Environment Archives - Page 23 of 30

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…

Minneapolis Posts Climate Change Data that EPA Deleted

July 27, 2017

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Minneapolis has joined other cities in posting climate change data that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has removed from its website. The posted material is a snapshot of the EPA site before the real information was removed. Major cities including Atlanta, Boston, Houston, San Francisco, and Seattle have also posted the information. The city’s announcement Thursday says…

Researchers Brainstorm to Stop Spread of Emerald Ash Borer

July 26, 2017

Natalie Froistad,

DULUTH, Minn. – An invasive species in spreading across America and harming the Ash tree population. The Emerald Ash Borer is now in the Northland, so researchers have gathered in Duluth to discuss ways to prevent the spread. Dr. Brian Palik, a research ecologist, says people from all over the Northeastern United States have come to the conference. He says…

Animal Answers: Inside the Butterfly House

Visitors to the Lake Superior Zoo will Now be Able to Experience Native Butterflies Up-Close for the Rest of the Summer

July 26, 2017

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – Starting today, visitors at the Lake Superior Zoo will have the chance to make way through an enclosed exhibit with hundreds of butterflies fluttering around. “Beautiful Butterflies: An Up-Close Experience,” is the Zoo’s newest exhibit, featuring hundreds of butterflies native to the Midwest. “This is a beautiful and fun exhibit, and we’re pleased to bring it to…

Workshop Addresses Battle Against Emerald Ash Borer

Researchers from Minnesota, Wisconsin, Vermont are in Duluth This Week

July 25, 2017

Greg Chandler,

DULUTH, Minn. – Researchers and forest managers from Minnesota, Wisconsin and the Northeast are in Duluth this week to develop a game plan for battling the emerald ash borer. The workshop opened Tuesday at the Inn on Lake Superior with lectures discussing the borer’s effect on ash forests. The highlight of the workshop comes Wednesday as participants will get their…

Ordinance To Allow More Road Usage By Class One ATV’s

Carlton County Looking To Adopt New Ordinance

July 24, 2017

Joey Norton,

Carlton, Minn Carlton County officials aim to take ATV’s from off the road to on them through a new ordinance. The ordinance would allow more access along county and state roads and highways. Something other Northland counties have already done. Carlton County, unlike St. Louis and Pine Counties prohibits class one ATV’s from using the side of county state roads…

Minnesota Agency Collects More Data on Health of Watersheds

July 24, 2017

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has spent years documenting and monitoring all 80 of Minnesota’s major watershed in order to gain data about the health of the state’s rivers, lakes, and streams. Minnesota Public Radio reports that pollution control agency staff members are now revisiting places that were first tested a decade ago. Water is…

Minnesota Researchers Make Progress in Fish Cryopreservation

July 24, 2017

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Researchers at the University of Minnesota have made a breakthrough in the cryopreservation of fish, which could help preserve specie and repopulate the ocean. The Minnesota Daily reports that researchers are using gold nanoparticles and lasers to freeze and thaw live fish embryos. Researchers have previously been able to successfully cryopreserve mammal embryos and some animal sperm,…

New Trail to Connect Lincoln Park Middle School to Duluth Traverse

Volunteers worked to cut out the 700 foot trail from the hillside behind the school

July 20, 2017

Matt Van Winkle,

DULUTH, Minn. – A group of cyclists traded in their bikes for shovels Thursday. Volunteers with COGGS , the Duluth Composite Team, and city staff spent the evening building a new trail, which will connect Lincoln Park Middle School up to the Duluth Traverse. The school approached COGGS with the idea for the trail hoping to get more kids from…

Finke’s Berry Farm Nearing Final Days

After 32 Years, Doug and Diane Finke will Retire from their Locally Owned and Operated Strawberry Farm

July 20, 2017

Brett Scott,

CARLTON, Minn. – Through the years, hundreds of hands have helped yield thousands of strawberries near the City of Carlton. Now, the owners of Finke’s Berry Farm are preparing to say goodbye. Owners Doug and Diane Finke believe there are only four or five more days left in the berry picking season. After cultivating their land and harvesting farm fresh…

Community Forum Raises Opioid Awareness In St. Louis County

Some Call It An Epidemic

July 19, 2017

Joey Norton,

Hibbing, Minn. The Hibbing community is doing their part to combat the opioid and meth problem in St. Louis County. Hundreds came out to hear from multiple agencies that deal with the problem head on. A panel consisting of representatives from St. Louis county public health, local law enforcement, attorney’s and even addiction survivors were on hand tonight. The panel…

Surviving The Boundary Waters Severe Weather

Meteorologist Brittney Merlot Takes Us Deep Into The Vast Wilderness When The Weather Turns Severe.

July 19, 2017

Brittney Merlot,

Meteorologist Brittney Merlot takes us back into some remote Boundary Waters locations that were in the direct path of severe weather. While talking to two survivors of the 1999 and 2016 blow down that brought 70-80mph winds through the wilderness and how they survived. “On my way to the lake a very large trees went over and it went over…

World’s Plastic Waste Could Bury Manhattan 2 Miles Deep

July 19, 2017

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) – A cradle-to-grave study of global plastics finds the industry has made more than 9 billion tons of plastic since 1950. The research shows there’s enough left over to bury Manhattan under more than two miles of trash. Plastics don’t break down like other man-made materials, so three-quarters of the stuff ends up as waste in landfills, littered…

Inside the Boundary Waters

Meteorologist Brittney Merlot Takes Us Deep Into The Vast Wilderness To Prepare For All Types Of Weather.

July 18, 2017

Brittney Merlot,

The vast wilderness of the Boundary Waters is in our backyard with thousands of visitors a year. It has the highest point in Minnesota and some of the oldest rock on Earth. But what about the weather when you head into the wilderness? How can you prepare? Our very own Meteorologist Brittney Merlot recently spent a lot of time in…

Duluth Officials Ask for Residents’ Help in Stopping Emerald Ash Borer

Green Ribbons on Ash Trees Are Part of the City's Educational Campaign

July 17, 2017

Andrew Kirov,

DULUTH, Minn. – Emerald Ash Borer was first discovered in Duluth on Park Point in 2015 and has since been found elsewhere in the city. Duluth officials have a plan to stop the infestation from spreading, and are asking for residents’ help in implementing it. The City of Duluth is launching an educational campaign to teach residents about Emerald Ash…

Heavy Rains Slow Wisconsin Timber Harvest

July 17, 2017

The Associated Press,

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Wisconsin’s logging industry is struggling to harvest wood because of the wet summer, leaving loggers with less money while they wait for work during better weather. Wisconsin Public Radio reports that the last three months are among the five wettest on record in the state, according to the National Centers for Environmental Information. Henry Schienebeck is…

St. Louis River Alliance Celebrates River Restoration Funding

July 17, 2017

Natalie Froistad,

DULUTH, Minn. – In May the Minnesota Legislature passed their $988 million bonding bill Among the projects included in the bill is $25.4 million in funding for the St. Louis River Estuary Restoration Project. These funds will trigger $47.2 million in federal funds made available through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative to accelerate the cleanup efforts of the St. Louis…

Report: Solar More Cost Effective than Natural Gas

July 17, 2017

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – A report from a Minnesota university shows adding energy storage may be a cost effective way to help meet the state’s electricity demand. Minnesota Public Radio reports that University of Minnesota’s Energy Transition Lab presented its report to the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission this month. The commission recommended the state pursue energy storage pilot projects….

Massive Amounts of Dead Mayflies at Lock and Dam in Welch, Minn.

July 13, 2017

Site Staff,

WELCH, Minn. (KMSP) – The crew at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Lock and Dam No. 3 on the MississippiRiver in Welch, Minnesota had a bit of a bug problem to deal with on Wednesday. It’s mayfly season, and mounds of dead mayflies resembling piles of mulch littered the lock and dam. Every summer, millions of mayflies lay their eggs…

Pike Lake Watercraft Cleaning Station Helps Prevent Invasive Species

The waterless system comes equipped with a blower, vacuum and hand tools

July 12, 2017

Matt Van Winkle,

CANOSIA TOWNSHIP, Minn. – Boaters on Pike Lake now have a new tool to help prevent the spread of invasive species. A state–of–the–art watercraft cleaning station was recently installed at the lake’s boat launch. The group CD3 designed the station with the Northland in mind, by offering a simple way for people to clean, drain and dry their boats, all…

Lake Minnetonka Zebra Mussel Study Tests Population Control

July 12, 2017

The Associated Press,

Photo: Amy Benson – U.S. Geological Survey MINNETONKA, Minn. (AP) – A study is continuing in Lake Minnetonka this year on a potential new method to control zebra mussel populations. Researchers from the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District and the Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center are testing low dosses of copper-based product to kill off or at least slow the…

Scientists Say Massive Iceberg has Broken off in Antarctica

July 12, 2017

The Associated Press,

Feb. 2017 image of the Larsen C ice shelf in Antarctica made available by the Antarctic Survey on Wed. July 12, 2017. (British Antarctic Survey via AP) LONDON (AP) – A vast iceberg with twice the volume of Lake Erie has broken off from a key floating ice shelf in Antarctica, scientists said Wednesday. The iceberg broke off from the…

Mr. Ed’s in Hibbing to Host Supper on the Farm

Guests Can Meet Mr. Ed's Animals and Get to Know Local Farmers

July 12, 2017

Andrew Kirov,

HIBBING, Minn. – On Wednesday, you have the chance to eat a special, home-cooked meal at a local farm. Mr. Ed’s Farm in Hibbing is hosting a free supper on Wednesday where anyone can come enjoy sloppy joes made from homegrown beef. Guests can also tour the farm, meet Mr. Ed’s animals, and get to know local farmers. “They can…

New ‘CD3’ Watercraft Cleaning Station Installed at Pike Lake

July 11, 2017

Melissa Lentz,

PIKE LAKE, Minn. – A new tool has been installed at Pike Lake to help protect the lake from aquatic invasive species. The CD3 station is funded through the St. Louis County AIS grant program for a two-year pilot prevention project. Canosia Township is a partner in the project and maintains the public boat launch where the station is installed….

Muskie Takes Down Northern Pike on Minnesota Lake, Video Reaches 10 Million Views

July 10, 2017

Site Staff,

Check out this video that kayaker Cody Wolters, of Fargo, N.D., captured of a large muskie gripping a northern pike in its jaws. The Star Tribune reports that the kayakers captured the rare event on a lake in Itasca State Park. The video has been viewed over 10 million times. Categories: Environment, News, News – Latest News

Wisconsin Point Dunes Restoration Receives Over $1.3 Million from State

A total of $2.4 million in grants awarded

July 10, 2017

Melissa Lentz,

City of Superior MADISON, Wis. – Governor Scott Walker announced $2.4 million in grants to protect and improve the Great Lakes resources in Wisconsin’s coastal communities. Thirty-four grants will be used by local and state governments, regional planning commissions, universities, and non-profit organizations. The largest grant was received by the City of Superior for the Wisconsin Point Dunes Restoration Project…

Wisconsin, Minnesota to Fight Invasive Species along River

July 10, 2017

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Decontamination units in Minnesota and Wisconsin will launch a multiday effort to stop numerous invasive species that threaten a river separating the two states. The Star Tribune reports that inspectors will staff six decontamination boats on the St. Croix River July 14 and July 15 to search for and get rid of invasive species including zebra mussels, Eurasian…

NRRI Receives Recurring Funding

Coffee Conversation: Natural Resources Research Institute

July 10, 2017

Natalie Froistad,

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s big news and big funding for the Natural Resources Research Institute. The institute was granted an additional $2 million in recurring funding from the Minnesota State Legislature. This almost doubles the previous state funding they were receiving and was the first funding increase since the 1980s. According to June Breneman, External Affairs Manager for the NRRI,…

Minnesota DNR Upgrading Electronic Licensing System in 2020

New System Will Lead to More Profeciency

July 7, 2017

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) –Minnesota hunters and anglers can expect a more modern electronic licensing system with some new bells and whistles. The Department of Natural Resources is looking for a vendor to upgrade the system when its current vendor contract expires in 2020. DNR licensing program director Steve Michaels says it’s still too early to say exactly what…

Analyst: 1 in 60 Chance of Straits Pipeline Spill by 2053

July 7, 2017

The Associated Press,

(Garret Ellison | MLive)HOLT, Mich. (AP) – Analysts say there’s a small chance but serious risk of an oil spill from a nearly 65-year-old dual pipeline underneath the Straits of Mackinac in northern Michigan. Engineer James Mihell of Dynamic Risk Assessment Inc. says there’s a 1 in 60 probability that the section of Enbridge Energy Inc.’s Line 5 pipeline running…

Fees to Enter Minnesota State Parks Increase

July 6, 2017

William Seay,

CLOQUET, Minn. — For the first time in about a decade, the fees to visit Minnesota’s state parks have increased. Daily park passes have increased from five dollars to seven, and yearly passes for passenger vehicles have increased from 25 to 35 dollars. The changes began at the beginning of July. Lisa Angelos, Park Manager at Jay Cooke State Park,…

Preparedness is Key for Surviving Severe Storms While Camping

July 6, 2017

William Seay,

CLOQUET, Minn. — It’s been an active summer for thunderstorms, and last night’s severe weather was no exception. At the camp sites at Jay Cooke State Park, most of the damage affected their unpaved roads and biking trails. But for campers, the experts there do have a few tips to plan ahead if you’re camping during inclement weather. Being…

Bird Tests Positive for West Nile Virus in Washburn County

July 6, 2017

Melissa Lentz,

WASHBURN COUNTY, Wis. – A dead raven has tested positive for West Nile Virus in Washburn County, according to the Washburn County Health Department. West Nile virus is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito, which acquire the virus by feeding on infected birds. “Finding the virus in birds indicates that West Nile virus may be present…

LCP Works to Restore Power in Grand Rapids, Kettle River Areas

July 6, 2017

Melissa Lentz,

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – Thursday morning’s fast moving thunderstorms affected electric service for more than 1,200 Lake Country Power members. As of 9 a.m. Thursday, crews repaired service to more than 570 members. Those affected were primarily in the Grand Rapids and Kettle River areas. LCP crews will be working to restore service today. Line crews from Mountain Iron are…