Environment Archives - Page 29 of 30

Minnesota Man Fatally Shot Hunting Coyotes in North Dakota

February 10, 2017

The Associated Press,

EDGELEY, N.D. (AP) – A Minnesota man has died in an accidental shooting while hunting coyotes in North Dakota. LaMoure County Sheriff Bob Fernandes says 57-year-old Ron Rechtzigel of Cannon Falls, Minnesota, was hunting near Edgeley when he died Tuesday. Fernandes says Rechtzigel was hunting coyotes with two other men in a field. The sheriff says the weather was poor,…

Active Adventures: Winter Bike to Work Day

Dozens of Duluthians Rode Their Bikes to Work Friday, Celebrating Winter Bike to Work Day

February 10, 2017

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – Friday morning, more than 30 Northlanders grabbed their bikes and headed to the Duluth Rose Garden to celebrate International Winter Bike to Work Day. The day is observed across the globe and aims to normalize winter biking. Cyclists gathered at the Rose Garden around 7:30, and rode via Superior Street to the Minnesota Power Plaza. Event organizers from…

Trump Blocks Listing Bumblebee as Endangered

One day before it was to be added to the endangered species list

February 9, 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….

Updated Water Appropriation Permit Application from PolyMet Received by DNR

Technical experts with the DNR will now review the updated applicaion

February 8, 2017

Melissa Lentz,

ST. PAUL – PolyMet Mining, Inc. has submitted their updated water appropriation permit application to the Department of Natural Resources. This updated permit application includes a request for an appropriation from Colby Lake. Technical experts from state, local, and tribal governments associated with the DNR will review the updated application, and it will be considered with the previously received applications…

Republicans Push for Carbon Tax to Fight Climate Change

February 8, 2017

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) – A push by a group of senior Republican statesmen for a tax on carbon to help combat the effects of climate change is already meeting entrenched opposition from their own party. Former Secretary of State Jim Baker with to the White House today, looking for Trump administration support for the plan. It would place a new tax…

Army to Allow Completion of Dakota Access Oil Pipeline

February 7, 2017

The Associated Press,

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – The Army has notified Congress that it will allow the $3.8 billion Dakota Access pipeline to cross under a Missouri River reservoir in North Dakota, completing the four-state project to move North Dakota oil to Illinois. The Justice Department filed court documents Tuesday including letters to members of Congress from Deputy Assistant Army Secretary Paul Cramer….

Clean Water Gala Supports St. Louis River Alliance

Organization Celebrates 21 Years

February 7, 2017

Natalie Froistad,

DULUTH, Minn. – This week the St. Louis River Alliance is celebrating 21 years of hard work with their Clean Water Gala. The event raises money for the St. Louis River Alliance and their efforts in cleaning up the St. Louis River Estuary. There will be a silent auction featuring a Harbor Cruise on Marine Tech Barge, a River Excursion…

Firefighters Battle More Than Blazes

Hypothermia is a Big Problem in Winter Fire Fighting

February 6, 2017

Lena Takada,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- More Heating and electrical appliances can mean more fires in homes across the Northland. When firefighters battle blazes in the wintertime, they may be in an environment like a burning house that can be more than 300 degrees, and within minutes come back outside to subzero temperatures. This contrast in temperature can cause hypothermia. To combat this, fire…

Meteor Over Lake Michigan Lights Up Sky in Several States

February 6, 2017

The Associated Press,

Videos from Lisle Police Department and Morton Grove Police GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP ) – A meteor over Lake Michigan lit up the sky Monday morning across several states in the Midwest. Dashcam video from police cruisers in Wisconsin and Illinois captured the fireball streaking through the night about 1:30 a.m. In addition to Illinois and Wisconsin, the American…

Upstate New York Digging Out of 5 to 8 Feet of Lake-Effect Snow

February 6, 2017

The Associated Press,

OSCEOLA, N.Y. (AP) – State crews and local public works employees are working to remove five to eight feet of lake-effect snow that has fallen on parts of upstate New York since last week. The National Weather Service says its meteorologists recorded 76 inches, more than six feet in Oswego County town of Redfield and 66 inches, around 5 feet,…

UW Study Finds DNR Under-reported Wolf Deaths

February 6, 2017

The Associated Press,

MILWAUKEE (AP) – A new study has found the state Department of Natural Resources has underreported wolf poaching. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers reviewed the deaths of 937 wolves from October 1979 to April 2012. The state’s first wolf hunting season began that fall. Of the 979 wolves, 431 wore radio collars. The researches found that…

PolyMet Forum Addresses Possible Environmental Impacts of Mining Project

Health and Environmental Experts Led Discussion about Proposed Mining Project Near Hoyt Lakes

February 4, 2017

Andrew Kirov,

DULUTH, Minn. – A panel discussion of the potential effects of the proposed PolyMet Mine was held in Duluth today. The forum allowed Northlanders to learn more about the possible environmental impacts of the mine, which may be built between Hoyt Lakes and Babbitt. Three health and environmental experts led the discussion which centered around potential impacts to the Duluth…

One Dead in Cloquet House Fire

Multiple Agencies responded to Scene

February 3, 2017

Matt Suoja,

CLOQUET, Minn.- One person is dead after a fire destroyed a home and attached garage at about 8 p.m. last night near Cloquet. Multiple agencies responded to the fire at 3912 Highway 33 spending hours extinguishing the flames. The body of the victim has been seen to Anoka for an autopsy. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. …

Protesters Oppose Mining in National Forest

Crowd Gathered Outside Congressman Nolan's Office Following Recent Announcement

February 2, 2017

Greg Chandler,

DULUTH, Minn. – A group of protesters gathered in front of U.S. Rep. Rick Nolan’s downtown Duluth office Thursday. Earlier in the week, Rep. Nolan coming out in favor of reversing the Obama Administration decision which blocked mining in more than 234,000 acres of the Superior National Forest. These acres are close to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, which has…

Ice Orbs Are Gathering for Art Collaborative at Lake Superior Ice Fest

February 1, 2017

William Seay,

SUPERIOR, Wis. — It’s getting colder and colder this week, which is wonderful news for those organizing the Lake Superior Ice Festival, taking place this weekend. Preschool children from Superior delivered dozens of frozen ice orbs to the festival grounds on Barkers Island earlier this morning. It’s the first of a group of community members that have frozen water balloons to…

Minnesotans Encouraged to Swap Older Stoves

Project Stove Swap Offers Homeowners an Incentive to Replace Wood-Burning Stoves

January 31, 2017

Greg Chandler,

DULUTH, Minn. – You’ve likely heard of “Cash for Clunkers”; well, there’s now a similar program for wood–burning stoves. Project Stove Swap gives Northern Minnesotans an incentive to replace their older, inefficient wood–burning stoves with a newer more environmentally friendly model. The project is a partnership between Minnesota Power and the non–profit Environmental Initiative. Organizers say swapping out an old…

Committee to Finalize CWD Recommendations in Wisconsin

January 31, 2017

The Associated Press,

MADISON (AP) – An advisory committee is getting ready to finalize its recommendations for revisions to Wisconsin’s long-term chronic wasting disease program. The Department of Natural Resources adopted a 15-year plan in 2010, which calls for a review following the 2015 hunting season. The DNR, state agriculture officials and the Conservation Congress set up a committee to assess the plan…

Cow Moose Rescued After Fall into Idaho Basement

January 31, 2017

The Associated Press,

KETCHUM, Idaho (AP) – Authorities say a female moose is safe after she fell through an unlatched window into the basement of an Idaho home. The Idaho Mountain Express reports that the moose spent about three hours in the basement early Sunday morning. Law enforcement officers and those form the Idaho Department of Fish and Game tried to get the…

MnDOT Applies Seeks Funding for “Can Of Worms” Project

The project would be completed in three phases, the first beginning in 2019

January 30, 2017

Matt Van Winkle,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Transportation has submitted an application for a federal grant, in hopes of funding a major project to fix the well–known “Can of Worms” interchange on Interstate 35 in Duluth. The grant was submitted to the Federal Highway Administration to fund $45 million towards the first of the three-phase project. If the grant is…

Deer Sterilized in Ann Arbor to Help Decrease Population

January 30, 2017

The Associated Press,

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) – Dozens of female deer have been sterilized in Ann Arbor, as part of the nonlethal phase of the city’s winter 2017 deer management plan. The Ann Arbor News reports that veterinarians performed surgeries on 54 does over the last week at a makeshift operating room at the Huron Hills Golf Course. Veterinarian and lead surgeons…

Death Toll from Southeast Tornadoes Rises to 21

January 27, 2017

The Associated Press,

Photo: Fox 8 ALBANY, Ga. (AP) – The death toll from a weekend outbreak of tornadoes and severe thunderstorms int he Southeast has increased to at least 21. A 77-year-old woman in southwest Georgia died form storm-related injuries, Thrusday night, at a hospital. Dougherty County Coroner Michael Fowler told The Associated Press on Friday that Patricia Ann Gohman received head…

Minnesota Poultry Farmers Warily Watch Bird Flu Outbreaks

Bird flu has been found in 40 countries, putting WHO on high alert

January 27, 2017

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL (AP) – Poultry farmers in Minnesota are cautiously watching the spread of bird flu in Europe and Asia. Minnesota Public Radio reports that the World Health Organization is on “high alert” because the bird flu virus has been found in 40 countries around the world since last fall and is quickly spreading. Michael Osterholm, director of the University…

Fungus Killing Northern Minnesota Bats

Bats at the Soudan Underground Mine have been dying from white nose syndrome.

January 26, 2017

Zach Richie,

Somewhere between 8,000-12,000 bats call the Soudan Underground Mine home, but a wide spreading fungus is hurting their numbers. The fungus known as white nose syndrome grows on the bat’s muzzle and causes them to wake up from their winter hibernation. The bats then leave the mine to look for food, but don’t have enough fat stored up for the…

Official: Trump Wants to Slash EPA Workforce, Budget

January 26, 2017

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) – The former head of President Donald Trump’s transition team at the Environmental Protection Agency says he expects the new administration to seek budget and staff cuts. Myron Ebell left the transition team last week saying, in an interview with The Associated Press, that his specific proposals to the White House remain confidential. But asked what he personally…

Grand Avenue Estates Project Gets Pollution Grant

Development Project Near Morgan Park Gets a Boost

January 25, 2017

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DULUTH, Minn- There is growing excitement for a major housing development along the St. Louis River corridor that hit a polluted snag. The city of Duluth and the developer have landed a $654,000 clean–up grant from the state. That money will go towards the nearly 1 million cost to get rid of contaminated soil on the property. This means the…

Wisconsin Point Restoration Plans Taking Shape

The project will focus on eliminating areas of concern, specifically to dunes along the peninsula

January 25, 2017

Matt Van Winkle,

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – Plans for restoration on Wisconsin Point are nearing completion. The Superior Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department shared design details of the project with residents tonight. The restoration focuses on eliminating areas of concern, specifically to the dunes along the peninsula. Some of the planned changes on Wisconsin Point include boardwalks from updated parking lots to the dunes…

Animal Answers: Mushing with Endurance Kennels

Endurance Kennels Specialize in Sprint Sled Dog Racing; Teaches Community Members about the Sport of Mushing

January 25, 2017

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – The 34th running of the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon will kick off this weekend, after months of hard work and preparation from mushers and their dogs. But what is it like for sled dogs that prefer to mush a shorter distance? In this week’s Animal Answers, we’re mushing with Endurance Kennels. “I usually start my morning…

Investigators Seek Tips About Upper Peninsula Wolf Poaching

January 24, 2017

The Associated Press,

STAMBAUGH TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) – Michigan conservation officers are appealing for public tips about the illegal shooting of a wolf in the Upper Peninsula’s Iron County. The Department of Natural Resources says the poaching happened about 10 miles southwest of Iron River, in Stambaugh Township. A passerby spotted the wolf Sunday afternoon lying several feet off East Brule Lake Road,…

Winter Weather to Impact Wednesday Morning Commute

Snow and mixed precipitation expected to impact road conditions across northern Wisconsin

January 24, 2017

Melissa Lentz,

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) is reminding motorists to be cautious if traveling in what could be hazardous conditions. Snow and a mix of snow and rain is expected to make driving difficult Tuesday evening through Wednesday. Precipitation is expected across the majority of the state, and road conditions will become slippery as snow mixes in. Snow is expected…

Trump Administration Institutes Media Blackout at EPA

January 24, 2017

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Trump administration has instituted a media blackout at the Environmental Protection Agency and barred staff from awarding any new contracts or grants. Emails sent to EPA staff since President Donald Trump’s inauguration on Friday and reviewed by The Associated Press detailed the specific prohibitions banning press releases, blog updates, or posts to the agency’s social media…

Flint Water Falls Below Federal Lead Limit

Falls below "Action level" of 15 ppb

January 24, 2017

The Associated Press,

LANSING, Mich. (AP) – Michigan environmental officials say Flint’s water system no longer has lead levels exceeding the federal limit. The finding by the Department of Environmental Quality is good news for a city whose 100,000 residents have grappled with the man-made water crisis since 2014. Officials told The Associated Press, ahead of an official announcement Tuesday, that the 90th…

Trump Takes Executive Action on Oil Pipelines

January 24, 2017

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) – President Donald Trump has signed executive actions to advance the construction of the Keystone XL and Dakota Access oil pipelines. Trump tells reporters in the Oval Office that the construction of the pipelines will subject to the terms and conditions being renegotiated by the United States. Former President Barack Obama killed the proposed Keystone XL pipeline in…

Standing Rock Rally Shows Support for City Council

Supporters of a resolution showing solidarity with those of the Standing Rock Sioux tribe thanked the Duluth City Council for passing the resolution.

January 23, 2017

Zach Richie,

DULUTH, Minn.-The Duluth City Council recently passed a resolution expressing their support for the Standing Rock Sioux tribe. It’s a decision that the council has heard both praise and criticism for making. Supporters of the resolution held a rally in the city hall rotunda and thanked the council for their actions. Those supporters said the city council was well within…

Renewable Energy Fund Gets Critical Look

January 23, 2017

The Associated Press,

ST. PAUL (AP) – Republican state lawmakers are considering killing a renewable energy fund that they say has been a failure. They say the programs haven’t done much to lower the cost of renewable energy. They’re propsoing to shift the money instead of a general energy account. Representative Marion O’Neill of Maple Lake says doing so would make sure state…

NASA 2016 Temperature Report

Latest Report From NASA Shows Warmest Year on Record

January 18, 2017

KQDS Staff,

Meteorologist Gino Recchia discusses the latest NASA report for 2016 as the warmest year on record since records began back in 1880. 16 of the 17 hottest years on record have occurred since 2000 and the planet only seems to continue to warm. Categories: Environment, Weather Blog

City of Duluth Seeking Input for Western Waterfront Trail Plans

An online survey is available and will be used to find out what the public would like done to the area

January 18, 2017

Matt Van Winkle,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Western Waterfront Trail, located from near the Lake Superior Zoo to Morgan Park, connects many neighborhoods and recreational areas along Duluth’s west side.City officials are asking for public input regarding future plans along the trail corridor on the St. Louis River. The city of Duluth is investing over $18 million towards the project. Currently, the city…

Duluth Lakewalk Mini-Master Plan

City to Begin Comprehensive Plan to Reviltalize Duluth's Lakewalk

January 18, 2017

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DULUTH, Minn- There could be some changes on the way to the Duluth Lakewalk. The city is hoping to create a plan, that will help earn funding to revitalize the Lakewalk. Recently the Lakewalk has been plagued by everything from heavy crowds to general wear and tear, but now in 2017 it’s time for some fresh ideas. Starting later in…

Dark Skies Protest Party

People Protest Duluth's New Street Lights

January 18, 2017

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There’s been some concern about new street lighting in Duluth’s downtown district. Those involved are protesting the cities decision to use intense LED lighting along certain streets in Duluth. The protests’ supporters claim that the new lights will ruin Duluth’s historic feel but won’t make the streets any safer. Owner of Take Action Inc. Rod Raymond says, “When it comes…

Nearly 60,000 Acres Returned to Red Lake Band

Bureau of Land Management finalized the return of the land, Friday

January 18, 2017

Melissa Lentz,

In support of meeting the nation’s obligations to the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians in Minnesota, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) announced Friday, that the BLM has completed its land surveys and legal identification of nearly 60,000 acres, scattered across five northern Minnesota counties, that were restored to the Red Lake…

Report: More Work Needed on Identifying Great Lakes Toxins

Familiar toxins seem to be declining, but others are emerging

January 18, 2017

The Associated Press,

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) – A report by a U.S. – Canadian agency says the two nations are behind schedule on identifying chemical pollutants in the Great Lakes and developing strategies to deal with them. Familiar toxic substances such as PCBs and dioxins appear to be declining or at least getting no worse in herring gull eggs, a key indicator…

Water Levels on Lake Superior at Normal For ‘Mild’ Winter, Experts Say

January 17, 2017

William Seay,

DULUTH, Minn. — Temperatures have been up and down since winter began, but how about the water levels on Lake Superior? Dr. Bob Sterne, director of the Large Lakes Observatory at University of Minnesota Duluth says week to week temperature changes don’t have too much effect on lake water balance, but overall winter weather patterns do. Dr. Sterner says in…

Highway 53 Relocation Ahead of Schedule

New highway expected to open in November

January 17, 2017

Andrew Kirov,

VIRGINIA, Minn. – Last fall, work began on the Highway 53 relocation project near Virginia. Plans call for the new roadway to be open to traffic this November. But so far, the work is moving along. The colossal new Highway 53 bridge towers above Rouchleau Pit near Virginia. “You’re looking at the completed span of the bridge now. We got…

Dayton Announces $350M in Federal Funds for Water Quality

Will provide direct funding to MN farmers, while working to protect and improve waters in 54 Minnesota counties

January 17, 2017

Melissa Lentz,

ST. PAUL – Governor Mark Dayton, today, January 17, signed an agreement with the United State Department of Agriculture, to secure $350 million in federal funding to protect and improve waters in 60,000 acres across 54 Minnesota counties. The new state-federal effort, the Minnesota Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP), will target areas of southern and western Minnesota facing significant water…

Majority of Superior Shipyard Workers Test Positive for Lead

Investigation began last Spring

January 17, 2017

Natalie Froistad,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Health officials say the majority of more than 200 workers tested for lead exposure at a Superior shipyard had elevated levels of lead in their blood. Wisconsin and Minnesota health departments began a joint investigation last spring after workers at Fraser Shipyards were exposed to lead while retrofitting the Herbert C. Jackson originally built in 1959. Wisconsin…

ATV Accident Leaves Teen in Critical Condition

January 16, 2017

Melissa Lentz,

FREDENBERG TOWNSHIP, Minn. – On January 16, 2017, around 3:00 p.m., the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office, along with area volunteer fire departments, responded to an ATV crash involving a 13-year-old male driver near the 6500 block of Stevens Road in Fredenberg Township. The involved driver, Logan Rautio, was air-lifted to a Duluth hospital in critical condition. The operator was…

2016 Shipping Season Coming to a Close

Coal and Iron Ore Shipments Went Down, Grain Shipments Saw Record Numbers

January 16, 2017

Lena Takada,

DULUTH, Minn. – The 2016 shipping season is coming to a close, with the last Last Laker of the Season, the Lee A. Tregurtha arriving in the Twin Ports earlier today. Duluth Seaway Port Authority representatives say this year’s shipping season was a bit steady. Though grain shipping saw record numbers, The Iron Ore shipments didn’t pick up until the…

Search Canceled for Father, Toddler Swept into Ocean

January 16, 2017

The Associated Press,

NORTH BEND, Ore. (AP) – The Coast Guard has suspended its search for a father and his young son who were swept into the sea by a wave along an Oregon beach. The agency, along with Oregon State Police and other responders, searched unsuccessfully Sunday and Monday for 31-year-old Jayson Dean Thomas, of Elmira Oregon, and his 3-year-old son. Thomas…

Indoor Plants Liven Up Homes

Experts Give Us a Tip on How to Keep Them Alive

January 13, 2017

Lena Takada,

DULUTH, Minn. – Many people use indoor plants to liven up the inside of their homes. And though taking care of indoor plants can seem effortless, it’s important to learn about the type of plant to have to avoid giving it too much or not enough water or light. In the winter time, keep plants away from the window to…

Shipping Season Heading into Winter Layup

The last few freighters are heading into port as the season wraps up

January 13, 2017

Melissa Lentz,

DULUTH, Minn. – The 2016 Great Lakes commercial shipping season wraps up this weekend with the Soo Locks (Sault Ste. Marie) set to close at midnight Sunday, January 15. The last four freighters heading into the Port of Duluth-Superior for winter layup will be the Philip R. Clarke, Arthur M. Anderson, Lee A. Tregurtha, and the Roger Blough. Two outbound vessels left the…

Mountain Iron Fire Leaves One Dead

Two Others Taken to Hospital

January 13, 2017

Matt Suoja,

UPDATE 1-16-17: Authorities have confirmed that the female who died in this fire has been identified as Ginnie L. Hanka, 57, from Mt. Iron, Minnesota. Her husband, 61-year-old David M. Hanka, from Mt. Iron, is currently in critical, but stable condition at Essentia Health St. Mary’s Hospital Burn Unit. Their son, David M. Hanka Jr., 25, is also at Essentia…