Environment

St. Louis River Alliance Highlights Fall Colors, Estuary Projects on Annual Train Ride

Annual Fall Color Train Ride is Sunday

DULUTH, Minn. – Fall has officially started and the season changes are visible as many leaves are changing colors. The St. Louis River Alliance is taking advantage of this beauty this weekend for the annual Fall Color Train Ride. The ride shows off the Fall colors, while SLRA staff discuss the projects taking place in the St. Louis River Estuary….

Broken Dam and Island-Wide Blackout Stir Fear in Puerto Rico

A local looks at the devastation left by Hurricane Maria, in Yabucoa, Puerto Rico, Thursday, Sept. 21, 2017. (AP) SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — A failing dam prompted emergency evacuations of two towns in northwestern Puerto Rico on Friday as the U.S. territory struggled with flooding, an island-wide blackout and other dangers in Hurricane Maria’s wake. The National Weather…

Annual Adopt-a-Beach Cleanup Saturday

DULUTH, Minn. – Volunteers will be hitting the beach to participate in the largest Great Lakes cleanup day on Saturday. From Lake Superior to Lake Ontario Adopt-a-Beach volunteers will take to the shoreline to pick up litter and debris. Groups will be along the Lakewalk, Bayfront, Brighton, and Park Point Beaches. Those interested in joining the effort are encouraged to…

Island Returned to Grand Portage Band

Photo courtesy The Nature Conservancy GRAND PORTAGE, Minn. – The Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and The Nature Conservancy announced Tuesday that Susie Island on Lake Superior has been returned to the tribe. The 142-acre island is the largest of 13 small, rocky islands near where the Pigeon River empties into Lake Superior in the northeast corner of…

Wisconsin Trees May Have Less Vibrant Fall Colors This Year

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – With the first day of autumn right around the corner, experts predict recent weather conditions in Wisconsin could mean fall colors will be less vibrant. Colleen Matula is a forestry specialist with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources in Ashland. She tells Wisconsin Public Radio that increased rain this year means many trees are getting fungal disease…

Volunteers Help Clear the Beach at Wisconsin Point for Endangered Birds

SUPERIOR, Wis. — The weather was nice and warm this morning on Wisconsin Point during a volunteer effort to clear the critical beach habitat for the Great Lakes’ piping plover. The birds head south for the winter, but they nest right here on the shores of the Great Lakes. These volunteers are working with the St. Louis River Alliance and…

Archery Hunting Season Starts Off Strong

Experts Say its Better Than Last Three or Four Years

DULUTH, Minn. – The archery deer season kicked off last weekend and after talking to one local expert, it’s looking like it will be a good season for local hunters. They say one of the big reasons why is the mild weather the area has seen the last few years. “It looks like this year is looking a little better…

Hurricane Maria Slams Dominica, Now Takes Aim at Puerto Rico

Satellite image taken Tuesday, Sept. 19 show Hurricane Maria southeast of Puerto Rico (NOAA via AP) ROSEAU, Dominica (AP) — Dominica’s leader sent out an emotional plea for help as Hurricane Maria smashed into the Caribbean island and caused “mind-boggling” devastation, but an ominous silence followed as the country lost all communications on Tuesday and the Category 5 hurricane took…

7.1 Magnitude Quake Kills 119 as Buildings Collapse in Mexico

Remains of a damaged building stands after an earthquake in Mexico City, Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2017. (AP)   MEXICO CITY (AP) — A magnitude 7.1 earthquake rocked central Mexico on Tuesday, killing at least 119 people as buildings collapsed in plumes of dust and thousands fled into the streets in panic. The quake came less than two weeks after another…

Voyageurs National Park Announces Fall Hours

Hours begin on Oct. 1

INTERNATIONAL FALLS, Minn. – Voyageurs National Park visitor centers will begin fall operations beginning Sunday, Oct. 1, the park announced Monday. The Kabetogama Lake and Ash River Visitor Centers will be closed for the season starting Oct. 1 and will reopen in mid-May. The Rainy Lake Visitor Center will be open Oct. 1 through Dec. 31 Wednesdays through Sundays from…

UMD Working on Being More Environmental Friendly

Educational Summit on Sustainability Held Today

DULUTH, Minn.-Environmental sustainability has been sweeping across the nation. Today, UMD and four other University of Minnesota campuses, began exploring how they can be more environmentally friendly at its Sustainability Education Summit. The event focused on how to better connect students and staff with creating a cleaner campus and community. “I’m hoping the general public will take away that sustainability…

DNR Opens 30-Day Public Comment for Several PolyMet Draft Permits

(KQDS) – The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has opened a 30-day public comment period on the draft PolyMet dam safety and public works permits. From Sept. 15 through Oct. 16, the public can submit comments on two draft dam safety permits and a draft public waters work permit for the PolyMet Mining, Inc. NorthMet mining project. The DNR dam…

Enbridge Protestors Arrested In Superior

Blockade Set Up Prevented Construction Workers From Working

SUPERIOR, Wis. Protestors hoping to keep Enbridge workers from getting into their construction site on the line 3 replacement project Thursday morning are now in trouble with the law. In a dramatic scene, several protesters were arrested Thursday in Superior. One has been charged with disorderly conduct during the incident while three others were booked for resisting arrest and trespassing….

Hundreds Flock to Hawk Ridge for Annual Fall Migration

Organizers Expect the Great Fall Migration to Happen this Saturday, September 16 at Hawk Ridge Observatory in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Happening Saturday, September 16, hundreds will gather at Hawk Ridge Observatory in Duluth to see the fall migration of birds. Visitors from as far away as Sweden are known to come for the annual event. Different species will be making their way south as cooler temperatures push into the Northland. Organizers say the weekend of events is…

UW-Superior’s Lake Superior Research Institute Celebrates 50 Years

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The University of Wisconsin Superior’s Lake Superior Research Institute will celebrate 50 years with a free conference featuring keynote speaker Alexandra Consteau. “This is exciting time to celebrate 50 years of hard work by an environmental organization that is largely funded by extramural funds,” said Dr. Matthew TenEyck, director of Lake Superior Research Institute (LSRI.) “The celebration…

Little Foresters Experience New Cabin Classroom

The Secret Forest Playschool Raised Funds for Months Before Building the Cabin Classroom

DULUTH, Minn. – A group of Northland youngsters now have the chance to enjoy their unique new classroom. After months in the making, the doors are now open at the Secret Forest Playschool’s Cabin Classroom. Founded five years ago, Owner Meghan Morrow utilized a space in the East Ridge Community Church until the congregation decided to expand on the property….

US West’s Wildfires Spark Calls to Thin Tree-Choked Forests

AP file photo, June 23, 2017 SALEM, Ore. (AP) – Wildfires that are blackening the American West in one of the nation’s worst fire seasons have ignited calls, including from Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke, to thin forests that have become so choked with trees that they are at “powder keg levels.” The destruction has exposed old frictions between environmentalists and those…

New Campground Opens at Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground State Park

More Camping Sites Also Coming Later

TOWER, Minn. – A new state park campground has opened on the Iron Range. Today the Lake Vermilion–Soudan Underground State Park officially opened for campers. The new campground used $7 million in bonding to become a reality. The new spot includes 33 campsites and electricity. “To be able to have campsites open to people can enjoy our natural beauty in…

FEMA Insurance Chief: Harvey Losses Could Top $11 Billion

Highways around downtown Houston are empty as floodwaters from Tropical Storm Harvey overflow from the bayous around the city Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2017 in Houston. (AP Photo) WASHINGTON (AP) – The head of the National Flood Insurance Program said Wednesday early estimates show Hurricane Harvey will result in about $11 billion in payouts to insured homeowners, mostly in southeast Texas….

Imagine Canal Park Launch Party

A New Vision For Canal Park

DULUTH. Minn Imagine Duluth has been collaborating with residents and the Canal Park Business Association to consider the future of Canal Park. The hope for the Imagine Canal Park project is to build upon the successes in this part of the city, while also preserving the area. Imagine Canal Park is working with the public to address issues and figure…

Fall Colors Popping Up on the Range

Minnesota Color Map Indicates Range at 50 Percent Capacity for Fall Colors Near Tower

TOWER, Minn. – Fall colors are starting to appear in the Northland. According to the Minnesota Fall Color Map, portions of the state are at 50 percent capacity for color. This color explosion is helping bring tourists to the area. “You still got plenty of light hours during the day, trees are just starting to turn colors, and every day you’re…

FEMA Estimates 25 Percent of Florida Keys Homes are Gone

A roof is strewn across a home’s law as Rick Freedman checks his neighbor’s damage from Hurricane Irma in Marco Island, Fla., Monday, Sept. 11, 2017 (AP) LOWER MATECUMBE KEY, Fla. (AP) — Search-and-rescue teams made their way into the Florida Keys’ farthest reaches Tuesday, while authorities rushed to repair the lone highway connecting the islands and deliver aid to…

Local Utility Crews Work to Restore Power in Florida

Minnesota Power and Superior Water Light and Power Crews are in Miami Working to Restore Power

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota Power and Superior Water Light and Power (SWLP) crews are hitting the ground in Miami Monday. Sunday night, 31 utility workers were stationed waiting out the storm in Orlando at Florida Power and Light’s staging area. They have now been moved to Miami at the request of Florida Power and Light. The crews will help with…

Harvest Festival celebrates 24 years

Music, food, and crafts

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth’s Harvest Festival celebrated 24th years of connecting the community to local food growers as well as sustainable energy providers. Harvest Festival is hosted at Bayfront Festival Park by the Lake Superior chapter of the Sustainable Farming Association. The event featured locally grown food, live music and craft demonstrations. “We are a really vibrant community, and lots…

Letica Looks for More Donations, Leaves Sunday for Texas

Northlander's Donated Thousands of Items Just Days Ago, Now Letica and Volunteers Travel to Texas a Second Time

DULUTH, Minn. – After Hurricane Harvey hit Texas, Duluth Entrepreneur Mike Letica organized a drive, gathered a group of volunteers and drove south with a truckload of 45,000 pounds of donations for storm victims. Letica and his group are doing it again, Saturday and Sunday. “How much more can people take,” said Letica. It’s a question he may never have…

WHAT’S HAPPENING: Irma Barrels Toward Florida, US Southeast

Sept. 6, 2017 photo of Hurricane Irma storm damage in St. Martin in the Caribbean. (Jonathan Falwell via AP) MIAMI (AP) — Hurricane Irma turned its deafening winds and punishing downpours toward Florida on Friday after strafing the Caribbean. The Sunshine state issued mandatory evacuations and was bracing for impact as the storm barreled toward the U.S. mainland. Irma had…

Malware Incident at Tettegouche State Park

(Explore MN) The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources reports that state IT security specialists discovered malware on state computers at Tettegouche State Park in Silver Bay in late August. While the MnDNR has no evidence that credit card numbers were accessed, out of caution, they are advising those who visited the park and charged items from Aug. 22-25 are asked…

Death Toll Rises to 60 in Powerful Mexico Earthquake

USGS RECORDED AT LEAST 20 AFTERSHOCKS

Soldiers remove debris from a partly collapsed municipal building after an earthquake in Juchitan, Oaxaca state, Mexico, Friday, Sept. 8, 2017. (AP) MEXICO CITY (AP) — One of the most powerful earthquakes ever recorded in Mexico struck off the country’s southern coast, toppling hundreds of buildings, triggering tsunami evacuations and sending panicked people fleeing into the streets in the middle…

Largest Farmers’ Market in Region Coming to Duluth this Weekend

Saturday: 24th Annual Harvest Festival

DULUTH, Minn. -Fresh produce and sustainable energy are the focus of a festival in Duluth this weekend. The 24th Annual Harvest Festival will be held in Bayfront Festival Park from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, September 9. This festival is considered one of the largest farmers’ markets in the region. In the park visitors can enjoy live music,…

Twin Ports Utility Crews Head to Florida

As Hurricane Irma Inches Closer to Florida, Minnesota Power and Superior Water Light and Power Crews Head South to Help

DULUTH, Minn. – Hurricane Irma is slowly making way toward mainland Florida. Thursday evening, the storm impacted Puerto Rico. Forecasters are still uncertain which route the storm will take, but it’s not stopping local power workers from heading south to help. “It’s going to be pretty much mass devastation,” said Minnesota Power Lineman Mike Linn. The natural disaster is continuing…

Hurricane Aid Measure Grows to $15B as Irma Bears Down

In this geocolor image captured by GOES-16 and released by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Hurricane Irma, a potentially catastrophic category 5 hurricane, moves westward, Tuesday morning, Sept. 5, 2017, in the Atlantic Ocean toward the Leeward Islands. This image was capured as daylight moves into the area, right, with nighttime features on the left side of the…

Man Catches Massive, Record-Breaking Flathead Catfish in St. Croix River

Photo: Minnesota DNR STILLWATER, Minn. – An angler from St. Anthony, Minnesota has broken the state record for flathead catfish after catching a 52.5 inch-long fish on the St. Croix River last month, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources said Tuesday. Mark Mosby reeled in the monster on Aug. 2 on the St. Croix River near Stillwater breaking the state…

Larson Meets With Residents To Discuss The State Of City Streets

Meeting Was Held At Grant Recreation Center

DULUTH, Minn. Duluth Mayor Emily Larson continues to meet with voters hoping to persuade them to vote yes for a half percent sales tax increase to better the city’s roads. The city of Duluth controls 450 miles of streets. Studies show that 55 percent of those streets are in poor condition. Tuesday Mayor Larson met with residents at the Grant…

Lost Foresters Raise Funds for Orphans in Uganda

Every Labor Day, the Krohn's Organize a Series of Races at Pine Valley Park in Cloquet

CLOQUET, Minn – Dozens of hearty Northlanders chose to spend their Labor Day morning by waking up early and making their way to Pine Valley Park in Cloquet for a tradition one family started many years ago. Now, the excitement is growing and the fun is expanding into the ‘lost forest.’ “It’s just so Minnesotan, it’s awesome,” said Brian Krohn,…

Extra Weather Balloon Launches in Minnesota to Help Track Hurricane Irma

FOX 9 - KMSP

CHANHASSEN, Minn. (KMSP) – The National Weather Service Twin Cities office in Chanhassen, Minnesota is adding additional daily weather balloon launches to help track Hurricane Irma. NWS Twin Cities usually launches two weather balloons per day, but they will be launching four per day for Irma tracking. Data from Monday morning’s Hurricane Hunter mission flight shows Irma gaining strength as it moves west-southwest at 14…

Boat Tour Offers Fun, Educational Ride Along St. Louis River

Coffee Conversation: St. Louis River Alliance

DULUTH, Minn. – The St. Louis River Alliance is once again heading out on the water to educate Northlanders about the estuary. There will be a boat tour on the Vista Star Thursday, September 7 from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. Boarding will begin at 5:30 p.m. The river alliance will highlight clean-up projects, successes and future vision of the estuary….

Fishing for Smiles at Legacy Lake

Residents at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Silver Bay Embark on a Fishing Adventure Once a Week

FINLAND, Minn. – Every summer thousands of people spend multiple hours launching their boat, baiting hooks and waiting for the ‘big one.’ However, many people are forced to give up their freedom of fishing as they age. In Finland Minnesota, one man’s mission is now a mark on the calendar once a week. “It kind of gets them doing what…

Canadian Wildfire Smoke Reduces Air Quality in Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued an air quality alert for southwest, western, and central Minnesota because of smoke from Canadian wildfires. The affected area includes Alexandria, Brainerd, Marshall, Ortonville, St. Cloud, and Worthington. The tribal nations of Mille Lacs and Upper Sioux are also affected. The air quality alert is in effect through Saturday. Air…

Special Deer Hunt Permits Available for Cascade River, Judge C. R. Magney State Parks

THE GOAL OF STATE PARK HUNTS IS TO ENSURE HEALTHY NATURAL COMMUNITIES

DULUTH, Minn. – A special firearms deer hunt will be held at Cascade River and Judge C.R. Magney state parks from Nov. 4-19, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Hunters wishing to participate in one of the special hunts can obtain a state park deer hunt permit in addition to their regular license. Hunters must apply to participate…

Lake Superior Beach Advisories

DULUTH, Minn. – As of September 1, 2017, the Minnesota Department of Health has reported advisories for the following beaches. These advisories recommend no water contact due to elevated levels of E. coli bacteria identified from samples collected and tested.   If anyone becomes ill after contact with beach water contact the Minnesota Department of Health at 1-877-366-3455. For more…

Duluth Public Schools Host Open House

Back To School We Go

DULUTH, Minn. It’s down to Labor Day weekend to get in those summer activities. The back to school buzz was in the air Wednesday, as several Duluth Public Schools held open houses. Parents along with their kids packed schools across the Northland. Schedules are passed out back packs are full kids are excited to start the school year. “Probably going…