Environment Archives - Page 18 of 30

Citizens Express Environmental Concerns at Husky Fire Listening Session

UW-Extension hosted the session to collect comments and questions from residents

May 14, 2018

Andrew Kirov,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A community listening session at Superior Middle School got heated as community members express environmental concerns in the aftermath of April’s Husky Energy Refinery explosion and fire. The listening session was offered by the University of Wisconsin Extension for Superior and other area residents to ask questions about the refinery fire and have their comments heard. Fear…

Twin Ports Walleye Association Promotes Fishing & River Restoration Through Tournament

Coffee Conversation: Walleye Fishing Tournament

May 14, 2018

Natalie Froistad,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Fishing Opener just took place this past weekend and thousands of fishermen and women took to the lakes to reel in a big one. A group of walleye lovers is also feeling that enthusiasm. The Twin Ports Walleye Association (TPWA) will be hosting its 6th Annual Walleye Fishing Tournament on the St. Louis River May…

Congdon Students Continue Getting in Gear

Rainy Weather Postponed Bike, Walk to School Day for Students at Congdon Park Elementary; Event Continues to Grow

May 11, 2018

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – Back in 1997 students, staff and parent organizers took part in the first ever National Walk to School Day. In 2012, National Bike to School Day became a reality. The day technically happened on Wednesday, May 9 this year, but due to rainy, cold weather in the Northland, students held off to celebrate until the following day….

What Local Farmers Hope to Find on the New Farm Bill

Senator Tina Smith's staff is asking the community to voice concerns and ideas.

May 9, 2018

Lauren Leigh,

CLOQUET, Minn.- As the 2018 Farm Bill works its way through Congress, Northland farmers are making sure their priorities are being heard. Members of the agriculture community joined political representatives at Fond Du Lac Community College on Wednesday to talk about farming needs. Senator Tina Smith is a member of the Senate Agricultural Committee, some of her staff members were among…

Wolf Ridge ELC Unveils Renovated Margaret A. Cargill Lodge

The Margaret A. Cargill Lodge is Renovated to Meet the Highest International Standard for Sustainability

May 7, 2018

Brett Scott,

FINLAND, Minn. – A vision of outdoor education and sustainability back in 1971 has become a huge success over the years in Lake County. Staff, students and visitors to this popular attraction continue to stay one step ahead of the game when it comes to going green. “Wolf Ridge started on the idea of let’s get kids outside and get…

Charter Season Feeling Cramps With Seawall Reconstruction Delay

William A. Irvin Is 10 Feet Closer To Docks During Seawall Work

May 1, 2018

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – 12-hour work days, six days a week: That’s the new pace underway for the $6 million seawall reconstruction project in Duluth’s Minnesota Slip that the city says is scheduled to be completed by mid-June, with new bike lanes and sidewalks wrapping up in August. The delayed seawall project has the William A. Irvin pushed out about 10…

Clean-Up Effort, Questions Continue After Husky Explosion, Fire; Gov. Walker To Return

April 29, 2018

Dan Hanger,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The city of Superior is continuing to stay in the conversation among other local and state agencies as Husky Energy works through the clean-up effort after the historic explosion and fire at the Canadian company’s Superior refinery Thursday. Mayor Jim Paine told FOX 21 Sunday there is no evidence of any lingering health effects or contamination of…

City: Irvin Can Fit Through Slip Bridge; Seawall Construction Timeline Released

April 27, 2018

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – The city of Duluth has released new details to FOX 21’s Dan Hanger involving an updated construction timeline on the delayed seawall project in Canal Park, and also when and where the William A. Irvin could eventually open for the season. But first, the Minnesota Slip Bridge in Canal Park, also known as the “Blue Bridge,” is…

Halted Duluth Seawall Project OK’d After Historic Preservation Concerns

April 25, 2018

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth’s multi-million dollar seawall reconstruction project has been given the green light to start work up again after questions were raised about the historical significance of the Minnesota Slip, according to the mayor’s office late Wednesday. This means the State Historical Preservation Office has completed its work and has concluded the seawall reconstruction will not cause adverse…

Volunteers Cleanup the City On Earth Day

Earth Day 2018 is centered around ending plastic pollution in two years, by Earth Day 2020.

April 23, 2018

Haydee Clotter,

DULUTH, Minn. – On this Earth Day dozens of earth friendly Duluthians took in the spring day to pick up trash along some of the city’s most treasured pieces of land. Earth Day is of course recognized every year to raise awareness about protecting the environment. Earth Day 2018 is centered around ending plastic pollution in two years, by Earth Day 2020. Here in Duluth volunteers of all ages were out showing their commitment to…

Zoo Hosts “Party for the Planet” Ahead of Earth Day

Event Supports Snow Leopard Trust

April 20, 2018

Natalie Froistad,

DULUTH, Minn. – Tonight it’s going to be a big party at the Lake Superior Zoo and everyone is invited! The Party for the Planet celebrates Earth Day and gives visitors a chance to explore the zoo after hours. It’s taking place Friday, April 20 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Guest can check out the animals and meet endangered species…

Construction Halted On Already Delayed MN Slip Seawall; Irvin, Vista Affected

Continued Delays Center Around Slip's Historical Preservation Review

April 19, 2018

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – FOX 21 has learned the William A. Irvin and Vista Fleet – two of Duluth’s top tourist attractions – might not be fully open for business as the upcoming tourism season begins – a season that usually get underway in less than two weeks in May. The uncertainty of the Vista and Irvin’s normal operations centers around…

Giant Waves Crash on Canal Park Shore During Winter Storm

Spectators Watch Waves Move Over Piers and Under Aerial Lift Bridge

April 15, 2018

Andrew Kirov,

DULUTH, Minn. – The winter storm has made an impressive scene in Canal Park once again. “We’ve seen some crazy storms out here but this is crazy,” said Alyssa Miketin while watching the waves. Ten foot high waves crash over the Duluth Harbor breakwater. “The waves are incredible. In my lifetime, I think I’ve only seen them this big one…

U of M Researchers Share Findings with Community at Spark Event

Researchers share knowledge with alumni and community members in Cloquet

April 3, 2018

Graham Hakala,

DULUTH, Minn. – The university of Minnesota held another one of its “Sparks” events on Tuesday. Researchers from the university presented some of their studies to alumni and other members of the community. The theme focused on Minnesota’s natural environment, and how things like climate change are affecting the region. “For a lot of these forest health issues that we’re dealing…

Seeking Understanding of Life Under Frozen Lakes

Researchers say the seasons are connected – and climate change is playing a role in the changing ecology here.

April 2, 2018

William Seay,

DULUTH, Minn. – Researchers from the University of Minnesota Duluth are making breakthroughs in how we understand our frozen lakes in winter. But sometimes there are more questions than answers. “It’s harder to work in the winter,” explains Dr. Ted Ozersky, Assistant Professor of Biology at UMD. “Things freeze; it’s cold; it’s not as fun as hanging out in the…

UMD Students Win Second Place in Clean Snowmobile Design Challenge

Students Created a Snowmobile That Runs Cleaner and Quieter Than Traditional Sleds

March 15, 2018

Andrew Kirov,

DULUTH, Minn. – UMD students recently got second place out of fifteen teams in a clean snowmobile design challenge. They showed off their prize-winning sled today and a diesel-powered snowmobile made by another UMD team. Students from different departments came together to fundraise, design, and build the quieter, more efficient machine. “It’s gaining real world experience hands on outside of…

“Going Blue” at 8th Annual River Summit

Event organizers say Lake Superior is critical to our everyday lives.

March 13, 2018

William Seay,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Here in the Northland, we depend on our lakes just to keep us alive. This week, a conference has those fresh waters in mind. It’s the eighth annual St. Louis River Summit at the Yellowjacket Union on campus at University of Wisconsin-Superior. The conference brings together some of the top scientific minds in the area to discuss…

How Aquaculture Affects Minnesota

The Minnesota Sea Grant is getting the conversation going.

March 12, 2018

Lauren Leigh,

DULUTH, Minn.- The bait industry plays a large role in Minnesota which is just one facet of aquaculture . The Minnesota Sea Grant at the University of Minnesota Duluth is discussing how aquaculture can affect our community, specifically how it affects jobs in the field. “We’re trying to move the conversation forward in Minnesota,” fishery specialist Don Schreiner said. “We…

Eagle Rescued After Accident With Vehicle

March 11, 2018

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – A Minnesota eagle is lucky to be alive after getting hit by a car. Wildwoods Rehabilitation Center says the eagle was flying low for some road kill when it was hit by the car. The driver pulled over and called Wildwoods. The eagle ended up having a fixable fracture of a wing. The eagle was sent to…

Keeping the Hive Alive During Winter

It Takes At Least 90 Pounds of Honey to Keep a Colony of Bees Alive Throughout the Winter

March 7, 2018

Brett Scott,

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – When you think of honey, a cute plastic bottle shaped like a bear probably comes to mind. But do you ever stop to think about how much work it took to produce the product? In just a few short weeks, snow will melt and flowers will force their way from the ground. You may think a honeybee…

Second-Highest March Lake Superior Water Levels

Higher water levels creates some risk for damage

March 6, 2018

Graham Hakala,

DULUTH, Minn. – With more perpetration in the great lakes region over the last few months, Lake Superior, along with the other Great Lakes, are seeing higher than the average water levels. According to a report from the Army Corps of Engineers, levels are more than a foot higher than they were compared to last year. “It’s high, but right now…

Providing Local Food in the Winter

The Food Farm serves nearly 400 families in the Duluth area.

February 25, 2018

Lauren Leigh,

WRENSHALL, Minn.- Summer in the Northland offers many farmers markets and weather conditions to eat locally sourced produce. One farm is dedicated to providing families in the Duluth area with fresh produce during every season. Food Farm owners Johnaki Fisher–Merrit and Annie Dugan pride themselves on suppling their crisp fresh produce through every season. “The big purpose of our farm…

Minnesota Power Rate Increase Approaching

MN Power Says Increase Not Because of New Power Plant

February 21, 2018

Andrew Kirov,

DULUTH, Minn. – A new natural gas power plant is coming to Superior. According to a statewide group, most Minnesota Power customers oppose the new plant because of its cost. But Minnesota Power officials tell us their proposed rate increase is not because of the plant. The Citizens Utility Board of Minnesota surveyed more than five-hundred Minnesota Power Customers. They…

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Visits Duluth Boat Show

Foundation Focuses on Conservation

February 16, 2018

Natalie Froistad,

DULUTH, Minn. – An exhibit new to the Duluth area is now on display at the 52nd Annual Duluth Boat, Sports, Travel and RV Show. The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation’s traveling conservation exhibit showcases some of the largest bull elk from across North America. The RMEF’S Great Elk Tour celebrates elk, conservation, and hunting heritage. The event is taking place…

St. Louis River Alliance to Host Annual Water Gala

3rd Annual Clean Water Gala

February 8, 2018

Natalie Froistad,

DULUTH, Minn. – The St. Louis River Alliance is celebrating the hard work of the past year with the 3rd Annual Clean Water Gala. At the gala, there will be food, drinks, a silent auction and live music. It’s being held on Friday, February 9 from 5:30 – 8:00 p.m. at Clyde Iron Works. Tickets are $40 in advance and…

St. Scholastica Theatre Premieres “Eleemosynary”

Playwright Lee Blessing to Hold Q&A

February 6, 2018

Natalie Froistad,

DULUTH, Minn. – The College of St. Scholastica Theatre has started performances of its latest production. “Eleemosynary” by Lee Blessing is running through this weekend. Evening performances will be Feb. 8-10 at 7:30 p.m. and a matinee performance is scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 11 at 2:00 p.m. All performances will be in the St. Scholastica Theatre building, which is behind…

Fly Fishing Film Tour makes a stop in the Northland

The film tour is a celebration of all things fishing

January 28, 2018

Graham Hakala,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Fly Fishing Film Tour made its way to Duluth on Sunday, hosted by the Arrowhead Fly Fishers and Gitchee Gumme Trout Unlimited organizations. The tour is a celebration of all things fly fishing. “It’s an opportunity for people to come out and learn about the sport, and see some really great stories about how people fish,…

Public Comments on Barker’s Island Plans

The city is hoping for your input to restore the beach.

January 24, 2018

Lauren Leigh,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The city of superior focused in on the future restoration of Barker’s Island Beach during a public meeting. The city held the public meeting to share preliminary engineering concepts for the beach’s future. The beach is a major part of the overall success of Barker’s Island. Wednesday night the Parks Rec and Forestry Department presented drawings of the proposed…

Hartley Nature Center Expanding

The Board has been planning for this expansion over the last year.

January 24, 2018

Haydee Clotter,

DULUTH, Minn. – Some big changes are coming to the Hartley Nature Center building in Duluth. As visitors and students continue to come through the doors, the center is trying to keep up with the demand. Thousands of children visit Hartley every year for school field trips and plans to add on to the building will allow kids to continue…

Lake Superior Water Level Nears Record High

Next Year's Level Could Be As High or Higher

January 24, 2018

Andrew Kirov,

DULUTH, Minn. – Lake Superior water levels hit near record highs last year. This year, experts predict the lake levels could be just as high or higher. Lake Superior water levels were about a foot above normal last year. The high levels are better for shipping but can have negative effects on the shoreline. According to experts, the October storm…

Growing Season Sprouts at Engwall’s

Spring Officially Begins on March 20, but the Staff at Engwall's are Already Ordering, Planting and Watering

January 17, 2018

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Northland is still a little over two months away from the official start of spring, but when temperatures plummet as low as they have been, it’s hard not to think of warmer weather. Spring in the northern hemisphere begins on Tuesday, March 20, and one business in the Northland is already growing more and more excited….

Hundreds Attend 9th Annual ‘More Cowbell’ Fundraiser

FOX 21 Took First Place in Competition

January 11, 2018

Lauren Leigh,

DULUTH, Minn.- The 9th annual More Cowbell fundraiser raises money for the Northern Lights Foundation, which helps support families who have children with life-threatening illnesses. On Thursday at More Cowbell, groups competed in a dance competition, and this year our very own FOX 21 News team took first place. To check out some of their performance, click here. Categories:…

MnDOT Urging Motorists to be Cautious Around Snow Plows

January 10, 2018

Melissa Lentz,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – With significant snow totals around the state, the Minnesota Department of Transportation is urging motorists to use extra caution during plowing and snow removal operations. According to MnDOT, there have been 22 crashes so far this season involving vehicles and snowplows. A total of 58 were reported last year. “Inattentive drivers, motorists driving too close to…

Senate Committee Vote on Bill Relaxing Air Pollution Rules

January 9, 2018

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – A legislative committee is set to approve a Republican bill that would relax Wisconsin air pollution regulations. The bill would repeal any state air pollution rules that go beyond federal regulations by the end of 2018. The state currently regulates hundreds more pollutants than the federal government. The proposal would allow the Department of Natural Resources…

Xcel Energy Plans Solar Garden in Ashland

January 8, 2018

Site Staff,

ASHLAND, Wis. – Xcel Energy has announced plans to develop a third, one megawatt solar garden in Ashland. The garden will be part of Solar*Connect Community, Wisconsin largest community solar garden program. If enough customer interest is demonstrated, the garden will be built in 2019 by OneEnergy Renewables, and will be located on the property near Xcel’s Ashland service center….

Minnesota May See Smoky Skies Due To Western Wildfires

January 7, 2018

Dan Hanger,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota could see a repeat of smoky skies next summer as huge fires continue in the western United States. Daniel Dix is an air quality meteorologist with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. He tells Minnesota Public Radio that wildfires are becoming more common. State pollution control officials say climate change and years of fire suppression…

Young Kids Getting Cabin Fever the Most

Experts Advise to Use More Indoor Activities that Burn Off Energy

January 3, 2018

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn.-The frigid temperatures have a firm grip on the Northland as many of the residents in region have to put some extra layers on when going outside. Many others are choosing to avoid that hassle by staying in – in particular young children. We spoke to leaders from the daycare University Nursery at Coppertop Church who are advising that…

Minnesota Climber Headed to Canada’s Remote Mount Luciana

January 3, 2018

The Associated Press,

GRAND MARAIS, Minn. (AP) – A veteran Minnesota explorer is planning another adventure, an attempt at the first winter ascent of remote Mount Luciana in Canada. The seldom-visited, 17,146-foot peak is deep in the Yukon’s Kluane National Park, about 40 miles (65 kilometers) north of Canada’s tallest mountain, Mount Logan. Lonnie Dupre, of Grand Marais, Minnesota, says he and climbing…

DOJ Collects $15 Million in Environmental Forfeitures

January 3, 2018

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) _ Wisconsin Department of Justice officials say they’ve collected about $1.5 million from polluters in 2017. The agency issues a news release Wednesday saying the agency completed 49 environmental enforcement cases during the year, resulting in $1.45 million in forfeitures and surcharges. The release says the agency also secured another $18.6 million for environmental improvement projects. During…

Wisconsin Farmers Allowed to Grow Hemp, Still Face Barriers

January 2, 2018

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) _ Industrial hemp is an option for Wisconsin farmers for the first time since lawmakers lifted a ban on the crop this fall. Wisconsin Public Radio reports that the state Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection has until March to create regulations for the hemp industry. Allison Pratt-Szeliga is researcher from the Michael Fields Agricultural Institute….

Hikers Embrace the Sub Zero Temps at Jay Cooke State Park

December 29, 2017

Adam Jagunich,

Categories: Community, Environment, News, News – Latest News, Weather in the News

Judge Pushes Back Timeline for Enbridge Line 3

December 28, 2017

The Associated Press,

(Garret Ellison | MLive)MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – An administrative law judge delayed approval of a divisive oil pipeline in northern Minnesota so the environmental impact statement can be revised. The decision from Judge Ann O’Reilly last week is a response to a Public Utilities Commission’s finding that the project’s impact statement was “inadequate.” The PUC on Dec. 7 gave the Department…

Kids Get Outside During Winter Break with Positive Energy Outdoors

December 27, 2017

Site Staff,

Categories: Education, Environment, News, News – Latest News

Adventure North MN Has Pop-Up Shop That Gives Back To the Environment

Adventure North has funded organizations $1,000

December 23, 2017

Haydee Clotter,

DULUTH, Minn. – Adventure North MN usually operates out of a enclosed trailer kind of like a food truck, but since it’s cold… they opened a pop–up shop outside Bent Paddle Brewing in Duluth. The clothing brand launched in June 2016 and 10 percent of sales goes back to different organizations in Minnesota that protect the environment. They’re currently working with Friends…

Rally Held Against Possible Changes in Emission Standards

Event Sponsored by Sierra Club

December 21, 2017

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn.-A proposal by the Environmental Protection Agency to look into getting rid of some emission standards from cars, has ruffled some feathers locally. Today a rally was hosted by the Sierra Club at Duluth City Hall involving multiple local leaders who expressed concern about how a change in policy could hurt the environment and cost Minnesotan’s money. A representative…

Snowy Owl Migration Gives Scientists Chance to Study Them

TAMMY WEBBER - AP

December 21, 2017

The Associated Press,

CHICAGO (AP) — Scott Judd trained his camera lens on the white dot in the distance. As he moved up the Lake Michigan shoreline, the speck on a breakwater came into view and took his breath away: it was a snowy owl, thousands of miles from its Arctic home. “It was an amazing sight,” said Judd, a Chicago IT consultant….

Busy Holiday Travel in the Northland

The Duluth International Airport's main runaway is open just in time for holiday travel.

December 20, 2017

Lauren Leigh,

DULUTH, Minn.- This added snowfall is a sure sign a white Christmas is upon us in just five days and with that countdown comes the busy holiday travel. At the Duluth International Airport the main runway has been under construction for much of this year. Which forced planes to land on a much smaller runway, causing delays and diverted planes to…

WLSSD Treecycling Program Begins Dec. 21

"Treecycling drop off sites are conveniently located in many neighborhoods, providing the opportunity for residents to Treecycle quickly and easily," said Anderson.

December 20, 2017

Melissa Lentz,

DULUTH, Minn. – Western Lake Superior Sanitary District and partners have kicked off the annual Treecyling program. The program is to encourage area residents to recycle their fresh-cut holiday trees. Multiple locations will be available 24-hours a day throughout the region. “Holiday trees, like yard and garden waste, are banned from the trash in Minnesota,” said Karen Anderson, WLSSD’s director…

DNR Confirms Cougar in Douglas County

December 20, 2017

Melissa Lentz,

A cougar was confirmed on a trail camera photo in Douglas County Nov. 11, 2017 (DNR) MADISON, Wis. – Department of Natural Resources biologists have confirmed photos taken by a trail cam in Douglas County showed a cougar wandering through the area in mid-November. Photos of the animal were captured in the Foxboro and Bennett areas in a week time…

Study: Moose on Lake Superior Island are Shrinking

December 20, 2017

The Associated Press,

Photo: MN DNRDULUTH, Minn. (AP) – Scientists studying the moose population on a national park in Lake Superior have discovered that the animal has been shrinking over the years. Minnesota Public Radio reports that Michigan Tech University scientists studied more than 660 moose skulls from Isle Royale National Park, which is located about 25 miles off the tip of northeastern…