Environment Archives - Page 9 of 29

City Of Duluth Wants DNR Grant To Fight Emerald Ash Borer

January 23, 2022

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth city councilors will also vote on a resolution to continue the city’s effort to remove and replace diseased trees from Emerald Ash Borer. The resolution authorizes the city apply for a grant from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ forest program to not exceed $150,000. The money will help reimbursement for removing more than 500 infected…

Freezing 5k Doesn’t Stop Northland Runners From Giving Their All

It didn't even reach 1 degree yet at Spirit Mountain Saturday morning, when some tough runners warmed up for the Wild Winter Wipeout 5k.

January 22, 2022

Natalie Noury,

DULUTH, Minn. — It’s what skiers would call a blue bird day, but we’re not here at Spirit Mountain right now for skiers, we’re here for a different kind of athlete who’s come out and braved the elements to do what they love. It didn’t even reach 1 degree yet at Spirit Mountain Saturday morning, when some tough runners warmed…

West Coast Under Tsunami Advisory Following Pacific Eruption

January 15, 2022

The Associated Press,

Japan Meteorology Agency via AP WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) – An undersea volcano has erupted in spectacular fashion near the Pacific nation of Tonga. The eruption on Saturday sent tsunami waves swirling around buildings and people rushing to higher ground. There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage because all internet connectivity with Tonga was lost. Following the eruption,…

UMD Professor Talks Open Winter Waters Of Lake Superior

January 12, 2022

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – Scientists continue to study the effects of climate change on Lake Superior the big lake is still showing plenty of open water in Duluth. While we have experienced a mild winter so far, experts say a lot can change with the temperatures, which can quickly add ice cover to Lake Superior and help scientists understand what the…

Duluth Fire Crews Extinguish Third Fire at Condemned Esmond Building this Winter

According to the Fire Chief, no one was found inside the building when crews arrived on-scene, though they have had reports of individuals inside seeking warmth recently.

January 10, 2022

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- A massive fire took over the former Seaway Hotel now known as the condemned Esmond Building in the Lincoln Park Craft District Monday, challenging firefighters with its fast spread in sub-arctic temperatures. Crews responded to the fire around 7:30 Monday morning. Just minutes later, three crews were pulled out of the building due to unsafe conditions and fire…

Anglers Take On Frigid Air For Ice Fishing Off Park Point

January 9, 2022

KQDS Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. – More than a dozen anglers were out braving the frigid air in the bay off Park Point Sunday hoping to bring home some fish for dinner. Click the video to hear from some of those anglers and see one big catch. Categories: Entertainment, Environment, Great Outdoors, News, News – Latest News, Weather in the News

Duluth Warming Centers at Capacity as New, Larger Facility’s Opening Delayed

The new warming center in Lincoln Park was supposed to open in December, but COVID supply chain issues pushed that to February.

January 5, 2022

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn- Duluth’s homeless population is truly feeling the pain from these types of cold nights. And that’s fueling a desperate call for more attention and investment in affordable housing — as a new and bigger warmer center has been delayed for months. A new warming center in the lower level of the Lincoln Park Center is in its final…

Be Wary of Frostbite, Hypothermia while Ringing in New Year, Firefighters Say

Frostbite can set in in less than 10 minutes on exposed skin, so emergency officials say layers are your friend in the cold.

December 30, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- With temperatures dipping in and out of subzero the past few days, Duluth’s firefighters are telling people to be extra careful in the cold to avoid frostbite and hypothermia. Frostbite can set in in less than 10 minutes on exposed skin, so emergency officials say layers are your friend in the cold. But it’s still good to recognize…

Big Snow A Welcomed Sight At ‘Hi Banks Resort’

December 29, 2021

Mason Kroll,

FREDENBERG, Minn. – With plenty of snow on the ground and cold air now settled in Hi Banks Resort is ready for winter business. The resort is on Fish Lake in Fredenberg Township. It’s a popular spot for anglers and snowmobilers to stop in for a drink or stay the night in one of four cabins there. Hi Bank’s Resort…

Skiers, Snowboarders Enjoy Mont du Lac’s Holiday Camp

December 28, 2021

KQDS Staff,

Categories: Entertainment, Environment, Features, News, News – Latest News, Weather in the News, Wisconsin

Appeals Court: Group Can Sue Over Mining Rules

December 28, 2021

The Associated Press,

ELY, Minn. (AP) – A Minnesota appellate court has affirmed that a wilderness advocacy group has the standing to challenge state rules on copper mine sites. The Minnesota Appeals Court’s ruling Monday means that Northeastern Minnesotans for Wilderness’ lawsuit can continue. The group filed the action in June 2020 arguing the 29-year-old sitting rules should prohibit copper mining along waters…

Trashing the Christmas Tree? Junk Removers Offer Free Pickup

Just take all the ornaments off, and leave the tree on the curb, Twin Ports Trailer Trash will pick it up in January.

December 26, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- While you can’t have Christmas without a decorated tree, there comes a time where they have to come down and head out of our living rooms. One local junk removal business is once again making it easier to turn your Tannenbaum into trash. Twin Ports Trailer Trash is doing free Christmas tree pickups for the 3rd year in…

Falcon Hatched At Minnesota Power Spotted In Texas

December 23, 2021

KQDS Staff,

A special Duluth native – a peregrine falcon — was spotted in Texas recently after being born at a power station in Duluth. Surge is one of three falcons that hatched at Minnesota Power’s Hibbard Energy Center in Duluth in May of 2014. He has been identified in Texas thanks to a post on a Texas bird enthusiast’s Facebook page…

Hartley Nature Center Hosts Winter Solstice Luminary Hike

December 21, 2021

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Parks and Recreation Department celebrated the Winter Solstice Tuesday with Hartley Nature Center. A half-mile loop was lit up for a luminary hike, along with hot chocolate, a photo booth and a fire pit – all to celebrate winter’s the shortest day of the year. “Especially at night when we’re in the darkest days is…

Minnesota Lake Ice Shrinking As Climate Change Warms Winters

December 12, 2021

Dan Hanger,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Officials from Minnesota’s natural resources and pollution control agencies detail the ways climate change is diminishing Minnesota winters, with 10 to 14 fewer days of lake ice over the past 50 years. It’s a change they say hurts local economies, the environment and the Minnesota way of life. Warmer lake waters are leading to more toxic algal…

Snow Stompers Needed To Even Out Duluth Trails

The City of Duluth is looking for volunteer snow-stompers for 7 trail systems as far west as Ely's Peak to as far east as Jean Duluth Road.

December 7, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- You can help the City of Duluth “stomp out” any problems on snow-covered trails, by literally volunteering to stomp. The City of Duluth is looking for volunteer snow-stompers for 7 trail systems as far west as Ely’s Peak to as far east as Jean Duluth Road. They will provide snowshoes for stompers to rent for the season. The…

Tribal Liaison Dives Into Lutsen Mountains Ski Area Expansion Talks

November 28, 2021

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. (AP) – The Superior National Forest’s first full-time tribal liaison says he wants to work with the federal government on proposed expansion of the Lutsen Mountains Ski Area. Juan Martinez started his new role in January, but he didn’t move to Minnesota until July. He coordinates communication between the national forest and the three Ojibwe bands in northeastern…

Survey: Wisconsin Farmland Worth 10% More Than In 2020

November 27, 2021

Dan Hanger,

MILWAUKEE (AP) – A survey of Midwest farm bankers found Wisconsin farmland values are up 10% from the same period in 2020. A farm appraiser says the rise in land values is driven by strong commodity prices, and demand from non-farm buyers. The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago surveyed 151 bankers in their district, which includes Iowa and parts of…

Great Lakes’ Warming Has Wintertime Domino Effect

November 27, 2021

Dan Hanger,

CHICAGO (AP) – Winter is just around the corner, but experts say the Great Lakes haven’t gotten the message. The Chicago Tribune reports that summer and fall evenings failed to cool down sufficiently. So Great Lakes surface temperatures are trending above average. It’s an example of climate change. Record- or near-record warm spells in Minnesota, Wisconsin, New York and Illinois…

Reviving Ojibwe Spiritual Traditions, One Pet At A Time

November 27, 2021

Dan Hanger,

CASS LAKE, Minnesota (AP) – Several members of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe in northern Minnesota are working to address animal neglect on their tribal lands – and in doing so bringing their community closer to its spiritual roots. Kids are helping their elders in animal rescues, pet food and supplies are routinely distributed in the community and the…

Free Entrance to All Minnesota State Parks This Friday

November 25, 2021

Brett Scott,

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – If you’re looking to shed those added Thanksgiving pounds after a day of non-stop eating, then Minnesota State Parks will be the place to go this Friday. Minnesota state parks and recreation areas offer four free admission days per year. The final one for this year lands on the Friday after turkey day. At Gooseberry Falls…

Expect To Pay More For Christmas Trees, Experts Say

November 21, 2021

Dan Hanger,

HUNTINGTON, N.Y. (AP) – Add Christmas trees to the list of items facing shortages and higher prices this year. Several factors are driving the trend, Newsday reported. These include over-the-top sales last year during the first Christmas during the COVID-19 pandemic and supply chain issues this year. Experts said tree buyers should expect to pay between 10% and 30% more…

Researchers Assessing Restoration On Minnesota Trout Streams

November 21, 2021

Dan Hanger,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – A team of northern Minnesota researchers is evaluating the results of millions of dollars of major restoration work on dozens of trout streams across the state in the last decade. In addition to finding out whether the trout have returned, the state needs to know if realigning creeks has upset their natural connection with groundwater or if…

Piedmont Students Take Learning to New Heights Launching Weather Balloon to Space

The students attached science experiments to the balloon, to see how they will react in the stratosphere.

November 15, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Piedmont Elementary School science students are once again taking their learning up, up, and away launching a weather balloon into space today. The balloon is equipped with a high-altitude computer so the students can study the altitude, temperature, and barometric pressure here on earth. But this year, the 5th grade students wanted to do more than just go…

Trail Closures around Duluth for Fall Freeze

November 12, 2021

Natalie Noury,

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth’s trails will be closed for the next week or so to allow the ground to re-set and freeze over part of Duluth Parks and Recreation’s annual fall freeze. This comes twice a year, usually in the Spring and Fall. Parks and Rec staff say this year’s closure is right on par with last year’s on November…

Battle Over U.S. Wolf Protections Heading to Federal Courtroom

Wildlife Advocates Ask the Judge to Restore Protections for Wolves

November 12, 2021

The Associated Press,

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) – U.S. government attorneys are set to appear before a federal judge to defend a decision from the waning days of the Trump administration that lifted protections for gray wolves across most of the country. The hearing on Friday before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey White in California comes as officials in Republican-led states including Wisconsin, Montana, and…

St. Louis River Alliance Hosting Sustainability & Membership Drive

The Drive Ends Tuesday, Dec. 14, 2021

November 11, 2021

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – The St. Louis River Alliance is celebrating another successful year of hard work with a sustainability drive happening now through Tuesday, Dec. 14. Throughout the rest of 2021, the organization will be hosting various events in the community to share current initiatives and encourage people to connect with the St. Louis River. There will be multiple fundraisers…

Rivet Run 5k Helps Support Pattison State Park

November 8, 2021

Natalie Noury,

SUPERIOR, Wis. — More than 50 people came together for the Rivet Run/Walk 5k at Pattinson State Park, which is home to Wisconsin’s tallest free standing waterfall. Proceeds raised by the runners and organizers is helping give back to maintain the place they love so much. Pattison State Park was established in 1920, and features almost 1,500 acres of woods…

Warm Fall Weekend Perfect Chance for Many to Check Out Amnicon Falls

November 6, 2021

Adam Jagunich,

DULUTH, Minn.- Plenty of locals and out-of-towners took advantage of the warm fall weather to check out the sights and sounds of Amnicon Falls. FOX 21 Photojournalist Adam Jagunich takes us there. Categories: Environment, Features, News, News – Latest News, Weather in the News, Wisconsin Tags: Adam Jagunich, Amnicon Falls, Amnicon Falls State Park

City of Duluth to Offer Parking Alternatives During Snow Emergencies

November 5, 2021

Lauren Akabori,

DULUTH, Minn.- Although the Northland has only experienced hit or miss light snow showers, the city of Duluth is getting prepared for its very first snow emergency enforcement by creating parking alternatives for residents with their parking pilot lot program. Two thousand three hundred snow emergency signs were installed across Duluth earlier this year. So when it begins snowing hard,…

UMD Holding Pumpkin Compost Drive

UMD held a compost drive for people looking for a place to ditch those gourds.

November 5, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. — With Halloween in the rearview mirror, it’s time to say goodbye to your pumpkins and hit the road jack-o-lanterns. UMD held a compost drive for people looking for a place to ditch those gourds. Starting Friday, people can visit two locations on the campus to dispose of their pumpkins. One in the parking lot near the new…

Loose Cat Dumped Outside Animal Allies Highlights Issue of Illegal Abandonment

A cat let loose outside of a car prompted a day-long search and renewed calls for the proper drop-off of animals.

November 2, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth’s Animal Allies Humane Society is used to seeing animals brought in, but not animals jumping out of a car in their parking lot. That’s how one person dumped a cat there Tuesday, prompting staff to plea for people to properly drop off animals. In surveillance video, around 11:45 a.m. Tuesday, someone just pops open a door, lets…

Enbridge Fails To Meet Aquifer Cleanup Deadline in Minnesota

October 17, 2021

KQDS Staff,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Enbridge has failed to meet a deadline set by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources for cleaning up a site where an aquifer ruptured during construction of the Line 3 oil pipeline. The DNR had given the company until Friday to repair the damage to the artesian aquifer near Clearbrook. Regulators will require compensation for the additional…

UMD Student Organizations Clean Up Parks around City

10 different UMD student clubs and organizations fanned out across Duluth to clean up areas around neighborhoods and parks.

October 10, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- What better way to take in Duluth’s fall colors than by showing some TLC to Mother Nature? That’s exactly what some UMD students did Sunday. 10 different UMD student clubs and organizations fanned out across Duluth to clean up areas around neighborhoods and parks. One group at Bagley Nature Area says as they helped the environment, the environment…

Crowds Flock to Hawk Ridge for Migration Season

October 6, 2021

Natalie Noury,

DULUTH, Minn. — Not only is it the prime time of year to see the fall colors, but a few might not know that it is also the prime time of year to see thousands of birds migrate through Duluth. Hawk Ridge offers one of the top 5 best viewing places in the United States for bird watching, especially this…

Duluth’s Plastic Bag Fee Begins Oct. 15

September 29, 2021

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – After more than a year of delays, the city of Duluth is about to start its plastic bag fee. The 5-cent fee will take effect Oct. 15 for places like grocery stores and retailers. The fee per bag will be added on to the total bill at an establishment. The fee will not be required for the…

Skunk Named ‘Snacks’ Unexpectedly Dies At Great Lakes Aquarium

September 27, 2021

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. — There are heavy hearts at the Great Lakes Aquarium in Duluth after one of their animals died over the weekend from heart failure. Snacks, a 4-year-old striped skunk, began to rapidly get sick Sunday afternoon, which led to the difficult decision to humanely euthanize him. Care workers said heart failure in animals can happen at any time…

WLSSD Tips on How to Dispose of Fall Lawn Clean-up

September 27, 2021

Natalie Noury,

DULUTH, Minn. — As you start raking up the leaves in your yard, you may not have known that you’re really not supposed to throw bags of them in your regular trash bins. The Western Lake Superior Sanitary District wants you to drop off all that yard debris at its facility on 27th Avenue West in Duluth. You can bring…

City of Duluth, Ecolibrium3 Host Chalkfest to Draw Attention to Local Waterways

At the fall party, Ecolibrium3 showcased an assortment of watershed demonstrations, a free harvest soup lunch as a part of their Stone Soup Project, and several other activities.

September 25, 2021

Lauren Akabori,

DULUTH, Minn.- In collaboration with the City of Duluth, Ecolibrium3 hosted a Lake Superior Stormwater Chalkfest fall party, including family-friendly activities. At the fall party, Ecolibrium3 showcased an assortment of watershed demonstrations, a free harvest soup lunch as a part of their Stone Soup Project, and several other activities. They also invited the community to stop by and show off…

DWP Trail Re-Opens with Better Access for Disabled

September 21, 2021

Natalie Noury,

DULUTH, Minn. — The city of Duluth is celebrating upgrades to a 10-mile trail that’s now more accessible to people with disabilities. The Duluth Winnipeg and Pacific trail, as it’s known, runs from 63rd Street West to Becks Road. Today the Duluth Parks and Rec Department showed off infrastructure repairs there to make it ADA compliant. There’s a newly graded…

Logging Equipment Show Returns to Grand Rapids

The event also features many different events including the loader and master loader contests.

September 17, 2021

Site Staff,

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.-A major logging equipment show has returned to Grand Rapids after a one year hiatus due to the pandemic. The 67th annual North Star Expo is held through tomorrow at the Itasca County Fairgrounds and features over 100 exhibitors with a showcase focused on the latest in logging technology, while also serving to honor loggers. “We harvest less…

Barkers Island Green Infrastructure Projects Help Control Storm Water Flow, Reduce Flooding

Community leaders got a tour of the five Green Infrastructure projects which are either completed, in progress or upcoming.

September 17, 2021

Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Five environmental projects focused on helping to slow the flow of stormwater and reduce flooding were showcased at the Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve on Barker’s Island this week. Community leaders got a tour of the five Green Infrastructure projects which are either completed, in progress or upcoming. This includes engineered wetlands, strategic plants, and permeable parking…

Visitors Flock to See Fall Migration at Duluth’s Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory

Hawk Weekend Festival is Happening Friday, Sept. 17 - Sunday, Sept. 19

September 15, 2021

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – Each fall, millions of birds flock south, migrating to warmer climates for the winter months. Happening now, the natural phenomenon is attracting repeat visitors, and new watchers to Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory for the great fall migration. “Would you like to see 10,000 hawks in one day come right over your head?” If you ask the average…

Barkers Island Beach Closes due to Presence of Blue-Green Algae Bloom

This beach is closed for swimming and no longer being monitored for the season and the city is unsure of how long the bloom will stay there.

September 10, 2021

Arman Rahman,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The City of Superior has closed the swimming beach at Barkers Island, due to the discovery of a blue-green algae bloom at the beach area. Blue-green algae blooms can produce toxins that can make people and animals sick after they swallow, breathe in, or have contact with the water. This beach is closed for swimming and no longer…

Lake Superior Harvest Festival Returns to Bayfront Park

Lake Superior Harvest Festival is Happening Saturday, Sept. 11 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

September 9, 2021

Brett Scott,

DULUTH, Minn. – Fall is the perfect time of year to get your hands on locally grown, farm-fresh produce and goods. The Lake Superior Harvest Festival will return to Bayfront Festival Park on Saturday, September 11. It’s happening from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Participants are invited to enjoy the largest farmer’s market in the region as well as artisan…

Grand Rapids Police Help Get Buck Unstuck from Hammock

One of the officers nearly took a hit from a hoof before the deer's hind legs also got tangled, making it easier for them to cut it free and get that buck, unstuck.

September 7, 2021

Arman Rahman,

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.- Hammocks can be tricky for some humans, but two Grand Rapids Police officers last week had to help out a deer tangled in one. In a video posted by the Grand Rapids Police Department, the two officers got a blanket normally used for accidents and medical calls and tried to calm the deer down, but he wasn’t…

Greenwood Fire 49% Contained as Gov. Walz, Senators Get Up-Close Look at Damage

The state officials said Monday, it was eye-opening to see the extent of the damage, and the work the firefighters have achieved thus far.

September 6, 2021

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn. – Fire crews report the Greenwood fire is almost half contained. The more than 26,000-acre blaze drew the attention of Governor Tim Walz and Senators Tina Smith and Amy Klobuchar Monday. “I think being on the ground it’s always helpful for me to see it. And just to see what these folks have been going through like you…

UPDATE: Greenwood Fire 49% Contained as of Monday Night

September 6, 2021

Arman Rahman,

NEAR ISABELLA, Minn.- Fire crews in the Superior National Forest report the Greenwood wildfire is 49% contained as of late Monday night. The news happening the same day Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and U.S. Senators Tina Smith and Amy Klobuchar toured the site of the Greenwood fire and saw the damage it has caused firsthand. Also on Monday, the Lake…

Divers Identify Broken Pipeline As Source Of Gulf Oil Spill

September 5, 2021

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON (AP) — Divers at the site of an ongoing oil spill that appeared in the Gulf of Mexico after Hurricane Ida have identified the apparent source as one-foot diameter pipeline displaced from a trench on the ocean floor and broken open. Talos Energy, the Houston-based company currently paying for the cleanup, said in a statement issued Sunday evening that…

Twin Ports Coastal Cleanup Aims to Keep Northland Shores Spotless

The event was part of a worldwide project called the International Coastal Cleanup.

September 3, 2021

Reece Lindquist,

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — 5th Graders at Lake Superior Elementary School got together to pick up trash at the Arrowhead Boat Landing in Superior. The “Twin Ports Coastal Cleanup” brought the students together with Mayor Emily Larson and Superior Mayor Jim Paine in an effort help clean up our northland waterways. Organizers say you’re never too young to take care of…