Environment

17th Annual Lincoln Park Walleye Open

Supporting West Duluth And Area Businessess

Duluth, Minn. Grandma’s marathon wasn’t the only outdoor activity you could partake this weekend. It was also the 17th annual Lincoln Park walleye open put on by the Lincoln Park Business Group. Hundreds of anglers including Fox 21’s Joey Norton set out on the St. Louis River early Saturday morning hoping to bring in the big one. “We are offering…

Peregrine Falcons Banded at Minnesota Power Facility

DULUTH, Minn.-Three peregrine falcon chicks were banded at Minnesota Power’s Hibbard Renewal Energy Center in Duluth yesterday. Members of the Raptor Resource Project helped band the birds. Ninety-five falcons have been banded at two different Minnesota Power energy center plants since 1993. Each site has nest box where the falcons can be found. The banding is done to keep the peregrine’s…

Minnesota Resort Receives $150K from State

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Only one of the dozens of businesses impacted by fishing restrictions on an eastern Minnesota lake is getting financial help from the state thanks to language tucked into an economic development law. The Star Tribune reports the law’s language is so specific that only Hunter’s Winfield Resort on Mille Lacs Lake will receive $150,000 in…

Lake Superior Zoo: Five Years After the Flood

Zoo Officials Hope to Downsize, Restructure Space and Offer New Exhibits

DULUTH, Minn. – Five years have passed since major flooding washed away years of hard work and dedication at the Lake Superior Zoo. Millions of dollars are still being spent to repair and rebuild what was lost during those overnight hours. “My first response is we had a problem, we had to get things done, my staff is amazing,” said…

St. Louis River Master Plan Relieved

Plans To Add More Access Points To Water And Connect Neighborhoods

The city of Duluth unveiled new details about the western waterfront and trail master plan tonight. After nearly a year of studies along the St. Louis River and multiple public input sessions have finally brought some insight to what the master plan might intel. The Morgan Park recreation center was packed with local citizens eager to see this master plan…

Great Lakes Levels Expected to be Highest in Decades

DETROIT (AP) – A wet spring season has experts predicting that summer water levels for the Great Lakes could be higher than normal and above last year’s mark through early fall. The Great Lakes Hydraulics and Hydrology Office at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Detroit District announced Monday in its six-month water level forecast that summer water levels on…

Heavy Rain Causes Flooding in Sawyer County

Emergency Severe Weather Shelter Set Up

An emergency severe weather shelter is now set up on the Lac Courte Oreilles reservation, as people deal with flooded roadways and downed power lines. A massive storm caused flash flooding in the Northland, and rose water levels while dampening many people’s lives in Northwest Wisconsin. “It never quit, it was relentless it came on and it rained and it…

Court Fight Over Legal Restriction on Large-Scale Wisconsin Farms

BAYFIELD, Wis. (AP) – A northwestern Wisconsin county and a state agency will go to court over a local ordinance that would place more restrictions on large-scale farms to protect water quality. Wisconsin Public Radio reports that Bayfield County will argue its case against the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources in court next month. The county passed an ordinance last…

Sprouting Up With Shoreview Natives

Shoreview Natives Look to Showcase Natural Landscaping

DULUTH, Minn. – Many of you may be looking into landscaping projects this summer. One local company is looking to transition outdoor spaces into ecological hubs. Shoreview Natives is stemming from a lesson taught in one Northland classroom. For Duluth Woodland resident Will Bartsch, it’s common to have folks drive past his home, looking twice and stopping with a few questions….

Fire Department Talks Water Safety After Accident at “The Deeps”

22-Year-Old Man Is Recovering After Jumping Into Popular Lester River Swimming Hole

DULUTH, Minn. – A 22-year-old man is recovering after jumping into a popular swimming hole in the Lester River known as “The Deeps.” Authorities tell us the man was pulled from the water unconscious with a laceration to the back of the head after hitting a rock just below the water’s surface. The man eventually came to, began breathing, and…

Students Get Hands-On Experience at Minnesota Wildfire Academy

Students from nine states throughout the region are going through extensive training to learn about safely combating wildfires

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – Hundreds of people are in Grand Rapids this week for the Minnesota Wildfire Academy. Students from nine states throughout the region are going through extensive training to learn about safely combating wildfires. On Thursday, some of the new recruits got to watch a simulated air operation and get hands–on experience of some firefighting basics. Instructors say…

Discounts, Rebates Making Some Electric Cars More Affordable

Minnesota Power customers can get a Nissan Leaf for around $13,000 through the month of June

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota Power is hoping to get Duluthians to start thinking green when it comes to driving. Representatives with the company were out at Whole Foods Co–op on Wednesday to promote electric vehicle technology. Through the month of June, Minnesota Power is offering a $10,000 discount to customers who buy a Nissan Leaf electric car. Along with a…

Imagine Duluth 2035 Looking For Different Ways Of Commuting Around Town

Focus Group Looks Into Possible Lake Ave Overpass Change

DULUTH, Minn. – Congestion on Lake Avenue from those trying to access Canal Park from Superior Street has become a growing concern for the city of Duluth. A focus group met tonight to talk about 6 different proposed policies that would better forms of transportation in different parts of the city. The focus group, which is part of the Imagine…

Minnesota Power Announces Plans for Natural Gas Plant in Superior

The $700 million plant would be built along the Nemadji River in Superior's industrial corridor

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – Minnesota Power announced some big plans that would bring a $700 million natural gas power plant to Superior. If approved by the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, the proposed Nemadji Trail Energy Center would start construction as early as 2020 and come online in 2025. The project would bring hundreds of construction and industry jobs, 26 full0time plant…

Fisheries Scientists to Review Minnesota Lake’s Fish Count

ONAMIA, Minn. (AP) – A nationwide group of fisheries scientists will review the Minnesota Department of Natural Resource’s walleye assessment on a popular fishing lake after nearby resort owners questioned the lake’s low population of the fish. The Star Tribune reports that this is the second year anglers have been banned from harvesting walleye at Mille Lacs Lake because the…

WisDOT Warns Drivers of Increased Potential Deer/Vehicle Crashes in June

20,413 deer/vehicle crashes were reported by Wisconsin law enforcement agencies in 2016

MADISON, Wis. – Safety officials with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation are cautioning motorists about the increased potential of deer darting across roadways over the next several weeks. Deer activity spikes in June as does search for places to give birth and fawns separate from their mothers. June ranks higher than fall months for motorists getting injured in deer vs….

Twin Cities Council to Pay $1M in River Pollution Lawsuits

Chemicals found in the river in 2007

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (AP) – The Metropolitan Council in St. Paul is paying manufacturing firm 3M Co. about $1 million to settle lawsuits over Mississippi River pollution. The Pioneer Press reports the settlement Monday ends the lawsuits between the two entities, which blamed each other for chemicals found in the river in 2007. In 2011, the Metropolitan Council joined the Minnesota…

North Shore Adventure Park Enters Phase One

Four Investors Break Ground on Multiphase Adventure Park in Silver Bay

SILVER BAY, Minn. – Monday was the end of an era for one decades old pit stop on the North Shore. The old Spur gas station off of Highway 61 in Silver Bay is now demolished, making way for new opportunity. Four developers are now climbing toward new adventures, hoping the community and tourists will enjoy the development. “It just needs…

6-Year-Old Drowns at Lake Elmo Beach

TED HALLER - FOX 9

LAKE ELMO, Minn. (KMSP) – A 6-year-old girl drowned in a popular artificial swimming pond in Lake Elmo Sunday afternoon. The Washington County Sheriff’s Office identified the girl as Ghia Vue of St. Paul. Another swimmer bumped into the unresponsive girl around 1:00 p.m., according to a Washington County official. The girl was in about three feet of water at…

Minnesota Joins U.S. Climate Alliance, Pledging Itself to Paris Accord Targets

ST. PAUL, Minn. (KMSP) – Minnesota and eight other states, along with Puerto Rico, joined the U.S. Climate Alliance Monday, pledging to uphold targets outlined in the Paris Climate Accord after President Donald Trump decided to pull out of the agreement last week. Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia and Puerto Rico joined the original three…

Exploring Super Science Fridays

Mrs. KP Incorporates Science into all Methods of Learning at Homecroft Elementary

DULUTH, Minn. – For the past ten years one elementary school teacher in Duluth has been pouring out passion for science into the classroom. It’s now becoming a favorite lesson, every Friday. When walking past room 206 at Homecroft Elementary you can hear a beat and a buzz coming from inside. “Science is real, science is everywhere! This is Professor…

Lowell Elementary School Works With Nature

School Receives Award For Nature Play

Duluth, Minn. Lowell Elementary students joined by their parents enjoyed a picnic this afternoon at the schools nature play scape. Lowell elementary school received an award today for the many ways they encompass nature in their curriculum. The nature play achievement award was presented to the school today for the commitment to connecting students with learning and play opportunities in…

Rescue Crews Locate Missing Canoers in BWCA

UPDATE: Rescue crews have located the missing individuals in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Around 1 a.m. Friday, a fixed wing aircraft of the Minnesota State Patrol was searching near Oyster Lake, and spotted the lost party when they used a flashlight from the ground to signal the plane. The party was retrieved by an Air Guard helicopter out…

Trump Says U.S. will Abandon Global Climate Accord

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said Thursday he was withdrawing the U.S. from the Paris climate agreement, striking a major blow to worldwide efforts to combat climate change and distancing the country from many allies abroad. He said the U.S. would try to negotiate re-entry on better terms. “As of today, the United States will cease all implementation of…

Registration Not Needed for ATV Riders this Weekend

"No Registration Weekend" June 2-4

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend is the perfect time for ATV riders to spend some time outdoors. That’s because June 2-4 is “No Registration Weekend.” Meaning, Minnesota is providing ATV riders with free access to more than 3,000 miles of state forest and grant-in-aid trails. This is for Minnesotan an all-terrain vehicle registered for private or agricultural use and out-of-state…

Duluth-Superior Film Festival Kicks Off

All Movies Can Be Seen For Free

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth–Superior Film Festival kicked off the first of five days of film, music and arts Wednesday. Wednesday night’s film was shown at Clyde Iron Works called Rumble, which is a documentary about the role of Native Americans in popular music history. The festival concentrates on movies shot and produced right here in our region. Many of…

Duluth Citizens Express Concerns Over LED Lights

Public Meeting Held Tonight Could Bring Better Light To The Situation

Discussion over the use of LED lights in the city of Duluth has been going on for months now. Tonight another public meeting was held to address outdoor lighting. The City of Duluth has already converted a majority of the cities street lights to a blueish colored LED. Because so many have had concerns over the brightness, city staff was…

DNR Commissioner Says Minnesotans Spoke Up for the Outdoors

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (AP) – The Department of Natural Resources got most of the money it requested from the Legislature, and its head credits an outcry by Minnesotans who hunt, fish, use state parks, and ride snowmobiles and ATVs. Commissioner Tom Landwehr tells The Associated Press the user fee increases his agency needed weren’t a foregone conclusion. He says the original…

Pond Scientists on the Rise at Hartley Nature Center

Many Student Groups Flocking for Field Trips to Northland Educational Hub

DULUTH, Minn. – In this week’s Animal Answers we’re taking you on a field trip! For some, it may be a trip to the park, museum or movie theater. However, many groups of Northland students are becoming seasoned pond scientists. “I think if you start kids at an early enough age they’ll have an appreciation for the outdoors,” said Matt…

Many Anglers Trying to Set State Records This Year

DNR Officials See Uptick in Record-Setting Applications

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) _ Minnesota is seeing a surge in record fish submissions. The Department of Natural Resources said Tuesday it has received five applications for four species, including lake sturgeon, shortnose gar, golden redhorse and the quillback carpsucker. Mike Kurre, the DNR’s state record fish program coordinator, says the agency has never had so many record submissions in…

Wisconsin Lawmakers Looking to Sweeten the Deal for Beekeepers

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Republican lawmakers want to sweeten the deal for Wisconsin beekeepers. A proposal from Rep. Amy Loudenbeck and Sen. Steve Nass would eliminate the state sales tax on bees and equipment used by beekeepers. Loudenbeck said at an Assembly committee hearing Tuesday the bill would extend exemptions given to farmers to beekeepers and help address the rapidly…

Minnesota Farmers Hoping for Warm Sunny Days as Season Finally Begins

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota farmers could use some warm, sunny days to speed crop development and get the last of their planting done. The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported Tuesday that cool and cloudy conditions across Minnesota last week prevented fields from drying out and limited farmers to 2.8 days of fieldwork. Corn planting is almost done in…

1 Dead after Highway Washes Out Between Iowa, Wisconsin

Crawford Co Sheriff’s Office LANSING, Iowa (KSMP) – Iowa and Wisconsin authorities have closed a bridge over the Mississippi River after a washed out section caused a fatal crash Tuesday morning. The accident took place around 4:22 a.m. on Iowa Highway 82 between Lansing, Iowa and Freeman, Wisconsin. The Crawford County Sheriff’s Office says a 59-year-old man was on his…

Fuel Oil Leak in Hermantown

Officials Concerned for Runoff into Keane Creek

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Hermantown police and fire departments responded to reports of a fuel oil spill Saturday. According to investigators, a residential fuel oil tank leaked in the 48–hundred block of Maple Grove Rd. Saturday afternoon. The fuel oil may have run off into the Keane Creek water system. Hermantown officials have notified the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. Categories: Community,…

Adventure Park Now Open at Spirit Mountain

Summer Adventures Begin Memorial Day Weekend at Spirit Mountain

DULUTH, Minn. – Spirit Mountain in Duluth is now back open for business as we head into the Memorial Day weekend. The Mountain’s Adventure Park opened gates Friday for the Alpine Coaster, zip line, jumping pillow, mini golf and disk golf. Five mountain bike trails are now open as well. Executive Director Brandy Ream tells FOX 21 she’s optimistic going…

ReUSE Minnesota Explores Duluth Network

Group has been Operating in the Twin Cities Since 2012

DULUTH, Minn. – A successful Twin cities re-use program Is coming to the Twin Ports. Representatives from ReUSE Minnesota and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency met with local re-use businesses to create a network to share resources. Officials say they’re targeting businesses like thrift stores, habitat restores, and consignment shops. “These are the stores that allow the rest of us…

IRRRB Announces Ilmenite Breakthrough

New Processing Method Produces Nearly Pure Samples

DULUTH, Minn. – Officials from the University of Minnesota’s Natural Resources Research Institute announced a breakthrough in ilmentite processing Thursday. NRRI partnered with Canadian firm Process Research Ortech to find a way to separate titanum dioxide and iron oxide from ilmenite deposits. The results, nearly pure samples of both titanium oxide and iron oxide.  But, officials say they’re a long…

Gardeners Hoping for Warmer Planting Conditions

Bending Birches Greenhouses has seen some eager gardeners, but the cold, rainy weather has impacted sales

DULUTH, Minn. – Below average conditions around the Northland have led to a slow start to planting season. Bending Birches Greenhouses opened up May 1st and have seen some eager gardeners, but overall the weather has impacted sales. Jahn Hibbs, the greenhouse manager and grower at Bending Birches says it’s best to wait until the first week of June, when…

State Parks Offering Several Programs for Outdoor Fun and Learning

CARLTON, Minn. – Spring is here and summer is around the corner meaning state parks are beginning to bustle with visitors. Kristine Hiller, Jay Cooke State Park Naturalist, says many programs are open to all interested. Hiller points out some are geared toward outdoor enthusiasts, some toward outdoor beginners and some to families and children. Here are a few she…

New Viewfinders Unveiled at Taconite Harbor

  SCHROEDER TOWNSHIP, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the North Shore Scenic Drive Council, and Schroeder Township unveiled new viewfinders at a ribbon-cutting ceremony, Tuesday. Taconite Harbor sits on the North Shore, just southwest of Temperance River State Park off of Highway 61. These viewfinders will allow tourists and residents to view boats, birds, and wildlife seen…

Minnesota Lawmakers Push to Finalize Budget Deal

Lawmakers Doubtful Deal will Pass; Look Toward Special Session

ST. PAUL, Minn. – One-hundred twenty days have passed since the Minnesota Legislature first started work on the state’s budget bill. Monday evening the clock is ticking before the state constitution calls for a deal to be reached or the session will end without an agreement in place, resulting in a special session. “It’s compromise and it’s democracy and it’s…

Damage Estimates at $10 Million for Chetek Tornado

One Man Was Killed in the Tornado

CHETEK, Wis.–The Barron County Sheriff’s Department has released initial damage estimates from a tornado that tore through the Chetek area of northwestern Wisconsin last week. The department said Sunday that the storm damaged 231 homes and four commercial properties across the county, though those numbers are likely to change. The storm caused about $10 million in damages, not including damage…

SLRA Volunteers Team Up To Clean Portion In Superior

St. Louis River Cleanup

Duluth, Minn. – Volunteers from the St. Louis River alliance spent the day cleaning up the river. Decade’s worth of trash that had been dumped alongside the St. Louis River continues to be a problem for the St. Louis River alliance. “We find TV’s and other electronics down in there and those certainly are hazardous,” says Bill Majewski, Chair of…