Environment Archives - Page 22 of 29

Northlanders Continue Gathering Supplies for Flood Victims in Houston

A water and donation drive will also take place Thursday at Denfeld High School from 12 p.m. until 7 p.m.

August 30, 2017

Matt Van Winkle,

DULUTH, Minn. – People in the Northland are getting geared up and ready to go, loading up an entire semi-truck of donations to help the flood victims in the Houston area. On Wednesday, Northern Light Community Church opened its doors for anybody to drop off donations. Many families stopped by with cases of water and bags filled with toiletries. This…

Enbridge Pipeline Renovation Will Run Through Superior Golf Course

August 29, 2017

William Seay,

SUPERIOR, Wis. — This fall, the Nemadji Golf Course in Superior will look a little different. As the city’s Public Works Director Todd Janigo puts it, “A par five will become a par three,” through the autumn. Enbridge Energy is working on a replacement project for its Line 3 oil pipeline, and part of that project will now run right…

Protesters Trespass, Vandalize Enbridge Line 3 Replacement Site in Superior

Six people were arrested Tuesday at the site

August 29, 2017

Site Staff,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – More protests occurred today just outside Superior at the Enbridge Line 3 Pipeline Reconstruction Project. The Douglas County Sheriff says six people were arrested, but no one was violent. Authorities did say one person chained themselves to some machinery at the scene. This is the third incident in the last few weeks at the site. Enbridge says…

Duluth Trails Closed From Excessive Rain

COGGS Trails Close To Avoid Damage By Ruts In The Clay Mud

August 29, 2017

Brittney Merlot,

DULUTH, Minn. — With the recent rainy weekend dumping 1-5″ inches of rain across the Northland, its puddled up and left soggy and muddy trails, forcing them to close. According to the cyclists of the Gitchee Gumee Shores, when you put your footprint or bike tire through the goopy mud, the imprint leaves a lasting mark. The rut catches water…

Wisconsin DNR Secretary Leaving Agency

August 29, 2017

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – The secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is resigning to take a job with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Gov. Scott Walker said in a statement Tuesday, Cathy Stepp will become deputy administrator for the EPA’s Region 7. Stepp has been DNR secretary since 2011. Walker appointed Deputy Secretary Kurt Thiede to serve as…

Friends Set Up Memorial For 15-Year-Old Drowning Victim

Flowers, Cross Put At Last Place Will Schlotec Was Seen Alive

August 28, 2017

Joey Norton,

DULUTH, Minn. – Heavy hearts continue for friends and family of 15-year-old Will Schlotec who drowned over the weekend in the popular swimming hole known as The Deeps. People close to Schlotec have begun to build a memorial at the site of the accident. On Monday, friends showed up with flowers and comforting words for one another as the new school…

Local Business Owner Looks to Help Hurricane Victims

Mike Letica is collecting supplies and cards for victims of Hurricane Harvey

August 28, 2017

Graham Hakala,

DULUTH, Minn. – After hearing about the devastation left in the wake of Hurricane Harvey, one Northland business leader is looking to offer some help. Mike Letica made a post on Facebook earlier today, asking the public to help him collected supplies for the people of Texas displaced by the hurricane. But it’s not just supplies he’s looking to bring…

Minnesota School Trust Land Exchange Discussed at First Public Meeting

The Forest Service would acquire 31,000 acres of Minnesota School Trust land in the Boundary Waters while the state would receive an equal value of federal land on the Superior National Forest

August 28, 2017

Matt Van Winkle,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Forest Service held an open house in Duluth Monday to help inform the public about a proposed land exchange in Northeast Minnesota. As part of the deal, the Forest Service would acquire 31,000 acres of Minnesota School Trust land in the Boundary Waters. In return, the state would receive an equal value of federal land on…

New Feeding Ban in 11 Minnesota Counties after CWD Found on Deer Farms

August 28, 2017

Melissa Lentz,

(MINNESOTA) – A new deer feeding ban is in place until 2019 for 11 central and north-central Minnesota counties surrounding two farms where multiple captive deer have been found to be infected with Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. “Feeding bans in central and north-central Minnesota are precautionary,” said Lou Cornicelli, wildlife research manager…

Teen Who Jumped Into Flooded Lester River Prompts Water Rescue

Teen Is Known To Be Daring

August 26, 2017

Joey Norton,

DULUTH, Minn. On August 26th, 2017 at approximately 5:20 PM the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to the area of 556 Occidental Blvd, in the City of Duluth for a report of a 15 year hold male jumped into the “DEEPS”, and has not resurfaced. A short time later, emergency responders arrived on scene, and located the male in the…

Hurricane Harvey Strengthens to Category 4

The storm has strengthened to a Category 4

August 25, 2017

The Associated Press,

Hurricane Harvey, moving toward the Texas Gulf Coast, can be seen from the International Space Station. harvey strengthened to a Category 3 storm early Friday afternoon. It could hit land up to 3 feet of rain, 125 mph winds, and 12-foot storm surges (Aug. 25) CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (AP) — With time running out, tens of thousands of people…

Driven to Discover at the Minnesota State Fair

Exhibit Offers Fairgoers the Chance to Learn More About Research and Studies by the U of M

August 24, 2017

Brett Scott,

FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn. – The Driven to Discover Research Facility was launched in 2014 to bring University research and researchers into closer contact with the Minnesota community. Nearly two million people visit the fair each year from across the state. The exhibit allows fairgoers to participate in research in a fun, innovative, and convenient way. Most studies take under 20 minutes. Driven…

MPCA Educates Fair-Goers on Environmentally-Focused Living

THE FAIR RUNS THROUGH LABOR DAY

August 24, 2017

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – This one-of-a-kind exhibit, Eco Experience, is presented by the Minnesota State Fair and Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. Eco Experience hosts several different exhibits within itself including The Sustainability Stage, which hosts demonstrations and shows every hour from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day. There’s the Works Progress Water Bar which offers taste-testing flights of water…

‘Little Farm Hands’ Gives Kids the Opportunity to Experience the Agriculture Process

August 24, 2017

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – “Little Farm Hands” is a hands-on agricultural education experience for kids ages 3 to 10. These kids get the opportunity to become farmers and experience what it takes to go from the farm to the market. More than 40,000 farmers and their families don their work aprons and fire up their imaginations to help with farm…

DNR State Fair Fish Pond Showcases Native Minnesota Fish

THE FAIR RUNS THROUGH LABOR DAY

August 24, 2017

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – This year marks the 83rd anniversary of the DNR’s historic State Fair building. The log structure is the centerpiece of the DNR’s exhibit and also serves as a landmark, a meeting place and a must-visit educational and entertainment destination, where generations of fairgoers have created life-long memories. Displays cover a wide range of natural resource topics including…

Northland 4-H Groups Prepare for Minnesota State Fair

10th Grader Landen Dahl will Travel to the 'Great Minnesota Get Togehter' to Showcase Mason Bee Research

August 23, 2017

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – Happening now through Monday, September 4, dozens of Northland 4-H youth will make way to the Minnesota State Fair, eager to share their projects, research, and livestock with other 4-H members. In this week’s Animal Answers, Duluthian Landen Dahl visited FOX 21 Local News alongside Tim Caines, Program Coordinator for South St. Louis County 4-H. Dahl will…

Digging Deeper with Northern Harvest CSA Farm

With CSA Farms Growing in Popularity in Recent Years, Local Crops are Selling Out for the Season

August 22, 2017

Brett Scott,

WRENSHALL, Minn. – The Northland is receiving ample amounts of rain this season, causing some local farmers to wish for higher ground. CSA farming is much more than freshly picked produce on your table. “You’re never going to master nature; you’re never going to master Mother Nature,” said Farmer Rick Dalen, Northern Harvest Farm. It’s almost time for books and…

Franken Impressed with Reservation’s Renewable Energy

Fond du Lac Reservation Reduced Fossil Fuel Dependence by 46%

August 22, 2017

Greg Chandler,

CARLTON, Minn. – To wrap up his two-day visit to the Northland, Senator Al Franken (D-MN) stopped on the Fond du Lac Reservation Tuesday. Senator Franken serves on both the Senate Energy and Indian Affairs committees, so his visit to the reservation served multiple interests. Minnesota’s junior senator met with Fond du Lac Band of Ojibwe officials to talk about…

Tribute Fest Begins Tomorrow

Raises Money for Homeless Veterans

August 22, 2017

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn.-The 9th annual Tribute Fest kicks off tomorrow to help raise funds and awareness for homeless veterans. Events begin at 3 p.m. with cardboard boat races at Pier B. A dance concert will be held from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Bayfront Festival Park. Festivities continue on through Saturday. To find out more, visit thetributefest.com. Categories: Environment,…

Storm Damage Clean Up Planned in Hartley this Winter

August 22, 2017

Melissa Lentz,

DULUTH, Minn. – Over a year ago, a windstorm swept through Duluth and Hartley Park causing extensive tree damage in the area. Hartley Park officials say there are still potential hazards from downed trees in a remote 30-acre section in the northwest corner of the park. Work crews will be working this winter to prevent potential fire hazards and dangerous…

Owl Attacks 3-Year-Old Girl at Lake Bemidji State Park

August 22, 2017

Melissa Lentz,

(Stock Image) BEMIDJI, Minn. (AP) – Lake Bemidji State Park staff temporarily closed one of their park trails after an owl attacked a 3-year-old girl over the weekend. The St. Paul Pioneer Press reports that the child received scratches on her head and was treated at an urgent care ward. Staff closed the park’s Rocky Point Trail. Minnesota Department of…

New Brighter Lights For Lakewalk

LED Lights To Replace Older Lights

August 22, 2017

Joey Norton,

DULUTH, Minn. – Northlanders who use the Lakewalk in Canal Park will soon see a brighter change. The city will replace the entire Lakewalk trail lighting with new and brighter L.E.D. light bulbs. Areas from the Endion Station to Leif Erickson Park will have narrowed lanes during the project. The work is expected take up to two weeks to complete, weather…

Minnesota Regulators Propose Changes in Wild Rice Protection

August 21, 2017

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota regulators have released proposed rule changes meant to protect wild rice from sulfate pollution. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency outlined the proposal Monday. MPCA Commissioner John Linc Stine says the agency believes the proposed changes “are an innovative and precise approach to protecting wild rice” while allowing for flexibility in permitting for the facilities…

Total Solar Eclipse Darkens the Skies

August 21, 2017

Melissa Lentz,

MADRAS, Oregon Categories: Environment, News, News – Latest News

NWS Confirms 7 Tornadoes in Wednesday Storms

August 18, 2017

Site Staff,

CHANHASSEN, Minn. (KMSP) – The National Weather Service confirmed seven tornadoes hit Minnesota Wednesday afternoon and evening, according to the NWS damage survey. A band of heavy rain moved north through Minnesota, dropping seven tornadoes along the way. Two EF-0 tornadoes developed south of Nicollet. The first tornado hit a farmstead and damaged a garage. Both tornadoes caused tree damage….

Wisconsin Lawmakers Introduce Bill to Relax Mining Rules

August 18, 2017

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Two Wisconsin lawmakers have introduced legislation to repeal a law that requires mining companies to prove they’ve operated without polluting before they can mine in the state. The Wisconsin State Journal reports that Republican Sen. Tom Tiffany of Hazelhurst and Republican Rep. Rob Hutton of Brookfield introduced the bill Thursday. The 1998 law they want to…

Minnesota Releases Review on Enbridge Line 3

August 18, 2017

The Associated Press,

(Garret Ellison | MLive)MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Minnesota regulators have released the final environmental review of Enbridge Energy’s proposal to replace its aging Line 3 oil pipeline, which carries Canadian crude across northern Minnesota to Wisconsin. The document has been updated since the draft was released for public comment in May. Changes include additional discussion of the socio-economic impacts of the…

West Duluth Equestrian Trail To Be Built

Trail Will Be Ready In October

August 16, 2017

Joey Norton,

DULUTH, Minn. – The West Duluth Equestrian community will soon have a trail of their own. The project was approved by the Duluth City Council in 2014, due to high demand from West Duluth horse riders. The first installment called the Ely Peak Loop, is expected to be completed by October 1. The trail will also be used for multiple outdoor…

Minnesota Power Discusses Community Solar Gardens With Public

The next information session will be held Tuesday, August 22.

August 15, 2017

Graham Hakala,

DULUTH, Minn. -Northlanders got the chance to learn a little bit about Minnesota Power’s community solar garden program. Customers are able to purchase a subscription to the solar power in exchange for a fixed utility rate. They are holding several information sessions in the area for people who may be interested. “It gives them a chance to ask me very…

Group Wants Hearing on Proposed Mine

Duluth for Clean Water Opposes Copper-Nickel Mining near Lake Superior

August 15, 2017

Greg Chandler,

DULUTH, Minn. – A group of concerned citizens sent a message to Gov. Mark Dayton Tuesday regarding PolyMet’s proposed copper–nickel mine. The group called Duluth for Clean Water wants an evidentiary hearing before a permit to mine is issued to PolyMet for its proposed site. Critics call the type of mining proposed the most toxic form of mining known in…

Starry Stonewort Confirmed on 1 New Minnesota Lake

LOCATED AFTER A 20-COUNTY SEARCH

August 15, 2017

Melissa Lentz,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – After a search of 178 lakes in 20 counties by 200 trained volunteers, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has confirmed that the invasive algae starry stonewort in Grand Lake in Stearns County. Starry stonewort is an alga that can form dense mats, which can interfere with the use of a lake and compete with native…

New Location of 7 West Taphouse Officially Opens

New Tap House Opens 3rd Location

August 14, 2017

Joey Norton,

DULUTH, Minn. – The new location of 7 West Taphouse has officially opened their doors. It’s the companies third location with the 7 West Taphouse name attached. The restaurant is located at 2510 Maple Grove Rd., which Duluthians may also recognize as the old Nevada Bob’s location near Miller Hill Mall. The owners also own Grizzly’s Steakhouse in both Superior…

Tick Bite Flips Ely Family Business Upside Down

August 14, 2017

Dan Hanger,

ELY, Minn. – A family owned exploration business up in Ely is in jeopardy after one of its owners suffered a nasty tick bite last year. This is their story of what happens when everything changes and they still need to make ends meet. FOX 21’s William Seay reports. Categories: Environment, Focus On Health, Health, News, News – Latest News

FEMA Grant Helping Repair Flood-Damaged Lincoln Park

Over the next couple months, crews will be working to widen parts of the stream and fix the stone wall eroded by the flood.

August 10, 2017

Matt Van Winkle,

DULUTH, Minn. – The floods of 2012 left many Duluth neighborhoods with a large mess to clean up. Lincoln Park, on the city’s west, is still recovering from the damage caused by the large amount of water that rushed through Miller Creek. More than five years later some much needed repairs are finally being made to the historic park. A…

Superior Trail System May Be Extended to Wisconsin Point

Proposed Trail Would Connect Wisconsin Point to Osaugie Trail

August 10, 2017

Andrew Kirov,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The trail system in Superior, may soon get expanded to connect Wisconsin Point to the rest of the city. A new trail could be built as soon as next spring that would give bikers and people on foot the chance to reach Wisconsin Point without having to go on Moccasin Mike Road and compete with other vehicles….

Farm Production Costs in Wisconsin Hold Steady

August 10, 2017

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – New figures from the U.S. Department of Agriculture show production costs for Wisconsin farmers remained steady in 2016. The average Wisconsin farm spent nearly $159,000 on feed, labor, machinery, fuel, and other items last year. That’s just a fraction of 1-percent more than 2015. University of Wisconsin-Extension farm management specialist Kevin Bernhardt tells Wisconsin Public Radio…

Walleye Fishing on Mille Lacs Lake Reopens Friday

Will close again after Labor Day

August 10, 2017

Melissa Lentz,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Catch-and-release walleye fishing and use of live bait returns to Mille Lacs Lake on Friday, Aug. 11, according to the Department of Natural Resources. Night fishing will continue to be prohibited from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. through Nov. 30. Regulations do allow anglers to fish for muskie and northern pike at night, but only artificial…

Minnesota Sees Growing Wind Energy Capacity

August 9, 2017

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – New data from the U.S. Department of Energy shows that Minnesota’s wind energy capacity increased nearly 10 percent last year. The Minnesota Public Radio reports that wind power accounts for nearly 18 percent of the electricity generated in the state. The data shows that Minnesota ranks seventh in the nation for wind energy. Minnesota Commerce Commissioner Mike…

New Developments Help Provide Animal Enrichment

Animal Allies Humane Society in Duluth is Building a New Catio and Dog Recreation Area

August 9, 2017

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – Stepping outside or lounging on the deck is something we humans take for granted. Now, hundreds of furry friends will soon have the chance to spend more time in the fresh air at Animal Allies Humane Society. “I can’t wait until it’s done, it’s going to be beautiful! I think the cats and kittens are going to…

“Wolves At Our Door” Teaches Minnesotans Wolf Facts

The Traveling Outreach Program Stopped in Two Harbors on Monday

August 7, 2017

Andrew Kirov,

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – People in Two Harbors had the chance to learn all about wolves at the International Wolf Center’s program, “Wolves At Our Door.” The traveling outreach program helps Minnesotans understand wolves and the problems associated with them so they can learn to co-exist with the wild canines around them. “This is the animal that lives near me…

Duluth for Clean Water Asking for Polymet Evidentiary Hearing

Organizers Will Send Letter to Governor, DNR Next Week

August 6, 2017

Andrew Kirov,

DULUTH, Minn. – Discussions for and against a proposed PolyMet copper-nickel mine in Northeast Minnesota continues. On Sunday, a Duluth environmental group held an event to gain support. According to Duluth for Clean Water officials, decisions could be made later this year on whether permits to mine are granted to the proposed PolyMet project. Before that happens, some in Duluth…

Walking For Epilepsy

Park Point Hosted Hundreds For A Walk In Supports

August 3, 2017

Joey Norton,

Duluth, Minn. The epilepsy foundation of Minnesota hosted their annual Rise Above Seizures Walk this afternoon. The nasty weather didn’t stop hundreds from showing up in support of the cause. The walk is to raise awareness for the 225,000 Minnesotan’s with epilepsy. We talked to two of those who suffer from the seizers who say they appreciate the support for…

Bike Share Companies Gets Ok To Move In To Superior

Zagsters Bike Share Based Out Of Boston Will Provide Services

August 1, 2017

Joey Norton,

Superior, Wis. Superior City Council voted yes to allow a Boston based bike share company to move into town. Bike share company Zagster has the authority to move forward. The move will bring four bike stations containing 5 bikes at each location. Locations tentatively include Billings Park, Barkers Island, UWS campus and Allouez areas. The goal for the city is…

UWS Researchers Making Breakthroughs on “Micro Plastics” Found in Great Lakes

July 31, 2017

William Seay,

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Chemistry researchers at University of Wisconsin-Superior are making breakthroughs on pollutants called “micro plastics” that are found in the Great Lakes. Many of these particles cannot be seen with the naked eye. But with the use of microscopes and other special equipment, scientists can tell more about what these plastics are, and how common they are in…

Minnesota Trying to Clean Up State’s Water

July 31, 2017

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -Minnesota’s governor is pushing for more improvements to water quality in the state. Minnesota Public Radio reports that 40 percent of the state’s lakes and streams are polluted and many are unsafe for recreational activities. Current cleanup efforts predict water quality improvements of between 6 to 8 percent by 2034. Gov. Mark Dayton has proposed a…

Yellowstone Grizzlies Removed from Threatened Species List

July 31, 2017

The Associated Press,

HELENA, Mont. (AP) – For the second time in a decade, the U.S. government has removed grizzly bears in the Yellowstone region from the threatened species list. It will be up to the courts again to decide whether they stay off the list. The decision by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to remove federal protections from the approximately 700…

Free Range Film Festival

35 Different Movies During Two Nights

July 28, 2017

Joey Norton,

Wrenshall, Minn Film buffs packed a big red barn in Wrenshall tonight for the 15th annual Free Range Film Festival. This year’s festival features 35 different films with something to satisfy anyone’s tastes. Organizers say being able to watch films in a big red barn brings a different feel to the festival. “Watching something in a barn where you have…

Affordable Housing Problems In Duluth

Panel Discusses Solutions To Solve Problem

July 27, 2017

Joey Norton,

Duluth, Minn. Duluth is working towards solutions to address our own affordable housing crisis. Tonight a panel full of organizations like loafs and fishes and the Salvation Army were on hand for a discussion on housing issues as they pertain to local, state and federal levels. The event was to shed light on issues and potential solutions to work together…

Paid Sick And Safe Task Force Steps Closer To Closing Deal

Referendum To Be Presented To City Council

July 27, 2017

Joey Norton,

Duluth, Minn. The Duluth City Council is working to adopt a sensible paid sick time policy. Tonight it seems as if some progress has been made. Duluth’s earn sick and safe time task force plans to present a final draft of the referendum to the Duluth City Council to approve or not approve. If approved employees that currently don’t receive…

Open House Held to Discuss Potential Enbridge Pipeline Permit Renewal

Pipeline Passes Through Eleven Miles of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest Near Ashland

July 27, 2017

Andrew Kirov,

ASHLAND, Wis. – Enbridge Energy ahs asked to continue operating their pipeline that passes through a national forest near Ashland. Thursday night, an open house was held for people to learn more about that pipeline. The Enbridge pipeline was first built in 1953 and has continued operating through the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest Since then. Now, the U.S. Forest Service is…