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…
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…
A wildfire in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) is now 27 acres and 25 percent contained. The fire ignited Sept. 10 on an island in Wood Lake, which is about 14 miles northeast of Ely. Some recreational areas nearby are shut down for now. Officials with the Superior National Forest said the fire is “human caused.” For more…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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 — 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…
DULUTH, Minn. — Fall migration season is in full swing at Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory in Duluth. The non-profit has been counting birds for over 50 years. They work with other Hawk watches across North America to understand populations and how birds are doing. They also have staff around to educate visitors on different species. Birds come from all over,…
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…
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 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…
A possible wolf-dog hybrid has been spotted in northern Minnesota that has researchers baffled. Video from the Voyageurs Wolf Project shows what appears to be a mix of a wolf and large dog hanging with two adult wolves. The animal has dark fur with light-brown legs and a short bushy tail. Researchers with Voyageurs also wonder if it’s a wolf…
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…
Click the video above to see some or your fantastic shots of the Northern Lights from Sunday night! Categories: Environment, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
DULUTH, Minn. — Community members stepped on deck to learn all about the Blue Heron research vessel in the Duluth. UMD’s Large Lakes Observatory hosts the Science on Deck event in the Duluth Harbor near Pier B Resort. There are three days of tours offered this summer. Scientists and staff are on hand to give tours, talk about their recent…
SUPERIOR, Wis. — Mont du Lac Resort in Superior is welcoming back Bowfest all weekend long. Fox 21 photojournalist Adam Jagunich shows us the World’s Largest Outdoor Archery and Music Festival. Categories: Community, Environment, News, News – Latest News
SUPERIOR Wi. — Veterans are taking a nature trip to celebrate serving our country. A handful of veterans are heading out on a weeklong getaway to the Boundary Waters in Ely. The participants will do activities such as fishing, canoeing, and playing cards. This free annual trip has been going on for eight years now, and each time, the participants…
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,…
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…
DULUTH, Minn. — At the end of the month, UMD’s Large Lakes Observatory will be hosting an event, spreading knowledge on research happening on Lake Superior. The first ever Freshwater Discovery Day will take place on July 31. The all-day event will kick off with a cruise on Lake Superior. Scientists and UMD students will share their findings and stories…
HERMANTOWN MN. — Tucked away in the basement of the World of Fish building, The Snake Pit is a hidden gem for reptile enthusiasts. Guests can get to know animals like snakes, geckos, skinks, tarantulas, tortoises, and even an alligator. Just to name a few. For Snake Pit owner Roger Hill, this hobby, and business, has been a lifelong passion…
DULUTH, Minn.– Folks paddled on down for this Boundary Waters fundraiser Friday Afternoon. There was a good turnout for the 2nd annual Paddlin’ For The Boundary Waters fundraiser in Duluth. Bent Paddle Brewing welcomed local food vendors, and businesses. During the party, Dave Simonett’s band ‘Dead Man Winter’ put on a concert for guests. There was also a chance to…
(AP) — A railroad bridge collapsed during flooding in the Midwestern U.S. that has forced water rescues, led to evacuations, caused at least one death and brought additional misery during a vast and stubborn heat wave. The bridge connecting North Sioux City, South Dakota, with Sioux City, Iowa, collapsed into the Big Sioux River late Sunday, an emergency manager said….
Some areas of the Northland had stalled cars, washed out roads and flooded basements. It other places, the earth literally opened up. That was the case along a portion of the Mesabi Bike Trail near Biwabik, with a gaping cave-in between Giants Ridge and Highway 135. Tuesday night emergency crews were called into the rainy darkness to deal with a…
NORTHLAND – Severe storms brought plenty of disasters in northern Minnesota Tuesday night. The National Weather Service reports 1.5 to more than 7 inches of rain have fallen within just a few hours. Tornadic wind speeds brought reports of a waterspout spotted outside of Tofte at 5:19 p.m., a confirmed tornado outside of Cotton, and funnel clouds spotted over Moose…
DULUTH, Minn.– The Lake Superior Zoo is celebrating a special week. A week celebrating an important part of nature. Pollinators are responsible for keeping the ecosystem alive and thriving. The Lake Superior Zoo kicked off the week with pollinator day, where they highlighted the keystone species. “Coming to the zoo, you can learn about pollinators and learn about native and…
DULUTH, Minn.– A new exhibit made a splash Friday morning at the Great Lakes Aquarium. The Oceans Alive made its debut. The goal with this new exhibit is to represent how our oceans, climate, and local habitats are all connected. The project combines both freshwater, and saltwater enclosures in one area. They are welcoming a giant Pacific octopus, along with…
It’s been quite the week of animal sightings in the Northland. A homeowner’s doorbell camera caught a cougar taking a prowl in Hermantown. In Virginia, at least one horse was caught on camera galloping along Highway 53. And also in Virginia, a mama bear and her four cubs explored the deck of Virginia Deputy Chief Chad Nickila. Click the video…
DULUTH, Minn. — A workshop took place at the Great Lakes Aquarium on Friday to inform those on what is in our lakes and rivers. The University of Minnesota hosts the Aquatic Invasive Species or AIS Detectors Core Course. Around 20 people attended the event to be better informed on how to identify those creatures and report them. Species include…
CARLTON, Minn. — The Swinging Bridge at Jay Cooke State Park in Carlton is celebrating its 100-year anniversary. The bridge has been a landmark for people to explore the outdoors and make memories throughout the years. Park staff spoke on Wednesday about the history of the well-known bridge. There have been five versions over time. Its last rebuild was after…
ASHLAND, Wis. — The room was packed at the Line 5 public hearing Tuesday with the crowd overflowing into two adjacent rooms. Each person was able to speak for three minutes. Before the hearing started, supporters and opponents of the relocation effort weighed in. Sharon Vlari opposes the relocation and said it puts the cart before the horse. “They do…
SUPERIOR WI. — The Tribute Tree Program made its rounds in Superior Tuesday morning. 16 trees were planted throughout the city. The trees give the chance to remember a loved one or celebrate accomplishments like anniversaries, graduations, and memorials. The trees are planted at the neighborhood or boulevard of the donor’s choice. For one tree planter, choosing a unique and…
DULUTH, Minn. — An important training took place at the College of St. Scholastica Monday, preparing those who spend a lot of time outdoors for worst-case scenarios. Longleaf Wilderness Medicine is hosting an 80-hour first responder course preparing people for back-country travel. Those who participated are emergency medical providers, guides, and recreators that wanted additional knowledge. On Monday they focused…
DULUTH, Minn. — Confused on where to throw what appliance where or do you house hazardous materials like unused cleaning products, paint, or alkaline batteries? Saturday, Western Lake Superior Sanitary District held a free community clean-out day in Lincoln Park to help people get rid of their old junk. This is the first event of its kind and had a busy…
SUPERIOR, Wisc. — Superiorites weren’t just outside to enjoy the weather. On Saturday, twenty volunteers met up at Wisconsin Point to help make a difference. Friends of the Lake Superior Reserve held their fourth annual Wisconsin Point Spring Beach Cleanup this weekend. Volunteers split off into groups all across the sandbar, working together to pick up litter and mark down…
DULUTH, Minn. — Farm Lande just outside of Duluth is kicking off growing season with plant pickup and the chance to meet the farm’s six new fluffy residents! Memorial Day Weekend is largely considered the start of growing season in Minnesota and its no different at Farm Lande. Duluthians who placed their pant orders in advance were stopping by to…
The ice is gone, the temps are rising and the rivers are ready for rafting. Minnesota Whitewater Rafting are ready to get people out on the St. Louis River this Memorial Day weekend and the rest of the summer for wild adventures on the rapids. “You’re gonna to get wet. That’s the biggest thing. People always ask, is someone gonna…
DULUTH, Minn. — The United States Air Force Thunderbirds have landed in Duluth ahead of the big air show this weekend. The 15th Duluth Airshow is just about ready for take off. This weekend’s headliner, The Thunderbirds, includes eight pilots who will demonstrate the speed and accuracy of their F-16 Fighting Falcon jets. Major Jeffrey Downie — call sign “Simmer”…
DULUTH, Minn. — Now that warmer spring weather has arrived, more and more bugs are starting to come out and that includes both native and invasive species. Spongy moths are one invasive species that both Wisconsin and Minnesota take seriously as they infest over 300 types of trees and shrubs. In Wisconsin, the DNR has set up a new Spongy…
DULUTH, Minn. — A local volunteer group is helping keep Duluth clean. Friends of the Lakewalk hosted a clean-up Wednesday. They partnered with the UMD Enrollment Management for a total of about 40 volunteers. The group hosts two clean-ups a year, one in the fall and one in the spring. And Wednesday was all about picking up trash and sprucing…
HAYWARD, Wis. — Monday the city of Hayward was the location for a federal hearing on “Improving Access and Opportunities for Hunting, Fishing and Outdoor Recreation on America’s Federal Lands.” Testimonies were heard from witnesses from Wisconsin and Minnesota, they say reduced access to federal land is decreasing the amount of people recreating in outdoor activities like hunting. Hunting and…
CLOQUET, Minn. — Click the video above to see a spectacular time-lapse of the Northland Lights from Cloquet over the weekend, courtesy of viewer Dan Valdez. Categories: Environment, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News
