Environment Archives - Page 28 of 30

Tornado Reported Near Princeton; Earliest for March

March 6, 2017

Site Staff,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – A confirmed tornado near Zimmerman, Minnesota at 5:49 p.m. Monday. At 5:56 p.m., a confirmed tornado was located over the south side of Princeton, moving northeast at 40 mph. Law enforcement reported the tornado in east-central Minnesota, about 44 miles northwest of Minneapolis, late Monday afternoon. National Weather Service meteorologist Todd Krause says if confirmed, the tornado would…

Sea Grant Battling Government to Stay Alive

Federal Government Looking to Cut NOAA by 17 Percent

March 6, 2017

Matt Suoja,

DULUTH, Minn.-Discussions are looming on Capitol Hill to cut 17 percent of the budget for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. These cuts could affect many different organizations including the National Weather Service and the local chapter of the Minnesota Sea Grant. The Sea Grant helps with fighting invasive species, along with other environmental issues related to the Great Lakes,…

Bald Eagles Migrating Earlier

Warm Weather Big Factor

March 6, 2017

Matt Suoja,

DULUTH, Minn.-In other environmental news, bald eagles are migrating back to Minnesota a few weeks ahead of schedule. The early migration, comes after February melted much of the snow, while ice is breaking up along the rivers. Small groups of eagles have already been seen along the Minnesota River. Only two states have larger populations of eagles – Florida and…

DNR Gives Western Wisconsin Sand Plant Preliminary OK

March 6, 2017

The Associated Press,

(Photo: Courtesy of Hi-Crush Partners)MADISON, Wis. (AP) – The state Department of Natural Resources has given a timber company subsidiary preliminary approval for a sand plant in western Wisconsin that would destroy more than 16 acres of wetlands. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports the DNR notified Meteor Timber of the approval on Wednesday. The agency has set an April 18…

2 Men, 2 Calls for Help on Anoka County Lake

March 6, 2017

The Associated Press,

EAST BETHEL, Minn. (AP) – It took more than once for two snowmobilers on a lake in Anoka County to learn the dangers of thin ice. Sheriff’s officials say the two men called 911 Sunday afternoon, after one of them fell through the ice on Coon Lake while snowmobiling. The man was able to climb out of the water on…

Reusable Bags Now Available for Food Shelf Clients

Part of Bag It Duluth Campaign

March 3, 2017

Matt Suoja,

DULUTH, Minn.-Clients of Churches United in Ministry will now be able to use reusable bags when picking up their groceries. The bags were collected recently by the League of Women Voters at a recent Bag It Duluth film screening. The Bag It Duluth campaign, which involves 70 different organizations, has developed a proposal to phase out plastic bags. “We know…

City of Duluth Looking for Volunteers to Help Clean

March 3, 2017

Lena Takada,

DULUTH, Minn.- The City of Duluth is looking for volunteers for annual clean and green projects. Snow is melting, and weather is warming up, which means Duluth is preparing to clean up the city. The city is looking for people to step up to the plate and help pick up trash on the streets, in parks, and on beaches. The…

Minnesota state parks get 2 new campgrounds for 2017

March 2, 2017

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – New campgrounds, a new water trail and a new chance to see bison are coming to the Minnesota State Parks and Trails system this year. The Department of Natural Resources says two new campgrounds will open this summer at the Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park in northeastern Minnesota and Whitewater State Park in the…

Wild Winter Temperature Swings Have Been Damaging to Plants, Experts Say

March 1, 2017

William Seay,

HERMANTOWN, Minn. — We have seen some pretty dramatic temperature swings this winter, which, according to some experts, has not been good for our plants or lawns. At Miller Creek Lawn and Landscape in Hermantown, all the plants are buried under snow, which is good for the plants that need to lay dormant during the winter. Landscape Architect Trish Crego…

Surfers Hit the Waves at Brighton Beach

March 1, 2017

KQDS Staff,

Brighton Beach Surfers

Stearns County Farmer Drowns When Machine Breaks Through Ice

March 1, 2017

The Associated Press,

ST. CLOUD, Minn. (AP) – Stearns County authorities say a Freeport man drowned when the skid loader he was driving broke through the ice on an abandoned manure pit on his farm. The sheriff’s office says 46-year-old Duane Herzog was submerged for about 20 minutes before rescuers extricated him from the machine and pulled him from the water Tuesday afternoon….

Agency Delays Plans for Keeping Asian Carp from Great Lakes

February 28, 2017

The Associated Press,

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) – Federal officials are delaying a proposal for a new line of defense in the Chicago area to prevent Asian carp from reaching the Great Lakes. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers had been scheduled to release a draft plan Tuesday for installing new technologies or taking other steps to block the invasive fish’s path at…

The Mystery of Devil’s Kettle Solved?

February 28, 2017

Melissa Lentz,

MN DNR GRAND MARAIS, Minn. – Devil’s Kettle waterfall on the Brule River, at Judge C.R. Magney State Park near Grand Marais, has baffled scientists and enchanted onlookers for years. The waterfall plunges into a cavernous hole in the rock and simply seems to vanish, which has left many wondering where does all the water go? Many onlookers, out of…

Minnesota’s Moose Population Shows Signs of Stabilizing

February 27, 2017

The Associated Press,

Photo: MN DNR ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Minnesota’s moose population is showing signs of stabilizing after a steep decline, but officials say the majestic creatures of the North aren’t out of the woods yet. The Department of Natural Resources on Monday, put northeastern Minnesota moose population at 3,710. Because of the difficulty of counting the animals, Minnesota Public Radio…

Woman Dies in Snowmobile Accident in Iron County

February 27, 2017

Melissa Lentz,

IRON COUNTY, Wis. – On the afternoon of Saturday, Feb. 25, 2017, around 5:30 p.m., the Iron County Sheriff’s Department received a call of a snowmobile crash on Trail 17 approximately a half mile north of the DuPont Road Intersection in the town of Oma. According to Iron County Tony Furyk, Pamela A. Knaack, 51, of Oconomowoc, Wisconsin was unresponsive…

2017 American Birkebeiner Cancelled

Birkie Fever Continues Despite the Cancellation

February 24, 2017

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For only the second time in 44 years all ski races set for this weekend’s Annual American Birkebeiner have been cancelled. The only other time this happened was in 2000. Organizers for North America’s largest cross country ski race held out hope for this weekend as a potential snow storm was on the horizon. Last minute efforts started early as…

American Birkebeiner, Kortelopet, Prince Haakon Races Cancelled

February 24, 2017

Melissa Lentz,

HAYWARD, Wis. – After unseasonably warm weather and rain, and the predicted snow missing the Hayward and Cable area, the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation announces the cancellation of the 2017 American Birkebeiner, Kortelopet, and Prince Haakon cross-country ski races. Instead, BirkieStock 2017 will take place as an inaugural celebration of the American Birkebeiner Trialhead and start area. Skiers, spectators,…

Early Thaw at Jay Cooke State Park

FOX 21's Photojournalist Adam Jagunich takes us there

February 24, 2017

KQDS Staff,

Jay Cooke Melting

Mont du Lac Still Open Despite Warm Weather

Could go to Weekend-Only Schedule Soon

February 23, 2017

Site Staff,

MONT DU LAC, Wis.-Despite the recent string of rain and warm temperatures, Mont du Lac is still buzzing along with many winter sports enthusiasts enjoying the hills. Preparation are key this year for outlasting an unusually warm trend. Management of the resort told us that current conditions are “variable,” as the weather is acting more like spring then winter. “Winter…

Birkie Trail and Race Updates

Snow Is In The Forecast

February 23, 2017

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HAYWARD, Wisc. – Over 40,000 people are expected to arrive in the Northland tonight in anticipation for the 2017 American Birkibeiner Race. With the recent warm week melting nearly all of the snow pack from this winter, trail conditions are on everyone’s mind. Right now only the north half of the trail from Cable, Wisconsin to Trailhead OO is possibly ski-able on…

Thousands Bunking in Hayward for Annual American Birkebeiner

Hotels are Filling Up Across Many Parts of Wisconsin and Minnesota in Preparation for the Annual Ski Race

February 23, 2017

Brett Scott,

HAYWARD, Wisc. – The annual American Birkebeiner calls for a lot of booking when it comes to travel reservations. Officials say the average commute from from hotel to the trail for a race participant can be up to two-and-a-half hours long. It’s why local hotels receive calls nearly one year in advance before the big weekend. “It is very important…

Deer Management Seminar

DNR Puts Plan Together To Maintain Good Deer Population For Years To Come

February 22, 2017

Joey Norton,

Duluth, Minn Deer hunting in the Northland is a big deal and the DNR now has a plan to keep it that way. The plan is a first of its kind in Minnesota and its focus is on maintaining a healthy deer population that offers recreational and economic opportunities. Deer hunters came together tonight to discuss the plan that includes…

Boy, 13, Dies After Being Shot While Hunting in Michigan

February 22, 2017

The Associated Press,

GREENWOOD TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) – Authorities say a 13-year-old boy has died after being shot in the head while hunting small game in western Michigan. Michigan State Police responded Saturday to a report of a hunting accident in Oceana County’s Greenwood Township and found the boy from the Grand Rapids-area community of Wyoming had been shot. He was taken to…

Another Catch-and-Release Season Expected on Mille Lacs Lake

February 22, 2017

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Walleye anglers face another year of catch-and-release fishing on Mille Lacs Lake. The Star Tribune reports that the Department of Natural Resources officials told the Mille Lacs Fisheries Advisory Committee last week to expect a second consecutive catch-and-release season as it tries to rebuild the popular lake’s struggling walleye population. Central region fisheries manager Brad Parsons says…

Duluth Firefighters Urge Planning Ahead for a Disaster

Are you prepared?

February 22, 2017

Melissa Lentz,

DULUTH, Minn. – Disasters take many forms from fires to earthquakes, and they can strike anywhere, at anytime. “Before a disaster strikes, it’s important for families to have a plan. If you don’t already have one, start one today. Prepare now, so you don’t panic later,” says Local 101 firefighter Pete Johnson. Local 101 suggests using the following guidelines to…

Duluth Closes 85 Miles of Traverse Trails

Warm weather has left many of the trails in poor condition

February 21, 2017

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – The warmer conditions in the area have caused Duluth to close nearly eighty-five miles of trails. Many of the traverse trails are in delicate condition. The trails are wet, muddy, and prone to damage. Cyclists of Gitchi Gumee Shores said that going out onto the trails in these conditions will lead to water gathering on them that…

Event Changes Announced for the Birkie

February 21, 2017

Melissa Lentz,

HAYWARD, Wis. – With the unseasonably warm temperatures, the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation (ABSF) has announced that Birkie Week events scheduled for Friday, February 24, have been moved to Saturday, February 25. These events include the Kortelopet and Prince Haakon races. In addition, ABSF officials have determined there are three possible scenarios for Saturday events. SCENARIO 1: With some snow…

Energy Design Conference and Expo to Open at DECC

Event Gives Professionals and Homeowners Chance to Learn Green Methods and Technology

February 20, 2017

Andrew Kirov,

DULUTH, Minn. – A conference opens tomorrow at the DECC to showcase energy saving designs for homes and other buildings. The event offers a chance for contractors, architects, students and homeowners to learn the latest in green building methods and new energy efficient technology. “We live in a region that really takes energy efficiency and energy conservation very seriously. I think when…

Change of Course for the Birkebeiner

Due to warm weather conditions, Lake Hayward is no longer safe for skiers

February 20, 2017

Melissa Lentz,

HAYWARD, Wisc. – With warm weather conditions throughout the state, along with a forecast of rain Monday, the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation (ABSF) has announced that an adjustment to the overall race course for Birkie Week events is required. After warm weather over the weekend, Lake Hayward is no longer a viable option for racers. As part of a normal…

Senate Confirms Scott Pruitt as Head of EPA

February 17, 2017

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Senate has confirmed President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the Environmental Protection Agency. Scott Pruitt was approved on Friday by a vote of 52-46. Pruitt served six years as Oklahoma’s attorney general and was closely aligned with oil and gas companies in his home state, whose executives backed his political campaigns. He filed 14 lawsuits as…

Garbage, Human Waste at DAPL Camps Main Concerns of Polluting Missouri River

THE GARBAGE ISN'T THE ONLY THING THAT MAY MAKE ITS WAY TO THE RIVER AND CREATE A NEGATIVE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

February 17, 2017

Site Staff,

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — Governor Burgum’s concerns for cleaning up at the main pipeline protest camp rise along with the temperatures. He issued an evacuation order on Wednesday. He says what protesters have left behind could end up polluting the rivers. Protesters left their mark on the site of the Dakota Access pipeline. That area of land floods almost every spring….

Wisconsin Lawmakers Ditch Plans to End Daylight Saving Time

February 17, 2017

The Associated Press,

MADISON (AP) – Two Republican lawmakers have scrapped a bill to end daylight saving time in Wisconsin amid a backlash on social media and now want to make the sunshine-extending time change permanent year-round in the state. Representatives Samantha Kerkman and Michael Schraa introduced a bill last week that would have eliminated daylight saving time in Wisconsin. The change would…

Expert: Small Plastic Being Found In Soil

February 16, 2017

Joey Norton,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Researchers say when plastic breaks down, it forms into tiny particles that lay in the ground for years. They say some of those particles are then ingested by fish and other animals and could end up on our dinner table. Dr. Lorena Rios studies the impact of plastic waste in the twin ports and she said she…

‘Bag-It Duluth’ Calls On City Council For No-Plastic Ordinance

February 16, 2017

Joey Norton,

DULUTH, Minn. – Momentum is building as community members gather to talk about and potentially come up with a plan to rid away from using plastic bags and Styrofoam to–go containers. The event Thursday that was hosted by “Bag–It Duluth.” The group is hoping to raise the level of concern involving plastic and our surrounding water supply. Researchers and city…

$60,000 Collection of Lake Superior Agates Stolen, Owner Offering Reward

February 16, 2017

Site Staff,

WRIGHT COUNTY, Minn. (KMSP – Fox 9) – A Wright County man is asking those who collect and sell rocks to be on the lookout after his unique collection of Lake Superior Agates worth tens of thousands of dollars was stolen. Hunting down rare and unusual gemstones has been Jesse Lofgren’s passion for the last 20 years. Now he is…

Major Flooding Possible in Northern Red River Valley

February 16, 2017

The Associated Press,

GRAND FORKS, N.D. (AP) – Forecasters say there is an increased risk for moderate to major flooding in the northern Red River Valley of northeastern North Dakota and northwestern Minnesota this spring. those areas have the wettest soils and highest snowpack conditions, according to an updated spring flood outlook, released Thursday by the National Weather Service. The forecast says the…

Anglers Can Fish Without a Michigan License this Weekend

February 16, 2017

The Associated Press,

LANSING, Mich. (AP) – Want to go fishing but don’t have a license? No problem, but just for a couple of days. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has scheduled its Winter Free Fishing Weekend for Saturday and Sunday. No license is required, although other fishing regulations will remain in force. The free weekend is held each year to promote…

Enbridge Adds Part of Dakota Access Pipeline to Their System

Using $1.5 Billion Bridge Loan for Acquisition

February 16, 2017

Matt Suoja,

DULUTH, Minn.-Enbridge has announced it’s acquiring 27.6 percent of the Bakken Pipeline System. That pipeline is part of the very controversial Dakota Access Pipeline, which runs through some ancient Native American sites in North Dakota. It’s has also caused concern for the environment in that region as well. Both of those issues have caused large protests at the site. Enbridge…

Free Beekeeping 101 Workshops

The workshops will be held at Barstow Hall on the UWS Campus

February 16, 2017

Melissa Lentz,

UPDATE: Due to the overwhelming interest, all sessions are at capacity. Plans are in the works to add more sessions for the spring! SUPERIOR, Wis. – The University of Wisconsin-Superior is hosting a free Beekeeping 101 workshop this weekend. Two workshops are planned for this weekend, one on Saturday February 18 from 9 a.m. – noon and another on Sunday…

New DNR Estimates Show Wisconsin Hunters Took More Deer in 2016

February 15, 2017

The Associated Press,

MADISON (AP) – Updated data from the state Department of Natural Resources shows hunters killed about 4,280 more deer during this past nine-day gun season than they did in 2015. Preliminary estimates after the season ended in November put the kill total at 196,785, down from 198,057 in 2015. Updated figures the DNR released February 7 show hunters took 202,338…

Mediation Program Helps Struggling Minnesota Farmers

February 15, 2017

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL (AP) – Low commodity prices are causing financial pain on Minnesota farms, but bankruptcies are rare thanks in part to a state mediation program. Minnesota Public Radio reports the farmer-lender program requires lenders to offer struggling farmers the chance to renegotiate debt terms with the help of a mediator before repossessing any property. The program began during the…

Group Sues Feds for Delaying Bumblebee’s Endangered Listing

February 14, 2017

The Associated Press,

This 2012 photo provided by The Xerces Society shows a rusty patched bumblebee in Minnesota. Federal officials said Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2017, that the rusty patched bumblebee has become the first bee species in the continental U.S. to be declared endangered after suffering a dramatic population decline over the past 20 years. (Sarina Jepsen/The Xerces Society via AP)TRAVERSE CITY, Mich….

County Board Shows Support for National Forest Mining and Fighting Invasive Species

February 14, 2017

Site Staff,

DULUTH, Minn.-The St. Louis County Board today approved a resolution in support of copper mining in Superior National Forest and funding to fight aquatic invasive species. The copper mining resolution calls on Trump’s administration to reverse President Obama’s decision to block mining in 234,000 acres of the forest. Last week, commissioners heard arguments on both sides of the issues, and…

Minnesota Slip Clean-Up Plans

The contaminated sediment of the Minnesota Slip will be capped.

February 13, 2017

Zach Richie,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has announced that the contaminated Minnesota Slip will be dredged and capped. Nearly 37,000 cubic yards of sediment are contaminated where the William A Irvin is docked. The toxins located in the sediment are at high enough levels that they could affect the bugs and fish that live there. However, the contaminated…

Warm Weather Brings Out the Shovels

But the Thaw-Freeze Cycle is Bad for the Roads

February 13, 2017

Lena Takada,

DULUTH, Minn.- The warm weather helps the ice break up, making it easier to remove snow and ice from sidewalks, roads, and driveways. The warm weather even helps city workers remove ice using less chemicals. Many people are enjoying the warm weather, and utilizing it to finish up some chores. With temperatures well over freezing, ice and snow is easy…

The Latest on Problems with an Emergency Spillway at Nation’s Tallest Dam

February 13, 2017

The Associated Press,

A damaged spillway with eroded hillside is seen in an aerial photo taken over the Oroville Dam (Croyle/Handout via REUTERS )OROVILLE, Calif. (AP) _ The Latest on problems with an emergency spillway at the nation’s tallest dam (all times local): 12:40 p.m. The acting head of California’s water agency says he’s “not sure anything went wrong” on a damaged spillway…

Wisconsin Fire Officials Ask Walker for Help

February 13, 2017

The Associated Press,

MADISON (AP) – Wisconsin fire officials are calling on Governor Scott Walker to expand to use of circuit interrupters in new homes. Firefighters, electrical inspectors, and other fire safety officials held a news conference at the state Capitol on Monday asking Walker to enact the recommendation of an advisory panel of experts. The state Department of Safety and Professional Services…

New Study Looks at Impact of Boundary Waters Tourism

Study found that visitors spent nearly $57 million when visiting the wilderness in 2016.

February 10, 2017

KQDS Staff,

BWCA Tourism

Wisconsin Lawmakers Propose Ending Daylight Savings

February 10, 2017

The Associated Press,

MADISON (AP) – Republican lawmakers are looking to make the summer sun set earlier. Representatives Samantha Kerkman and Michael Schraa introduced a bill Friday, that would eliminate daylight saving time in Wisconsin. The move would mean state residents would no longer have to move their clocks ahead an hour in the spring. That would mean the sun would appear to…

Wisconsin’s Deer Overpopulation Harms Soil, Plant Growth

February 10, 2017

The Associated Press,

MADISON (AP) – New research from the University of Wisconsin-Madison suggests an overpopulation of deer is having a long-term impact on the state’s forests. Wisconsin Public Radio reports that biologists have known for a long time that an overabundance of deer negatively affects the number and diversity of plants in our forests, but a new study headed by Autumn Sabo,…