Environment Archives - Page 9 of 30

Great Lakes Aquarium Highlights Deep Sea Art Exhibit

The Merrill Lynch Fine Arts Gallery is a rotating gallery that showcases local and regional artists whose work captures the essence of Lake Superior.

March 30, 2022

Cam Derr,

DULUTH, Minn.– There’s a vibrant new art exhibit being featured at the Great Lakes Aquarium’s rotating fine arts gallery, one that captures the beauty of the creatures of the deep. Naomi Christenson, a local Duluth artist says her inspiration for the collection, titled Deep Sea Dances, comes from her longtime interest in sea life, as well as he background in…

Mayor Larson’s 2022 Focus: Economic Development, Public Safety, Connectivity, Sustainability

March 29, 2022

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Mayor Emily Larson was face-to-face with fellow leaders and supporters Tuesday evening for her first in-person State of the City Address in two years because of the pandemic. The theme of the speech was “lighting a path forward” to focus on economic development, public safety, connectivity and sustainability. As for economic development, Larson said the city…

Bird Flu Confirmed in Two Minnesota Poultry Flocks

The state Board of Animal Health says the poultry flocks are in Meeker and Mower counties.

March 26, 2022

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The bird flu has been confirmed in two poultry flocks in Minnesota. The state Board of Animal Health says the poultry flocks are in Meeker and Mower counties. Samples collected from both flocks were tested on March 25 and confirmed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture The state Board of Animal Health says it’s the first confirmed…

City of Duluth Asks for the Community’s Help with Lake Superior Shoreline Resilience Survey

Officials seek the public's help by participating in an online survey about coastal resilience along Lake Superior

March 25, 2022

Sophie Varner,

As part of the Advanced Assistance (AA) Coastal Resilience and Mitigation Study, the City of Duluth is asking for the public’s help to provide feedback through an online survey. Within the survey, citizens are asked questions about what coastal resilience concerns residents and visitors have in regards to Lake Superior’s coastline. The AA Coastal Resilience Mitigation Study is part of…

Partially Sunken Tugboat In Duluth Harbor Now Leaking Oil Into Slip

March 24, 2022

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – Environmental concerns are growing involving that partially sunken retired tugboat in the Duluth Harbor. This comes as at least a gallon of oil has leaked out into the slip’s water, according to the Duluth Coast Guard. “We do now have some sheening from the vessel. And that’s where we have the contractor putting sorbent material in the…

Retired Tugboat Remains Partially Submerged In Duluth Port

March 23, 2022

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – The U.S. Coast Guard released new information Wednesday about the retired tugboat partially sunken in the Duluth Harbor since Monday. The tugboat called Lake Superior remained partially under water Wednesday. The Coast Guard in Duluth said contractors are keeping the boat afloat and working to remove all potential pollutants like diesel fuel and oil. There have been…

Wildwoods Preparing for Spring, Warning About Rabbit & Bird Diseases

March 22, 2022

Rusty Mehlberg,

DULUTH, Minn. – The arrival of spring weather means the emergence of baby animals in the wild. Wildwoods Wildlife Rehabilitation took their first assistance call of the season March 21, reuniting a baby squirrel with its mother. They are reminding people to watch for nests, burrows, and dens as they begin yard, tree, and garden work. Removing a baby animal’s home…

Minnesota DNR: Line 3 Work Harmed Groundwater More Than We Knew

The state Department of Natural Resources says Enbridge Energy crews ruptured three groundwater aquifers while building the 340-mile pipeline across northern Minnesota last year.

March 22, 2022

The Associated Press,

(AP Photo/Jim Mone, File) ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9/AP) – The damage to public groundwater resources in Minnesota from missteps during construction of the Line 3 oil pipeline is more severe than previously known, state environmental regulators said. Enbridge Energy crews ruptured three groundwater aquifers while building the 340-mile (550-kilometer) pipeline across northern Minnesota last year and the company faces…

City of Duluth Spent $1.6 Million on Water Main Breaks, Leaks In 2021

According to Duluth's Chief Engineer for Utilities, Eric Shaffer in 2021 the City of Duluth spent roughly $1.6 million, fixing 103 water main breaks and 88 leaks.

March 18, 2022

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Water main breaks in the City of Duluth this year have not only been gushing out water but they’ve been forcing the city to gush out money for repairs. According to Duluth’s Chief Engineer for Utilities, Eric Shaffer in 2021 the City of Duluth spent roughly $1.6 million, fixing 103 water main breaks and 88 leaks. The record…

Day Two of UMD Environmental Summit

March 18, 2022

Mason Kroll,

DULUTH, Minn. – Friday was the second day OF UMD’S Environmental Summit, an event put on by SEE Change and other local environmental organizations. SEE Change is an acronym for Social, Environment, and Economic Change, and that what the summit was all about. Thursday, the event featured a sustainability fair with community organizations from throughout the state and today presentations…

Fire Officials: Stay Off Lake Superior’s Ice As Temps Rise Above Freezing

March 16, 2022

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – The deadline to get those ice fishing shelters off the water for the season may be Monday, but the boost in melting air and more of it to come this weekend have officials hoping they don’t have to respond to any emergencies, especially on Lake Superior. “There’s never really a safe time to be on the ice….

Duluth’s ‘Wild Birds Unlimited’ To Close Storefront, Try Online-Only Business

March 15, 2022

Mason Kroll,

DULUTH, Minn. – Wild Birds Unlimited, the only bird feeding franchise store in northern Minnesota, is closing its storefront in Duluth next month. But the owners are going to try to keep doing business online. Misty Bristol has owned Wild Birds Unlimited since 2013 in the Burning Tree Plaza. She bought the business from longtime owner Bob Heller, who opened…

U.S. Coast Guard Cutter ‘Spar’ Headed For New Homeport In Duluth

March 14, 2022

Dan Hanger,

With the deep freeze moving past us, a U.S. Coast Guard cutter known as the Spar is on its way to its new home right here in Duluth. The Spar was commissioned in 2001 and originally based in Kodiak, Alaska. The 225-foot buoy tender left in 2020 for the Coast Guard Yard to undergo maintenance in Baltimore, Maryland. The Coast…

As Spring Approaches, Flooding Concerns Grow For Homeowners

March 14, 2022

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. – As many people are getting anxious for warmer air to move in, some are getting anxious about flooding concerns, especially inside homes, which can quickly turn into a nightmare. Kevin Buck, owner of SERVPRO in The Twin Ports, said as ice melts off roofs, water can back up into a home’s shingles and get into ceilings and…

Duluth Improving Seawall, Preparing Harbor Drive Behind DECC for Cruise Ships this May

The global supply chain crisis drove up the cost of the seawall reconstruction, the head of the DECC said.

March 13, 2022

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Just in time for Duluth to welcome 7 Viking Cruise Ships beginning this May, the city has secured $5 million in federal CARES Act funding for the $8 million reconstruction of the aging seawall behind the DECC. “It’ll be ADA accessible, it’ll have, the whole plaza will be more pedestrian-friendly,” said Chris Fleege, Planning and Economic Development Director…

Minnesota DNR: Clear Ice Houses Off Northern Lakes By March 21st

If you have any trouble, officials say to just contact your local DNR officer for help.

March 13, 2022

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- The deadline is nearing for Minnesota anglers on frozen lakes north of Highway 2 and 10 to bring their ice houses back to shore. Midnight on March 21st is the cutoff for the Northern part of the state — a couple of weeks later than the March 7th deadline for Southern Minnesota, as the ice stays thicker longer…

Coast Guard Cutter Spar Headed to New Home in Duluth

The Coast Guard Cutter Alder left Duluth for Baltimore in mid-June 2021 and is expected to move to its new homeport in San Francisco this summer.

March 13, 2022

The Associated Press,

Photo: U.S. Coast Guard Cutter SPAR Facebook Page DULUTH, Minn. (AP) – The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Spar is traveling from Baltimore to its new homeport in Duluth. The crew’s duties will include maintaining aids to navigation, domestic icebreaking, search and rescue, and law enforcement. The Spar was commissioned in 2001 and originally based in Kodiak, Alaska. The 225-foot buoy…

NWS Warns of ‘Messy’ Storm Bringing Mix of Rain, Snow, Ice

The freezing rain this storm could bring has the potential to affect roads, trees, and powerlines.

March 4, 2022

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn-. The Northland is bracing for a winter storm bringing with it a mixed bag of elements we haven’t seen in a few months. “We’ve got quite the messy system that’s coming in this week, or, this weekend,” said Ketzel Levens, NWS Meteorologist. While winter storms over the previous months have brought colder temperatures and snow, forecasters at the…

Snow Squall Warning Issued For 1st Time Since 2020

What happens with a snow squall is like a winter version of a thunderstorm, bringing very localized heavy snowfall followed by a cold front.

February 18, 2022

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Experts say it was quick, but after almost blizzard-like conditions a snow squall Friday afternoon brought with it a blast of arctic air which made some roads a bit icy. “You can imagine if you’re just driving along and all of a sudden you have this just really quick burst of heavy snow that hits that leads to…

Hartley Nature Center Prepares for Summer Camps

February 17, 2022

Rusty Mehlberg,

DULUTH, Minn. – It may still be winter in the Northland, but preparations are underway for summer activities at Hartley Nature Center. Their slate of summer camps are set, with registration beginning at 8 a.m. on March 21. Park officials say they will be offering more all day options for 3 year old through sixth grade. New this year will be…

One Billion Invested Into Cleaning and Restoring Areas of The Great Lakes

February 17, 2022

Natalie Noury,

DULUTH, Minn. — Earlier Thursday, President Biden visited Lorain, Ohio, touting a major investment to pump one billion dollars into a great lakes restoration program impacting communities from Duluth to parts of New York. This announcement from the president and the EPA means that we will see a significant portion of that money fund rehabilitating Lake Superior. This investment is…

55th Annual Duluth Sport Show Back At DECC

February 17, 2022

Natalie Noury,

DULUTH, Minn. — The 55th Duluth Sport Show is back at the DECC and people are excited to take a shot at some of their favorite or new outdoor activities. The show unfortunately had to take some time off due to the pandemic, so after two years of silence, duck calls, trout ponds, and crowds filled the DECC once again….

Biden: Infrastructure Plan Gives $1 Billion for Great Lakes Cleanup

February 17, 2022

The Associated Press,

WASHINGTON, D.C. (AP) – President Joe Biden’s administration says the bipartisan infrastructure law will pump $1 billion into a Great Lakes restoration program. Biden travels to Lorain, Ohio, today to highlight the measure’s benefits for the lakes. Much of that extra money will help finish the cleanup of harbors and rivers polluted with industrial wastes in the last century. Thirty-one…

Coastal Infrastructural Resilience Project Planning Underway

February 16, 2022

Rusty Mehlberg,

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth and Saint Louis County are beginning the planning process for projects that would limit the erosion impact along parts of the Twin Ports region shorelines. They are using a $258,000 grant from FEMA to look at how to best handle the matter on the bayside of Park Point, and the North Shore between Brighton…

City of Duluth’s First Climate Action Work Plan In Place

February 15, 2022

Rusty Mehlberg,

DULUTH, Minn. – The City of Duluth has its first ever climate action work plan. City council members got their first look at it Monday, February 14, coming months after they passed a resolution declaring a climate emergency. You can read the full plan here. The plan is led by Mindy Granley, the city’s Sustainability Officer. “My job is to listen…

Locally Laid Egg Company ‘Scrambling’ For More Egg Cartons

Since the pandemic all paper products -- not just toilet paper -- have been at a premium, including cartons.

February 14, 2022

Arman Rahman,

WRENSHALL, Minn.- A Northland egg farm has found itself in a bit of a scramble, in desperate need of egg cartons due to the supply chain crisis. Locally Laid Egg Company out of Wrenshall goes through hundreds of cartons a week. But now they’re running out, and not sure how they’re going to fill their orders this week. Since the…

$19 Million in Federal Infrastructure Funding Awarded to Port of Duluth-Superior

It's one of the first grants to go out for ports as part of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs act enacted in November.

February 8, 2022

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- Millions of federal dollars are now going toward shoring up and improving the infrastructure of the Port of Duluth-Superior. It’s one of the first grants to go out for ports as part of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs act enacted in November. The act awards $19 million the Senator says to ensure the biggest port on all…

Winter Bike Week 2022 Kicks Off

February 3, 2022

Natalie Noury,

DULUTH, Minn. — Winter bike week 2022 has kicked off in Duluth, it’s a week-long series of community led events, celebrating, educating and empowering people-powered ways to get around town, while also promoting winter activity. Zeitgeist is hosting a series of in-person and virtual events. “So we have a lot of people in our community that can help inspire and…

Duluth to Observe Transit Equity Day Friday, DTA Offers Free Rides

February 3, 2022

Rusty Mehlberg,

DULUTH, Minn. – Friday would have been Rosa Parks’ 109th birthday. The civil rights icon will be remembered in Duluth and dozens of other communities nationwide through Transit Equity Day. A proclamation from Mayor Emily Larson honors Parks’ role in pushing for equal rights on public transit, which also comes during Black History Month. “Making sure that we are affirming and…

Defending Champ Letzring Among 10 Scratched Beargrease Teams, More Drops Possible Officials Say

Temperatures this year are too warm and the "punchy" snow is making it harder for the dogs to run.

February 1, 2022

Arman Rahman,

Courtesy: Marcus Asmus MINNESOTA- The Beargrease Marathon’s 300-mile trail was about 10 mushers lighter Tuesday morning, with defending champion Erin Letzring among those who scratched, due to warmth and snow conditions. According to Monica Hendrickson, spokesperson for the marathon, it’s possible more will drop as the race nears its end. Temperatures this year are too warm, Hendrickson said, and the…

Duluth Fire: Lake Superior Ice ‘a gamble’ Especially if Unprepared

Smaller inland lakes are much safer, but firefighters do have tips for anyone hoping to attempt ice fishing on the big lake.

January 26, 2022

Arman Rahman,

DULUTH, Minn.- More ice is forming off the shores of Lake Superior in Duluth, but the Fire Department warns not to get too excited, as the big unpredictable lake can change with the slightest shift in winds. “Lake Superior is definitely more of a gamble so to speak than an inland lake or a smaller lake because of those currents,…

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…