Environment

Minnesota DNR Releases Northeast Regional Fishing Outlook for 2025

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has released its regional fishing outlooks for areas around Minnesota.  You can find the Northeast Region breakdown below. (CLICK HERE FOR: Northwest Regional Fishing Outlook for 2025) Duluth Area: The St. Louis River Estuary provides exceptional fishing opportunities for walleye and other species such as muskellunge, smallmouth bass, black crappie and…

Brush Fires Force Temporary Closure of Highway 2 in Ashland

ASHLAND, Wis. —  Multiple brush fires shut down a section of Highway 2 in Ashland Monday evening. Road Closure As for 5:30 p.m. the Wisconsin Department of Transportation closed a section of Highway 2 in both directions from Old Odanah Road to 26th Avenue. Video from resident Christie Branagan showed sections of fire and thick smoke near the Three Eagles…

Volunteers Come Together to Clean Up Lincoln Park

DULUTH, Minn. — Volunteers came together in Lincoln Park to clean up for Earth Week. Local organization Ecolibrium3 wrapped up it’s 5th annual Earth Week on Saturday. The week consists of a series of events dedicated to bettering the environment. On Saturday Eco3 hosted a community clean-up in Lincoln Park. Volunteers were provided gloves, garbage bags and grabbers. Last year…

Mayor Reinert Proclaims Dark Sky Day in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — Starry Skies North Celebrated Dark Skies week at the Lake Superior Zoo. Mayor Reinert made a proclamation designating today, April 24th, as Dark Sky Day in Duluth. Seven local businesses were also awarded Dark Sky friendly certification. Dark Skies is an international movement to reduce light pollution. Many animals are affected by bright light pollution. It also…

Resource Renew Reminds Community about Common Recycling Questions

DULUTH, Minn. — Resource Renew, formerly known as Western Lake Superior Sanitary District (WLSSD), is reminding the public about proper recycling and disposal methods. Today at the Whole Foods Co-Op on Grand Ave., Emma Pardini, an environmental program coordinator, held a class with a Q&A about common recycling questions. Pardini emphasized the importance of reduce, renew, and recycle. Resource Renew…

Superior National Forest Begins Prescribed Fires

NORTHERN MINNESOTA — The Superior National Forest is starting prescribed fires to help reduce overgrown vegetation. The prescribed fires may be close to areas open to the public for the next several days. Warning signs will be posted along roads near all prescribed fire areas before operations begin. The Forest Service is warning that nearby residences may experience heavy smoke….

St. Louis County Legacy Dump Damage Reversal Project in the Works

CANYON, Minn.– Around 250 closed dump and landfill sites across St. louis County is being addressed with a proposed project. These sites are unlined and ultimately contaminating ground water. To try and solve this, there’s a multi-million-dollar plan to help reverse the centuries-long damage at those sites. The project is called the “St. Louis County Integrated Solid Waste Management Campus.”…

Lack of Federal Funds Effects Spongy Moth Treatment

NORTHERN MINNESOTA — Federal funding delays is impacting the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and their response to limiting the spread of spongy moths. Spongy Moths are an destructive invasive species in our area that threaten our area’s forest. The MDA uses federal funding for their Btk (Bacilius thuringiensis var. kurstaki) treatment which slows the spread of spongy moth caterpillars in…

Community Members Learn about Pruning Apple Trees

  DULUTH, Minn.– With the weather turning warmer, it was perfect timing for people to learn everything about pruning apple trees. Around 20 community members got their hands dirty while learning how to prune apple trees. The group got to help out one of the public orchards in Morgan Park that’s sponsored by ‘Edible Duluth’, The pruning class was put…

‘Green Iron Project’ Paves Way for Hydrogen-Based Steel Manufacturing

DULUTH, Minn.– A first of its kind project using hydrogen-based energy is in limbo after a federal pause on grants loans took place but was quickly revoked. That first of a kind project is called ‘Green Iron Project’, and it centers around the conversion of iron into steel using a hydrogen energy plant. The Minnesota Natural Resource Institute has a…

Unseasonal weather may lead to dry soil conditions

MINNESOTA — The unseasonal weather of the last year could bring both positive and negative impacts onto farmers this upcoming growing season. In a typical year, Minnesota sees lighter, fluffier snow from December to February, and heavy, wet snow between March and May. So far this season, snowfall totals are below the 30-year average, but total precipitation is near average…

Former President Jimmy Carter’s Boundary Waters Legacy

ELY, Minn. — Former President Jimmy Carter teamed up with the Friends of the Boundary Waters during his administration, to help back up his efforts around the Boundary Water Canoe Area Wilderness. “There’s been a lot of sacrifice, a lot of victory too, and not all of those sacrifices accumulated into what we have today,” said Riley Smith. Riley Smith…

Preview: Jimmy Carter’s Impact on the Boundary Waters

ELY, Minn.– Following the death of former president Jimmy Carter, he left behind quite the legacy for the Boundary Waters. After his recent death back in December, Friends of the Boundary Waters are looking back at his impact fondly. During Carter’s presidency, he teamed up with the Friends of the Boundary Waters. Together they passed numerous bills and acts promising…

Important Tips for Braving Dangerous Temperatures

DULUTH, Minn.– The winter season is feeling a bit more seasonal this year, because some freezing cold temperatures are on the horizon. The Northland is bracing for a cold stretch, lasting through next Wednesday. With temperatures falling well into the negative teens and ’20s. Temps that low matched with windchill are especially dangerous, because frostbite can occur in as little…

Deadly Los Angeles Wildfires Rage On; FOX 21’s Perspective Of Fires On Northland Map

DULUTH, Minn. — Click the video above to watch FOX 21’s coverage at 9 p.m. Wednesday of the raging, fatal wildfires in the Los Angeles area.  Plus, Meteorologist Rusty Mehlberg gives a perspective of what the size of the fires over Los Angeles would look in Duluth and other parts of the Northland.  It’s a perspective that really opens your…

Solar Power Projects in Works at Duluth Public Schools

Duluth Minn — Duluth Public Schools are finalizing plans for two new solar projects on district property. One project will be installed near Lincoln Park Middle School. The other at the school’s district office. The solar power will not only help provide cleaner energy but also helps offset the costs of the energy they currently use. Students assisted in advocating…

Lake Superior Zoo Worker Spots Owl Stuck In Car’s Grill At Bentleyville

DULUTH, Minn. — What was supposed to be a stroll through Bentleyville Tour of Lights in Bayfront Festival Park Monday evening turned into quite the rescue of an owl. Annabell Whelan, guest experience manager at the Lake Superior Zoo, spotted the owl stuck in the grill of someone’s car in Bayfront parking lot as she was leaving Bentleyville. Whelan said…

Ideal Temps Bring Ice Fishing Back to the Bay

DULUTH, Minn. – During the summer, the “lake side” of Park Point attracts thousands to its beaches; but during the winter months, the “bay side” is the place to be. While the temperature is expected to climb in the coming days, ice fishermen have been back on the bay thanks to an early season freeze. Today’s ideal temps drew a number…

Minnesota DNR To Launch New EagleCam

MINNESOTA — The Minnesota DNR is introducing a new eagle camera, that will go live for the first time this Thursday. The new camera will feature a new breeding pair of eagles. The original camera will be in the area as well, occasionally seeing the previously featured pair that lost their nest in 2023. That same pair made a new…

Brad Is Back! Sheep Safely Captured After Weeks-Long Getaway

The sightings of Brad over the past weeks even caught the attention of Twin Cities media.

A multi-county, multi-week search for Brad, the daring sheep on the run from city to city, came to a safe end Tuesday with one story to tell. Midway Township sighting Monday “Oh God. I don’t even feel like it’s real. I don’t think it’s real, but it is,” said Shana Roberts, a volunteer at the Lake County Humane Society in…

Wildcat Sanctuary Expands Both Acres and Residents

SANDSTONE, Minn.– Lately, there’s a lot to be excited about at the Wildcat Sanctuary in Sandstone. The Wildcat Sanctuary recently expanded from 80 acres to 200 acres, when they were able to buy 120 acres of additional land. The Wildcat Sanctuary does not have any plans for the new space. They are using the additional land as a buffer for…

Braaad The Sheep: Minneapolis’ FOX 9 Covers Duluth-Area Sheep On The Run

DULUTH, Minn. — Our friends at FOX 9 in Minneapolis had some fun today talking about Brad, the missing sheep, that’s been on the run for at least two weeks now — from Two Harbors to Proctor.  Click the video below to watch the segment with Anchor Amy Hockert and Senior Producer Amber Milner.  Click here to watch FOX 21’s…

Conference at the DECC Brings Invasive Species Researchers Together

DULUTH, Minn. — Scientists, students, and professionals from several states gathered at the DECC on Wednesday to discuss invasive species this week. The biannual upper Midwest Invasive Species Conference offers an opportunity for those researching invasive species to share their findings with a wide range of colleagues. And learn from one another, on how to best manage the threats certain…

St. Louis County Landfill Unveils Geothermal Field

VIRGINIA, Minn.– St. Louis County’s landfill got a new first-of-its kind technology in the state that creates new energy from garbage. A ribbon cutting was held today in Virginia at the site of the landfill’s new 10-acre geo-thermal field. The field has a specialized liner with coils at its base. Heat produced through decomposing garbage will now be captured in…

The Wildcat Sanctuary Expands by 120 Acres

SANDSTONE, Minn. — The Wildcat Sanctuary in Sandstone is expanding its footprint by 120 acres. The adjacent land has always been on the eyes of executive director Tammy Thies. So, when she saw the for-sale sign pop up recently, she immediately made an offer. Thies says the new land will act as a natural buffer between wild animals and the…

Great Lakes Outdoor Summit Takes Place at the DECC

DULUTH, Minn. — An event for outdoor recreation enthusiasts took place at the DECC on Friday. The Duluth Area Outdoor Alliance hosted the Great Lakes Outdoor Summit. The summit draws in people from across the Upper Midwest, allowing for businesses, advocates and other organizations to connect, build community and learn more about the great outdoors. The summit had 12 engagement…

Superior Mayor Says NTEC Is Scrapped; Minnesota Power Says No

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Superior Mayor Jim Paine believes the proposed Nemadji Trail Energy Center, or NTEC, is officially not going to be built along the Nemadji River. But Minnesota Power says that is not the case. Paine’s conclusion comes after Minnesota Power and its NTEC partner, Dairyland Power, recently withdrew their air permit to build the natural gas-powered plant near…

Minnesota Bigfoot Conference In Grand Rapids This Weekend

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. — An event surrounding a big hairy mythical creature is taking place this weekend in Grand Rapids. The 5th annual Minnesota Bigfoot Conference is all about spreading awareness of the education and protection of the creature. It is put on by the Minnesota Bigfoot Research Team who have been working together for 24 years now. The event…

Twin Cotton-Top Tamarins Born at Lake Superior Zoo

Courtesy of Heidi Beal, Zoo’s Staff Photographer DULUTH, Minn. — A pair of critically endangered animals have been born at the Lake Superior Zoo. The cotton-top tamarin twins were born on Sept. 15. These types of monkeys live in close-knit family groups and are joined by 2 siblings, along with their mom Mira and dad Deno. Cotton-tops are protected under…

2nd Annual Wisconsin Stormwater Week

SUPERIOR, Wis. — It’s the second annual Wisconsin Stormwater week. The week is all about spreading awareness of the sources of stormwater pollution. Wisconsin Land and Water is hosting webinars. And Tuesday they held one on road salt, commonly used to clear ice during the winter and its effects on the environment. Wednesday they discus ponds, and Thursday they will…

Minnesota Power To Build 2 New Solar Power Plants

Minnesota Power is expanding its solar footprint with plans to build two large solar projects in northern Minnesota. The Regal Solar project will be built near Royalton with 255,000 solar modules on about 800 acres. The Boswell Solar project will include 180,000 solar modules on about 600 acres. The two sites will have a combined capacity of around 204 megawatts….

Erickson Orchards Opens Doors for Fall Season

  BAYFIELD, Wis.– Despite the Bayfield Apple Festival happening right around the corner, apple orchards are taking advantage of the fall season in the meantime by opening their doors for guests. Before the Apple Fest, guests can check out their gift shop and sample their bakery. The family business has served the Bayfield community for over one-hundred years. Owner and…

Hawk Weekend Takes Flight at Hawk Ridge

  DULUTH, Minn.– This well-known birding spot is kicking off their most popular weekend of the year! Hawk weekend is catering to the bird enthusiasts in the Northland by celebrating one of the busiest migration weeks.  Specifically, the arrival of broad-winged hawks will be highlighted this weekend. Hawk Ridge has been participating in research and education programs for over 50…

5th Graders Head Outside For Forestry Day

DULUTH, Minn. — 5th graders got the chance to learn all about the outdoors for National Forestry Day. Students learned about tree identification, safe hiking practices, and more. Twelve schools were in attendance across three local parks. We caught up with the groups at Upper Spirit Mountain. The other locations were Lester and Chester Parks. Each park was set up…

Lake Superior Reserve Launches First Buoy

SUPERIOR, Wis. — An exciting new addition to the Lake Superior family made its way to the waters. At Wisconsin Point, Lake Superior Reserve deployed their first buoy into the water. The device is solar powered, and they’re eager to introduce this new research opportunity to the Northland. The team positioned the buoy to monitor where the St Louis River,…

Great Lakes Tree Planting Initiative Kicks Off in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — State lawmakers from the Great Lakes region are on a mission to plant 250 million trees along the Great Lakes by 2033. Four of those trees were planted Monday in Duluth, across from Pier B along Railroad St. The ceremony included Minnesota, Wisconsin and Illinois lawmakers. Local officials like Duluth Mayor Roger Reinert were also there. The…

Mayor Reinert Directs Internal Review Post Fish Kill In Tischer Creek

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Mayor Roger Reinert said on Sunday that he has directed internal leadership to review all procedures and training to figure out how 1.7 million gallons of treated drinking water got into Tischer Creek in August, ending with the killing of more than 1,000 fish. Reinert took to social media Sunday to say the city’s drinking water…

Lake Superior Harvest Festival Celebrates 30 Years

DULUTH, Minn. — Bayfront Park was the place to be this weekend for the 30th annual Lake Superior Harvest Festival. The grounds were packed Saturday with people enjoying everything from live music to home-goods and produce shopping. There was also an energy fair to explore. A local farmer and his family have been selling at the festival for years. Here’s…

Public Hearing Mon., Sept. 9 On SWL&P’s Proposed Rate Increases

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Residents in Superior are invited to a public hearing Monday involving rate increases proposed by Superior Water Light and Power (SWL&P). The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin is hosting the public hearing at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. at the Government Center in Superior, room 270.  The overall proposed increase is 5.9%, or about $7.3 million. This…

Minnesota DNR Shares 2024 Fall Colors Season Outlook

MINNESOTA — Cooler air is just around the corner and with that comes the beautiful fall colors in Minnesota. The Minnesota DNR shares what to expect this season. Experts say fall colors typically peak in mid-to-late September through mid-October. This year’s growing season has been wetter which is better for the trees. But with that comes fungal leaf diseases that…