Environment

Teen Who Jumped Into Flooded Lester River Prompts Water Rescue

Teen Is Known To Be Daring

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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%

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

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,…

New Brighter Lights For Lakewalk

LED Lights To Replace Older Lights

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

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…

NWS Confirms 7 Tornadoes in Wednesday Storms

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

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

(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

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.

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

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

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

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…

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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…

Free Range Film Festival

35 Different Movies During Two Nights

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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…