Environment

Lake Superior Zoo Worker Spots Owl Stuck In Car’s Grill At Bentleyville

DULUTH, Minn. — What was supposed to be a stroll through Bentleyville Tour of Lights in Bayfront Festival Park Monday evening turned into quite the rescue of an owl. Annabell Whelan, guest experience manager at the Lake Superior Zoo, spotted the owl stuck in the grill of someone’s car in Bayfront parking lot as she was leaving Bentleyville. Whelan said…

Ideal Temps Bring Ice Fishing Back to the Bay

DULUTH, Minn. – During the summer, the “lake side” of Park Point attracts thousands to its beaches; but during the winter months, the “bay side” is the place to be. While the temperature is expected to climb in the coming days, ice fishermen have been back on the bay thanks to an early season freeze. Today’s ideal temps drew a number…

Minnesota DNR To Launch New EagleCam

MINNESOTA — The Minnesota DNR is introducing a new eagle camera, that will go live for the first time this Thursday. The new camera will feature a new breeding pair of eagles. The original camera will be in the area as well, occasionally seeing the previously featured pair that lost their nest in 2023. That same pair made a new…

Brad Is Back! Sheep Safely Captured After Weeks-Long Getaway

The sightings of Brad over the past weeks even caught the attention of Twin Cities media.

A multi-county, multi-week search for Brad, the daring sheep on the run from city to city, came to a safe end Tuesday with one story to tell. Midway Township sighting Monday “Oh God. I don’t even feel like it’s real. I don’t think it’s real, but it is,” said Shana Roberts, a volunteer at the Lake County Humane Society in…

Wildcat Sanctuary Expands Both Acres and Residents

SANDSTONE, Minn.– Lately, there’s a lot to be excited about at the Wildcat Sanctuary in Sandstone. The Wildcat Sanctuary recently expanded from 80 acres to 200 acres, when they were able to buy 120 acres of additional land. The Wildcat Sanctuary does not have any plans for the new space. They are using the additional land as a buffer for…

Braaad The Sheep: Minneapolis’ FOX 9 Covers Duluth-Area Sheep On The Run

DULUTH, Minn. — Our friends at FOX 9 in Minneapolis had some fun today talking about Brad, the missing sheep, that’s been on the run for at least two weeks now — from Two Harbors to Proctor.  Click the video below to watch the segment with Anchor Amy Hockert and Senior Producer Amber Milner.  Click here to watch FOX 21’s…

Conference at the DECC Brings Invasive Species Researchers Together

DULUTH, Minn. — Scientists, students, and professionals from several states gathered at the DECC on Wednesday to discuss invasive species this week. The biannual upper Midwest Invasive Species Conference offers an opportunity for those researching invasive species to share their findings with a wide range of colleagues. And learn from one another, on how to best manage the threats certain…

St. Louis County Landfill Unveils Geothermal Field

VIRGINIA, Minn.– St. Louis County’s landfill got a new first-of-its kind technology in the state that creates new energy from garbage. A ribbon cutting was held today in Virginia at the site of the landfill’s new 10-acre geo-thermal field. The field has a specialized liner with coils at its base. Heat produced through decomposing garbage will now be captured in…

The Wildcat Sanctuary Expands by 120 Acres

SANDSTONE, Minn. — The Wildcat Sanctuary in Sandstone is expanding its footprint by 120 acres. The adjacent land has always been on the eyes of executive director Tammy Thies. So, when she saw the for-sale sign pop up recently, she immediately made an offer. Thies says the new land will act as a natural buffer between wild animals and the…

Great Lakes Outdoor Summit Takes Place at the DECC

DULUTH, Minn. — An event for outdoor recreation enthusiasts took place at the DECC on Friday. The Duluth Area Outdoor Alliance hosted the Great Lakes Outdoor Summit. The summit draws in people from across the Upper Midwest, allowing for businesses, advocates and other organizations to connect, build community and learn more about the great outdoors. The summit had 12 engagement…

Superior Mayor Says NTEC Is Scrapped; Minnesota Power Says No

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Superior Mayor Jim Paine believes the proposed Nemadji Trail Energy Center, or NTEC, is officially not going to be built along the Nemadji River. But Minnesota Power says that is not the case. Paine’s conclusion comes after Minnesota Power and its NTEC partner, Dairyland Power, recently withdrew their air permit to build the natural gas-powered plant near…

Minnesota Bigfoot Conference In Grand Rapids This Weekend

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. — An event surrounding a big hairy mythical creature is taking place this weekend in Grand Rapids. The 5th annual Minnesota Bigfoot Conference is all about spreading awareness of the education and protection of the creature. It is put on by the Minnesota Bigfoot Research Team who have been working together for 24 years now. The event…

Twin Cotton-Top Tamarins Born at Lake Superior Zoo

Courtesy of Heidi Beal, Zoo’s Staff Photographer DULUTH, Minn. — A pair of critically endangered animals have been born at the Lake Superior Zoo. The cotton-top tamarin twins were born on Sept. 15. These types of monkeys live in close-knit family groups and are joined by 2 siblings, along with their mom Mira and dad Deno. Cotton-tops are protected under…

2nd Annual Wisconsin Stormwater Week

SUPERIOR, Wis. — It’s the second annual Wisconsin Stormwater week. The week is all about spreading awareness of the sources of stormwater pollution. Wisconsin Land and Water is hosting webinars. And Tuesday they held one on road salt, commonly used to clear ice during the winter and its effects on the environment. Wednesday they discus ponds, and Thursday they will…

Minnesota Power To Build 2 New Solar Power Plants

Minnesota Power is expanding its solar footprint with plans to build two large solar projects in northern Minnesota. The Regal Solar project will be built near Royalton with 255,000 solar modules on about 800 acres. The Boswell Solar project will include 180,000 solar modules on about 600 acres. The two sites will have a combined capacity of around 204 megawatts….

Erickson Orchards Opens Doors for Fall Season

  BAYFIELD, Wis.– Despite the Bayfield Apple Festival happening right around the corner, apple orchards are taking advantage of the fall season in the meantime by opening their doors for guests. Before the Apple Fest, guests can check out their gift shop and sample their bakery. The family business has served the Bayfield community for over one-hundred years. Owner and…

Hawk Weekend Takes Flight at Hawk Ridge

  DULUTH, Minn.– This well-known birding spot is kicking off their most popular weekend of the year! Hawk weekend is catering to the bird enthusiasts in the Northland by celebrating one of the busiest migration weeks.  Specifically, the arrival of broad-winged hawks will be highlighted this weekend. Hawk Ridge has been participating in research and education programs for over 50…

5th Graders Head Outside For Forestry Day

DULUTH, Minn. — 5th graders got the chance to learn all about the outdoors for National Forestry Day. Students learned about tree identification, safe hiking practices, and more. Twelve schools were in attendance across three local parks. We caught up with the groups at Upper Spirit Mountain. The other locations were Lester and Chester Parks. Each park was set up…

Lake Superior Reserve Launches First Buoy

SUPERIOR, Wis. — An exciting new addition to the Lake Superior family made its way to the waters. At Wisconsin Point, Lake Superior Reserve deployed their first buoy into the water. The device is solar powered, and they’re eager to introduce this new research opportunity to the Northland. The team positioned the buoy to monitor where the St Louis River,…

Great Lakes Tree Planting Initiative Kicks Off in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — State lawmakers from the Great Lakes region are on a mission to plant 250 million trees along the Great Lakes by 2033. Four of those trees were planted Monday in Duluth, across from Pier B along Railroad St. The ceremony included Minnesota, Wisconsin and Illinois lawmakers. Local officials like Duluth Mayor Roger Reinert were also there. The…

Mayor Reinert Directs Internal Review Post Fish Kill In Tischer Creek

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Mayor Roger Reinert said on Sunday that he has directed internal leadership to review all procedures and training to figure out how 1.7 million gallons of treated drinking water got into Tischer Creek in August, ending with the killing of more than 1,000 fish. Reinert took to social media Sunday to say the city’s drinking water…

Lake Superior Harvest Festival Celebrates 30 Years

DULUTH, Minn. — Bayfront Park was the place to be this weekend for the 30th annual Lake Superior Harvest Festival. The grounds were packed Saturday with people enjoying everything from live music to home-goods and produce shopping. There was also an energy fair to explore. A local farmer and his family have been selling at the festival for years. Here’s…

Public Hearing Mon., Sept. 9 On SWL&P’s Proposed Rate Increases

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Residents in Superior are invited to a public hearing Monday involving rate increases proposed by Superior Water Light and Power (SWL&P). The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin is hosting the public hearing at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. at the Government Center in Superior, room 270.  The overall proposed increase is 5.9%, or about $7.3 million. This…

Minnesota DNR Shares 2024 Fall Colors Season Outlook

MINNESOTA — Cooler air is just around the corner and with that comes the beautiful fall colors in Minnesota. The Minnesota DNR shares what to expect this season. Experts say fall colors typically peak in mid-to-late September through mid-October. This year’s growing season has been wetter which is better for the trees. But with that comes fungal leaf diseases that…

Billings Park Unveils New Woodstock Bay

SUPERIOR, Wis.– A once polluted Woodstock Bay in the St. Louis River is now restored for swimming and outdoor recreation. The new bay features the only boat launch within the 44-00-acre Superior Municipal Forest. This 1.4-million-dollar project encourages visiting the wetlands in the urban setting. Woodstock Bay is home to unique scenic outlooks, a pavilion, and a canoe landing. Superior…

Update On Tischer Creek Fish Kill: 1.7 Million Gallons of Drinking Water Released

DULUTH, Minn. — There is an update on the fish kill that happened in July in Duluth’s Tischer Creek. State officials say the amount of drinking water released into the creek was much larger than first reported by the City of Duluth. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency says the initial report was 500,000 gallons from the Woodland Reservoir. The City…

Wisconsin Residents Voicing Concerns on Line 5 Reroute Project

WISCONSIN. –Residents of Wisconsin are voicing their concerns about the proposed Line 5 reroute project. Enbridge is proposing to relocate a 41-mile-long portion of its existing Line 5 pipeline. Line 5 transports over half a million barrels of crude oil and natural gas to Wisconsin each day and creates the propane that comes directly to Northern Wisconsin. The pipeline currently…

Birding Event Welcomes Anyone to Get Involved in the Hobby

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Did you know baby birds “graduate” into adulthood? Every August, young birds mature into their full-grown state as they prepare for migration. And in Superior, people celebrated the start of migration as birds make their way down south. The “Anyone Can Bird” event is a series of birding adventures where everyone is welcome. The event aims to…

FOX 21 Volunteers During ‘Broadcasters Week Of Kindness’

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Broadcasters Association has declared this week as “Broadcasters Week of Kindness.” The goal is for local journalists to get out into their communities and volunteer. Earlier this week, FOX 21 Reporter Emily Halling visited Wired Whisker Cat Cafe in Duluth. And on Thursday, FOX 21’s Maria Vollom, Rusty Mehlberg and Dan Hanger headed out to…

City Of Duluth Releases Statement After 1,000+ Fish Die In Tischer Creek

DULUTH, Minn. — The city of Duluth says it is cooperating with regulatory agencies after more than 1,000 fish were found dead last week in Tischer creek. The DNR confirmed that hundreds of brook trout, minnows, crayfish, and aquatic bugs were among the dead. Field crews from the DNR and Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MCPA) collected fish and water samples…

Fish Found Mysteriously Dead in Tischer Creek

DULUTH, Minn. — Under mysterious conditions, residents along Duluth’s Hunters Park neighborhood woke up Thursday morning to dozens and dozens of dead fish along Tischer Creek. According to the Duluth News Tribune, about 250 brook trout, minnows, crayfish, and aquatic bugs were dead. The DNR and Minnesota’s Pollution Control Agency crews have taken samples of the aquatic creatures and water…

Canadian Snowbirds Launch Free ‘Air Spectacular’ Over Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — The Canadian Snowbirds swooped into Duluth Wednesday evening for a free show over Lake Superior — the Duluth Air Spectacular. People were able to watch the show from the Lakewalk, the Rose Garden, at Fitger’s, and in Canal Park. Nine aircraft from the Canadian Snowbirds showed off some impressive displays.  The city of Duluth was selected as…

Wis. Farming Family’s Dog Killed By Wolves; Congressmen Tiffany, Stauber Talk Wolf Hunt

MASON, Wis. – Living up north means living with some of America’s most beautiful creatures, like gray wolves, which are on the endangered species list. But for a farming family in Mason, Wis., they say the growing wolf population has become a serious problem for their livestock and even their beloved pets, as FOX 21’s Dan Hanger reports. Growing up…

Tuesday At 9 P.M.: Wis. Farming Family Speaks Out After Wolves Kill Family Dog

MASON, Wis. – Coming up Tuesday night on FOX 21 Local News at 9, a special report from Mason, Wisconsin, involving a recent wolf attack. You’ll hear from life-long residents of northern Wisconsin who say the wolf population is out of control, killing livestock and even and 11-year-old Labrador just feet from its house. “I know that wolves, they’re a…

St. Louis River Alliance Clearing Way for Endangered Piping Plovers

Heavy rain washed wood debris ashore, blocking the shorebirds from their potential new home and nesting grounds

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — Volunteers and workers from the St. Louis River Alliance teamed up to remove debris from the Piping Plover habitat on Wisconsin Point. The sun was beating down on the sand along Wisconsin Point, but that didn’t deter the crew working to clear the Piping Plover Site. They chopped and burned logs and wooden debris that washed ashore,…

Spirit Lake Reopens as Part of St. Louis River Site Contaminant Free

After years of restoration, the U.S. Environment Protection Agency announced another larger portion of the St. Louis River Site to be cleared around Spirit Lake from pollution where former US Steel plants once stood in West Duluth.

DULUTH, Minn. — For decades now, the over 500-acre site commonly referred to as the St. Louis River Site contained pollutants from the former US Steel facilities. Today, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and members of US Steel confirmed the portion surrounding Spirit Lake is now contaminant free. Over the last three years, crews have worked on removing polycyclic aromatic…