Out of Darkness of Postpartum Disorders

Walk through Chester Park raises awareness for perinatal and postpartum disorders.

August 18, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- With babies strapped in strollers, on backs, or sitting on shoulders, families took to the trails of Chester Park for Duluth’s very first Climb Out of the Darkness hiking event, to bring awareness to a very common problem among new parents. “As new moms there’s a lot of change that we’re going through and it can be very…

100 Years of YMCA Camp Lake Nebagamon

YMCA holds event for old campers to reminisce about their days in summer camp.

August 17, 2019

Arman Rahman,

LAKE NEBAGAMON, Wis.- Summer camp, for many, is the highlight of the season, holding many fond memories. YMCA Camp Lake Nebagamon has been doing that for 100 years. “100 years is, it’s a huge amazing milestone, but it’s not our last,” said Camp Director Rachel Eisenmann. The one spot amid the trees by the lake carries with it a century…

Natural Resources Research Institute Needs Help Finding Drone

The eBee drone was doing research in Hartley Park before it veered to the southeast

August 15, 2019

Ryan Compeau,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Natural Resources Research Institute is asking for your help after they lost one of their drones. The NRRI’s eBee drone was last in Hartley Park just south of the Nature Center last week. It was mapping out vegetation for the park and was coming down to land before it veered to the southeast. A NRRI official…

Tagging Butterflies at Hartley Nature Center

Members event at Nature Center tag butterflies before migration.

August 13, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Families who are members at Hartley Nature Center got a chance to send off monarch butterflies with something to help researchers. The Nature Center hosted a volunteer butterfly tagging event. Kids, parents and others gathered in the Center’s garden to learn about monarchs and milkweed. Then they tagged monarch butterflies before they migrate to Mexico where researchers can…

See a Movie, Save a Lion at Marcus Duluth Cinemas

Theater partners with Lake Superior Zoo to raise money to conserve lion.

August 7, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The Lake Superior Zoo partnered with Marcus Duluth Cinemas in capitalizing on the success of a new Disney movie for conservation efforts. $1 from any ticket purchased went towards the Lion Recovery Fund to help Lion conservation efforts. Since the first Lion King was released 25 years ago, half of Africa’s Lions have been lost and only 20,000…

Girls Soaring to New Heights at Air and Space Camp

High school girls from around the Midwest are getting an in depth look into the vast expanses of aeronautics.

August 6, 2019

Katharine Huntley,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – This week the University of Wisconsin-Superior is hosting an air and space camp for girls. High school girls from around the Midwest are getting an in depth look into the vast expanses of aeronautics. The hands-on experience includes learning how to build and launch rockets, flying planes in flight simulators, and even checking out fighter planes at…

Crow and Loon Deaths Linked to West Nile Virus

While common for crows this time of year, wildlife experts are keeping watch of loons.

July 31, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The Minnesota DNR and wildlife experts are on the lookout for birds sick with West Nile Virus. This comes after two recorded deaths of loons in Northeast Minnesota earlier this month, and a handful of crow deaths this past year, all linked to West Nile. Crows and loons are more susceptible to West Nile Virus, as they are…

Black Super New Moon Coming Tonight

North America Only - Rest Of World Waits Until August 30th

July 31, 2019

Brittney Merlot,

NORTHLAND — A first since 2016, an astronomical event called the ‘Black Moon’ occurs tonight. What exactly is it? Well, you’ve heard of a ‘Blue Moon’ – right? It’s the second full moon within one month. And a ‘Black Moon’ is the second new moon of the month. This is something that rarely happens and is just as uncommon as a…

Plan to Swim or Not to Swim With New Lake Temperature Device in Park Point Beach

New temp and wave monitoring devices help Minnesota Sea Grant scientists get readings to public.

July 24, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- New monitoring devices in the waters of Park Point Beach are allowing scientists to tell people how cold or warm the water is before they get to the beach. A temperature sensor and wave sensor were placed in the water last week for scientists with the Minnesota Sea Grant to measure water temperature and assess the possibility of…

Celebrating Lake Superior, Restored Barker’s Island Beach

Lake Superior Day coincided with opening of Barker Island Beach to the public.

July 21, 2019

Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- At Barker’s Island Sunday Lake Superior was given its own day for the important role it plays in the Northland. “It really is what draws people here and keeps people here,” said Deanna Erickson, Education Coordinator with the Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve. “It supports our economy it supports our health it creates our weather, it adds…

Large Lakes Observatory Hosting Neighborhood “Block Party” Sunday

The Celebration will Help LLO Celebrate 25 Years of Research and Relations Throughout the Region

July 18, 2019

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – On Sunday, July 21, you’re invited to a neighborhood celebration to help the Large Lakes Observatory (LLO) in Duluth celebrate 25 years of research and relationship in the region. The free event is happening from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Sunday at 2205 East 5th Street in Duluth. Director of the Large Lakes Observatory, Dr. Bob Sterner,…

Officials, Citizens Share Thoughts on Future of Lester Park Golf

Community Listening Session Held in Lester Park pavilion.

July 16, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- City officials met with concerned citizens in Lester Park Tuesday to hear more feedback on the fate of Duluth’s Public Lester Park Golf Course. This comes after the council voted in may to potentially use part of the Lester and Enger park golf courses for multi family mixed income housing. The vote means the “Lake Nine” holes will…

Volunteers Remove Harmful Wild Parsnip from West Waterfront Trail

Invasive species can cause burns to skin and fur.

July 10, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth is asking for your help to rid the area of the invasive species Wild Parsnip. The plant emits a sap that can cause burns on human skin and pets. This is not your run of the mill, vegetable parsnip. It looks like any flower. The Duluth Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area, or CISMA, gathered volunteers by the…

Haze from Canadian Fires Moves Out with Wind and Rain

Rainfall clear smoke up, and wind moves it south.

July 9, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Since last weekend, fires in Canada have been burning and sending smoke into the air, which the wind blew into the Northland creating a haze throughout the sky. Officials with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) said the worst of the smoke filtered into the Southern parts of the state. However, it could still be irritable for some…

All About Monarchs at Superior Public Library

Duluth Monarch Buddies come to teach about monarchs and milkweed.

July 9, 2019

Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Kids at the Superior Public Library got an up close look at Monarch Butterflies. Duluth Monarch Buddies came to teach summer camps about the orange insects and how their populations are in danger. Kids could take home milkweed seeds to grow the plants that monarchs feed on to increase their numbers in the Northland. “It’s always nice to…

Record High Lake Levels Good For Shipping, Bad for Shoreline

Experts say more water is better for carrying shipping cargo, but more damaging to shoreline especially with storms.

July 8, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Water levels on Lake Superior have been in an upward trend, breaking record averages for July, still months away from the Fall when they’re expected to rise. As of Monday Lake Superior sits at 603.22 ft for the month of July. It is 14 inches above the norm for the month. According the Associate Director of Outreach with…

Duluth Firefighters Save Young Deer Trapped in Fence

Firefighters helped the fawn escape.

July 6, 2019

Viktoria Capek,

DULUTH, Minn.- “Bambi” was spotted on the UMD campus and needed a little help from Duluth Fire Department. The fawn was found trapped in a fence. College police called the fire department to assist in letting the baby deer free. Firefighters said they could see how scared the animal was, but it was an easy call to take care of….

Duluth Comes Outside After Violent Storms

Enger Park bustling with people enjoying sun and nature.

June 30, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- After the storms moved out of the area Sunday morning, the weather turned out pretty nice. Enger Park was full of people enjoying the look of the landscape, the views from the Tower, and the temps from the Sun. This is after storms whipped through the area, whipping lightning, wind, rain and even some hail across the sky…

Work on Wisconsin Point Restoration Begins

Project to consolidate parking and restore habitats to be completed late this summer.

June 24, 2019

Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Officials with Superior Parks, Recreation and Forestry are asking the public to be patient during the restoration of Wisconsin Point this summer. It’s expected to be done by the end of July or beginning of August. It’s a project, officials said, that will benefit beach-goers, and the nature that calls the beach home. You’ll find crews working at…

Hanging Flower Baskets Go Up in Canal Park

Greater Downtown Council puts up baskets to beautify Canal Park before Summer and Grandmas's

June 18, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s beginning to look like summer in Canal Park, as the hanging flower baskets have started going up, just in time for Grandma’s Marathon. More than 100 baskets were delivered and hung up Tuesday morning. Greater Downtown Council leaders said it’s important to liven up the scenery in Canal Park. “This is just important aesthetics for the Downtown…

Rip Current Warning on Park Point Beaches

Fire Department warns against swimming.

June 16, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Fire Department is warning the public that it’s too dangerous to swim at park point beaches because of rip currents in Lake Superior. The rip currents extend as far as 100 yards offshore, and there aren’t any lifeguards at the beaches. There are red flags up at the 12th st beach, Lafayette Square, and the Park…

Summer Means Time to Care for Lawns

Lawn Mowing businesses are busy preparing lawns after rain and snow.

June 11, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Summer is a time for many fun activities: vacations, swimming, barbecues. But it’s also a time to care for your lawns. After a long winter, many Northlanders get a good look at their lawns for the first time in a while. “Of course we’re running into things like 12 inch grass,” said Shane Madrinich. “With the snowfall it…

Geocaching Through Duluth Parks

Duluth Parks and Recreation teaches people how to geocache.

June 11, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The City of Duluth Parks and Rec Department is getting in on geocaching, to encourage more people to check out parks and greenspace. The first GPS navigation and geo–caching meeting was held at Enger Park. To geocache, you need a handheld GPS or a cellphone, and use coordinates to find hidden clues and riddles throughout nature, to lead…

Captain’s Platter Fishing Contest Takes Anglers to Allouez Bay

15th year of competition brings Anglers of all ages together.

June 8, 2019

Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- On Saturday Anglers took advantage of the nice weather out on Allouez bay for the Captain’s Platter Fishing Contest. Over 50 boats full of anglers tried the water and caught some pretty big trout, walleye and salmon. One of the largest was a 23 lb trout. According to the organizers with the Duluth Sail and Power Squadron, anglers…

Making Way for Monarchs in Duluth

Monarch Butterfly population decreasing over time, in need of saving experts say.

June 8, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- A certain winged insect was celebrated for arriving in Duluth. The Coppertop Church held their 4th Annual Monarch Festival, marking the Monarchs ending their migration here from Mexico. Experts, caterpillars, and real Monarch butterflies were in attendance, helping to educate and encourage the public to plant milkweed, a non-invasive plant that attracts and feeds Monarchs. According to experts,…

Mayor Paine Rides with Bikers through Superior

First ever bike ride held from UWS to Thirsty Pagan.

June 8, 2019

Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- City officials, business leaders, and families pedaled through the streets on the Northland’s own Tour De Superior. “The importance of riding bikes in Superior is the importance of getting around,” said Mayor Jim Paine. Dozens of men, women, and children on two wheels took over the streets for the first ever Mayor’s bike race. “I really just thought…

National Weather Service Prepares for Storm Season

Extra staff on hand to help NWS keep Northland ahead of severe weather.

June 4, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The National Weather Service has extra staff on duty to monitor severe weather like the storms we had earlier Tuesday. Forecasters say it’s imperative to warn those on land and water of incoming bad weather to potentially save lives. “Our critical mission here at the National Weather Service is the protection of life and property,” said Science and…

Fishing for a Cure for ALS

24th Annual Kolar Toyota ALS Fishing Tournament brings 300 anglers to Island Lake.

June 1, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Dozens of boats dot the water of Island Lake. They come in from a long day of fishing, and move out of the dock to make room for the boat to weigh what they caught. “Today we have 300 anglers out here fishing for bass, fishing for walleye, they’re out here trying to get the big one, get…

Northland Paddle Alliance Cleans Up Superior Boat Launch

People picked up trash along shore of Woodstock Bay Boat Launch.

May 28, 2019

Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The nicer weather gave some in Superior a chance to clean up local boat launches. The Northland Paddlers Alliance adopted the Woodstock Bay Paddle Access Launch, after it was designated for Paddle Access last year. On Tuesday they broke out the bags to pick up garbage, and get the launch ready for paddlers this summer. “I think anybody…

Cable Natural History Museum to Host Grand Opening Saturday

The Cable Natural History Museum will Unveil Three New Exhibits Saturday, May 25, 2019

May 23, 2019

Brett Scott,

CABLE, Wis. – The Cable Natural History Museum nestled in downtown Cable is bursting with activity, fun, exhibits, activities, events, volunteers and kids, with even more of all that set to open this month as its Curiosity Center nears completion. The museum is hosting a grand opening on Saturday, May 25. “The new Curiosity Center is a dream come true…

Campgrounds Prepare for Memorial Day Weekend

Buffalo House Campgrounds are busy getting ready for the rush.

May 21, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Memorial Day weekend is right around the corner, and that’s famously a time when families get in their camper, or pack up their tents, to go camping. With 105 campsites for RVs and areas for tents, the staff at Buffalo House Campground is busy getting ready for the Memorial Day rush. The peaceful trees and sounds of birds…

Snow’s In, Surf’s Up on Lake Superior

Surfers make the best out of the cold windy day.

May 19, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- While the wind and snow kept most inside, it brought surfers out to Brighton Beach to ride the waves. According to the surfers, once you’re in a wet suit, the cold isn’t that bad. They add that it’s worth it when you catch the perfect wave. “You catch the wave and you start to speed up a little…

DECS Students Sing in the Sun

Duluth Edison Charter Schools put on Spring Concert in Leif Erickson Park

May 14, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Many Northlanders were out enjoying the summer-like temps on Monday. Many spent the day at the Leif Erickson Park listening to students sing, in what seemed to be one of Duluth’s many summer festivals. It was sort of a pre-music festival as students from Duluth Edison Charter schools put on their Spring Concert, taking audiences on a trip…

Northland Sixth Graders Go On a River Quest for Learning

Students learned about the waterfront at the DECC and on a boat.

May 13, 2019

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- More than 1,500 sixth graders from throughout the region are learning about the Duluth waterfront and water safety all this week, during the 27th Annual Saint Louis River Quest Program. The program began Monday at the DECC’s Pioneer Hall, where students heard from experts about water pollution and the dangers of rip currents. Some, like Lydia Polkoski, said…