Environment

Wisconsin DNR Looks to Reduce Buck-Only Counties Again this Fall

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – The state Department of Natural Resources wants to again reduce the number of counties where hunters can shoot only bucks this fall in a sign Wisconsin’s herd continues to grow. The agency’s board is poised, Wednesday, to approve a 2017 season structure that would designate Ashland, Iron, and Vilas counties and the eastern half of Eau…

Lincoln Park After Dark

Finding Ways To Attract More People

Duluth, Minn. Duluth businesses gathered tonight at the Duluth Children’s Museum in Lincoln Park for another round of Lincoln Park After Dark. A program aimed to bring businesses in the area to come together to discuss ways to make the community better. “We believe in building the neighborhood to be a very vibrant really economically vibrant place where tourists want…

Local Projects Rely on Yet-to-Be-Passed State Bonding Bill

Projects Like Duluth Steam Plant and St. Louis River Clean-Up Need State Funding

DULUTH, Minn. – The deadline is Monday for this year’s Minnesota legislative session to adjourn, and with no budget agreement in place yet, elected officials from all over Minnesota have been in St. Paul calling attention to the needs of cities across the state. Projects like the Duluth International Airport runway reconstruction and the St. Louis River clean up need…

Warm Spring Brings Ticks Out Early Across Minnesota

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – The early spring has brought the ticks out ahead of schedule across Minnesota and experts are warning people to protect themselves against the diseases they carry. The Minnesota Department of Health says anyone who goes outdoors should be alert for the blacklegged tick, also known as the deer tick. Epidemiologist Elizabeth Schiffman tells Minnesota Public…

ATV Riders Can Explore Minnesota Trails for Free June 2-4

Free access to over 3,000 miles of state trails

ATVs on Spider Lake Trail MINNESOTA – Minnesotans with an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) registered for private or agricultural use won’t need to pay the additional registration fee ($53.50 for three years) to ride the state’s public ATV trails June 2-4, according to the Department of Natural Resources. Out-of-state riders can explore the ATV trails, as well without the need for…

Shark Jawbone Caught While Fishing on Mississippi River in Grand Rapids

It has Been Identified as a Sand Tiger Shark

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.-A Minnesota angler landed an unusual trophy when he reeled in a shark jawbone while fishing on the Mississippi River. Joe Piskel, of Grand Rapids, caught the jawbone near the town over the weekend. He and his son, Joey, brought it to a Department of Natural Resources office, where a fisheries biologist identified it as being from a…

Great Outdoors: Minnesota Fishing Opener

Northland Youth Learns The Lure of The Lake

ISLAND LAKE, Minn- It’s the pursuit of the catch, that has so many of Minnesota’s anxious anglers up well before dawn and hitting the water at first light. Youth Angler, Keegan Charnley says, “We had to wake up pretty early to get here, but, well we’ve had a few bites.” For Keegan Charnley and is father Richie, they look forward…

Harrison Park To Be Revamped

Work To Be Done Over This Summer

Duluth, Wis. The Harrison Park neighborhood will see some big changes to the community park this summer. The park is one of 13 parks that qualify for 90 thousand dollars’ worth of half and half funding. Some of the bigger changes will include making the facility ADA accessible a formal gathering space and a new revamp community garden. “We know…

New Cranberry Research Facility to be Located in Jackson County

(Ocean Spray) WISCONSIN RAPIDS, Wis. (AP) – Plans are being made for a new research facility to support Wisconsin’s $1 billion cranberry industry. The Wisconsin Cranberry Research and Education Foundation said Monday it’s purchasing about 155 acres in Jackson County for the research station. The purchase is being made with federal funds and private contributions. The foundation expects research on…

Fishing Season Opens in the U.P.

SAULT STE MARIE, Mich. (AP) – Fishing season has started in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The state Department of Natural Resources says the seasons for walleye, northern pike, and muskellunge open Monday, May 15, for all Upper Peninsula waters. That includes the Great Lakes, inland waterways, and the St. Mary’s river, which runs between Sault Ste. Marie and the city of…

Alfalfa Crop Losses Experienced in Eastern Wisconsin

A warm winter and a wet, cold spring are to blame

MANITOWOC, Wis. (AP) – Unusual seasonal weather variations have made it tough on alfalfa crops in some parts of Wisconsin. A warmer winter and a cold, wet spring have caused a significant portion of the alfalfa crop to fail in Manitowoc County. University of Wisconsin Extension agriculture specialist Scott Gunderson says at least 10,000 of the 18,000 acres of alfalfa…

Enbridge Pipeline Replacement Environmental Review Up for Public Comment

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – The Minnesota Department of Commerce is soliciting input on a draft environmental review of Enbridge Energy’s proposed replacement for its aging Line 3 crude oil pipeline across northern Minnesota. The release Monday of the environmental review kicks off the public comment period. The $7.5 billion project would replace a pipeline from the 1960s that no…

North Shore Tourism Season Begins

Officials Are Expecting Busiest Summer Ever

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – Once summer weather arrives, the tourism rush is on along Lake Superior’s North Shore. If the recent trend continues, this could be some destinations’ busiest season yet. The North Shore has always been a favorite Minnesota vacation spot. “When the sun is shining, people like to take rides up from the Twin Cities and see the…

Gov. Dayton Reels One In at Opener

The Governor Caught a Smallmouth Bass

ST. CLOUD, Minn. (AP) Gov. Mark Dayton caught a 3-pound, 17-and-a-half-inch bass during the annual Governor’s Fishing Opener. The Democratic governor shared a pontoon boat with Republican legislative leaders on Saturday. They went out on the Mississippi River in St. Cloud. Dayton told reporters that no one discussed the budget, after talks stalled last week. He says budget talks will…

Cooking Oil Dumped at Head of Superior Hiking Trail

Parks Department Looking for Volunteers to Clean-up Area

DULUTH, Minn.-The Duluth Parks Department was left with a mess yesterday, after finding 14 jugs of cooking oil that were dumped at the head of the Superior Hiking Trail. The parks department is reminding the public that these types of situations create major challenges for them. You can help by volunteering. To find out more, call 218-730-4334. Categories: Crime, Environment,…

Lakewalk Mini-Master Plan Will Focus on Safety, Infrastructure

The group Friends of the Lakewalk met Thursday to discuss ways to improve the trail

DULUTH, Minn. – The Lakewalk is one of the most used trails in Duluth, which is why the city is looking at ways to preserve and improve it. The lakewalk  mini–master plan is in its initial inventory stage. Crews were out today looking at the existing infrastructure of the trail, noting possible areas of improvement. Later this fall, the city’s…

White Nose Syndrome Causes Drastic Decline in Wisconsin Bat Population

  MADISON, Wis. – A deadly disease affecting bats, has spread to 24 Wisconsin counties, according to the Department of Natural Resources. White Nose Syndrome (WNS), has killed upwards of seven million bats throughout the United States and Canada, and has now decreased populations in Wisconsin from 30 to 100 percent in areas around the state. WNS is named for…

Hundreds of Northland Students Bike to School

National Bike to School Day Celebrated With More Than 300 Students Participating at Congdon Park Elementary

DULUTH, Minn. – Over 300 students from Duluth’s Congdon Park Elementary School woke up Wednesday morning, grabbed their backpacks and strapped on their bike helmets, all to celebrate National Bike to School Day. Each year, parents at local schools along with teachers and staff plan events to recognize the true meaning of getting to school on a bicycle. Organizers at…

High Fire Danger In Place Prompts The DNR To A Car Fire

Car Goes Up In Flames Near Wooded Area

DULUTH, Minn. – A car was engulfed in flames this morning around 10 a.m. Officials say the engine was likely the cause for the blaze. The car was parked at Kev’s Auto Sales off of Rice Lake Road.  No one was inside the vehicle at the time and no one was injured. It was burning for around 15 minutes and was…

Governor Walker Declares State of Emergency as Wildfire Conditions are Elevated

MADISON, Wis. – Governor Scott Walker signed in Executive Order #242 today, declaring a State of Emergency in response to elevated wildfire conditions throughout the state. Due to dry conditions and high winds, Wisconsin has been experiencing above average fire occurrences, leading to a statewide wildfire threat. Walker stated this was a precautionary measure to “ensure everyone at the state…

Wisconsin Governor’s Fishing Home Opener

Anglers headed out to their favorite fishing spot on Saturday morning

It’s that time of year again when anglers are arriving in schools, launching their boats at Lake Namakagon. Motors tilt into the water for the first time of 2017 as anglers headed out to their favorite fishing spot on Saturday morning. “It’s always fun to get out fishing it doesn’t matter if it’s cold or warm or whatever any day…

Gov. Walker Opens Season with Two Walleye

This Year's Governor's Opener was in Cable

CABLE, Wis. (AP) Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker kicked off the 52nd annual Governor’s Fishing Opener by catching two walleye. Walker was in Cable on Saturday for the event on Lake Namekagon. Walker says fishing is a time-honored tradition and tourism attraction in Wisconsin that draws hundreds of thousands of anglers from outside the state every year. Walker says more than…

St. Scholastica Student Helps Raise Money for Volunteer Gardener

The goal is to raise $500 for new gardening tools

DULUTH, Minn. – A Saint Scholastica student is raising money to help out a good Samaritan in her neighborhood. Last summer, Lindsay Monson came across an elderly woman named Rosemary, who spends her day cleaning up parks in the Duluth community. Monson wanted to do something to give back to her neighbor before she graduates in a few short weeks….

Natural Surface Trails Begin to Open in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth reports that city-managed natural surface trails are open. Trail users are asked to use trails with care, practice etiquette on shared trails, and avoid entering wet areas to prevent trail damage. Cyclists of Gitchee Gumi Shores trails are OPEN at: Hawk Ridge and Morningside Duluth Traverse Hartley Park Enger Park Traverse from Observation…

Minnesotans Ready for Fishing as Walleye Season Approaches

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota is ready to start fishing. The state has an estimated 1.4 million licensed anglers and around 500,000 are expected to fish when walleye season opens Saturday, May 13. Governor Mark Dayton is hosting the 70th annual Minnesota Governor’s Fishing Opener along the Mississippi River in the St. Cloud area of central Minnesota. That stretch of…

Eroding Sea Wall Forces Relocation Of Vista Fleet

Local Tourist Attraction Still To Operate As Normal

DULUTH, Minn. — Crumbling sea walls have forced emergency repairs behind the DECC, and that includes a major shift in operations for the Vista Fleet. Years of erosion is now heavily affecting the Vista Fleet. Its 100-ton boat is being forced to move to a temporary docking station for the season. The city says the section of sea wall that…

DNR K9’s Sniff Out Invasive Species

Officers Can Find Zebra Mussels on Boats

DULUTH, Minn. – With Minnesota’s Fishing Opener around the corner, plenty of boats will be on the water. The Department of Natural Resources wants to raise awareness about invasive species. Aquatic invasive species, specifically zebra mussels, are a big problem in Minnesota lakes.  The DNR is pulling out all the stops to stop the spread. One measure; four K9 units…

41 Deaths on Wisconsin Roads Last Month

MADISON, Wis. – Forty-one people died in Wisconsin traffic crashes last month, according to preliminary data from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT). This data shows the same as April of last year. As of April 30, a total of 143 people have died in Wisconsin traffic crashes this year, including six motorcyclists and 17 pedestrians. Traffic deaths through April…

100-Plus Pack Open House For Proposed Kwik Trip; Many Not Thrilled

Site Is Proposed at Boundary Avenue in Duluth

PROCTOR, Minn. — It was standing room only at the Proctor Black Woods Wednesday night where residents and business owners sounded off against a proposed Kwik Trip on Boundary Avenue and U.S. Hwy 2 in Duluth. The people who showed up came from not only Duluth but also Proctor. “Every place they build a mom and pop operation has gone…

Battling Tick Bites with Essential Prevention

Experts are Warning of a Severe Tick Season Across Much of the Country

DULUTH, Minn. – According to a new report, tick-borne diseases are on the rise across much of the country. With that being said, it’s important to remain cautious, especially when pets are added into your daily life. Northland veterinarians are seeing a spike in cases already this spring, raising concern to get your pets vaccinated, and checked regularly for ticks….

Wild Turkey Population on the Rise in Northeastern Minnesota

Suitable habitat has allowed the bird to expand its territory

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Wild turkey populations are on the rise in northeastern Minnesota, and the birds are showing up in areas where they haven’t normally been seen, according to a report from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Generally seen in the lower half of the state, the wild turkeys have expanded their territory by finding areas of suitable…

A Strong Spring Storm Delivers Snow and High Winds to the Northland

Winter Storm Warnings & Gale Warnings Greeted the Northland to Kick Off May.

FLOODWOOD, Minn. – The Northland braced for bad weather today under multiple warnings and advisories. Rain pushed into the region Sunday night and turned into snow during the early morning hours on Monday. Wet snowflakes fell sideways across the sky spanning from Brainerd to Virginia, with 1-3″ of snow accumulating by the afternoon. “It was a total white out, it…

Storm Cleanup Continues In Biwabik

A Severe Thunderstorm Tore Through The Cemetery Last August

Biwabik, Minn. – People in Biwabik came together again today as residents continue to clean up after a thunderstorm last summer destroyed the town’s cemetery. Even trees that were over 100 years old didn’t stand a chance when a thunderstorm rolled through Biwabik, MN last August packing winds of over 100 mph. Residents say it’s going to take 1 –2 more…

New AmeriCorps Program Needs Volunteers

Big Water Resilience Corps Seeks Eight People to Fill Positions

DULUTH, Minn. – True North AmeriCorps and Ecolibrium3 are launching a brand new program in Duluth this summer, and they’re looking for volunteers. Eight volunteers will make up the Big Water Reslience Corps.  These eight volunteers will work with five organizations on anti-poverty programs while also helping those most vulnerable become more reslient in case of disasters, energy poverty or…

Surrender Unwanted Fish, Plants in the Northland

Minnesota Sea Grant is Partnering with Local Businesses to Find New Homes for Unwanted Aquatic Species, Plants

DULUTH, Minn. – Invasive species have become a big issue in Northland waters over the past few years. Wednesday afternoon, the Minnesota Sea Grant Organization helped provide a safe solution to the problem. Northlanders had two hours to take their unwanted fish and aquatic plants to the UMD Kirby Center. The event is designed to give people the chance to…

Residents; Mother Nature Needs To Make Up Her Mind

Late April Storm Has Some Wanted Warmer Weather Back

Superior, Wis. As we all know with weather this time of the year can be tricky. Needless to say the tease that we had this past Saturday with those beautiful temps all across the area. People want Mother Nature to pick one season and stick with it. “Ready for spring, it’s time to get the cabin open and go fishing…

Thinking Turtle Safety this Spring

Experts say Turtles will Start Moving, Crossing Roadways Early May, Beginning of June

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s getting to be the time of year when certain animals in the Northland wake up and make their way into the world once again. However, it isn’t always without risk. Wildlife experts are reminding drivers to be on the lookout for turtles. “If the shell is broken and blood is coming out, you can see flesh…

Researchers Learn About Cross Laminated Timber

New Technique Allows Buildings to be Constructed Using Wood

DULUTH, Minn – Officials at the University of Minnesota’s Natural Resource Research Institute got a look at new construction techniques using wood. The seminar, put on by WoodWorks, examined how using Cross Laminated Timber helps both forest management and reducing carbon footprints. With CLT, buildings as many as eight stories high can be built using only wood.  Even wood once…

ATV Accident Northwest of Bemidji

BEMIDJI, Minn. – The Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office reports that deputies responded to a call of an Off-Highway Vehicle accident in the 17000 block of Nelson Dam Rd in Buzzle Township, approximately 15 miles northwest of Bemidji. Deputies and Bemidji Ambulance arrived on scene to investigate the crash, which revealed that a 64-year-old female rolled a 1995 Honda Fourtax ATV….

Gypsy Moth Spraying Coming Back to Wisconsin

Douglas County Will be One of Many Counties Getting Sprayed for Gypsy Moths

MADISON, Wis.-An annual rite of spring in western and central Wisconsin counties is about to return. Starting next week, the distinctive sound of loud, low-flying airplanes spraying an insecticide to combat the invasive gypsy moth caterpillar will return. The spraying is scheduled for 20 counties weather permitting. The gypsy moth are non-native pests that defoliate trees, causing stress and possible…