Sheriff: Beware of Thin Ice

Bodies of water are especially a hazard now since they are the most likely to have a thin layer of ice.

Editor's Note: The following is a Hennepin County Sheriff's Office release. The Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office reminds you to use caution when you are on or near a lake or pond that is frozen or partially frozen. Parents and caregivers are reminded that if your child is near water, you should be near your child. Set clear rules for children concerning activities near or on a frozen body of water. No ice should ever be considered safe. Bodies of water are especially a hazard now since they are the most likely to have a thin layer of ice. A dusting of snow or frost may give thin ice the appearance that it is safe when it is not.  The recommended minimum thickness for ice is four inches for walking and small group activities.  Please keep …

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Snow Does Not Mean Safe Ice

Despite more than a foot of recent snow, ice on Lake Minnetonka is still not safe for recreational activities.

 With the recent snowfall and cold weather, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is reminding everyone, the ice in many parts of the state, including Lake Minneotnka, is still not thick enough for most recreational activities. “We know people want to get out and enjoy the snow, but they shouldn’t put themself or anyone else in danger by going out on the ice,” said Capt. Greg Salo, DNR Regional Enforcement supervisor. Currently, layers of snow are insulating already brittle ice making it even more dangerous. “The ice was not safe before Sunday’s snow and now it’s going to take even longer for it to become thick enough for travel,” said Salo. Snowmobilers need to be extremely cautious, Salo said, because riders might not …

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How You Can Shape State's Endangered Species List

Public hearing in Plymouth will gather input on revisions to Minnesota's endangered, threatened and special concern species.

A state list first established nearly 30 years ago to highlight plants and animals at risk of disappearing from Minnesota’s landscape is about to get updated, and the public is invited to comment on the proposed changes. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will conduct a public hearing Thursday, Feb. 7, at the Best Western Plus Kelly Inn in Plymouth. Click here to view Minnesota's current list of endangered species. Several other public hearings will take place around the state in the coming weeks. The DNR is proposing to remove 15 plants and 14 animals from Minnesota’s list of endangered, threatened and special concern species, while adding 67 animals and 114 plants to the list. Overall, the changes will affect 302 species…

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State Urges Late Season Boaters to Focus on Safety

Unseasonably warm weather, cold water can be dangerous to late season boaters.

With unusually warm weather this month, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is warning boaters and waterfowl hunters to not to let their guard down.  So far this fall, four people have died during the late boating season. “All boaters need to remember they must wear a personal floatation device,” said DNR Conservation Officer Capt. Greg Salo. “Low water levels are exposing several hazards – rocks, low wing dams, stumps, etc. Operators and passengers can be easily thrown overboard after coming into contact with one of these hazards.” While air temperatures are mild, the cold water can prove dangerous, or even deadly, especially if people don’t consider the consequences of cold water shock and hypothermia that can result from…

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How You Can Play a Role in State's Fight Against Aquatic Invasive Species

Applicants sought for new advisory committee being set up to guide state's fight against aquatic invasive species.

From the Minnesota DNR: The Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is establishing a formal, statewide AIS Advisory Committee. The Commissioner wants to ensure that DNR continues to build strong relationships with its AIS stakeholders and use their insights and perspectives to help guide DNR AIS activities. Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) is one of the most important natural resource issues for Minnesota. Preventing the spread of zebra mussels, Asian carp, and Eurasian watermilfoil (as well as other invasive plants and animals) in our lakes and streams is of critical importance, along with effective control of established invasive populations. If you are concerned about aquatic invasive species, and have the …

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Spiny Waterfleas: What are they and Where do they Come From?

Department of Natural Resources provides some insight into one of the many invasive species threatening Minnesota waters.

Q: What are spiny waterfleas and what impacts do they have on the states aquatic resources? A. Spiny waterfleas are zooplankton (microscopic animals) that are native to Europe and Asia and were introduced into the Great Lakes by ballast water discharged from ocean-going ships. They eat small animals (zooplankton), including Daphnia, which are an important food for native fishes. In some lakes, they caused the decline or elimination of some species of native zooplankton. Although the spiny water flea can fall prey to fish, its spine seems to frustrate most small fish, which tend to experience great difficulty swallowing the animal. Spiny waterfleas can spread by attaching to fishing lines, downriggers, anchor ropes and fishing nets, and can…

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The 2012 Minnesota Fishing Opener

Your Survival Guide to the 2012 Minnesota Fishing Opener

Patch is your one-stop-shop for everything you need to know before heading out this weekend.

Minnesota has seen more than its fair share of cold, wet and windy fishing openers, but it doesn't look like 2012 will be one of them. Forecasts call for clear skies with morning lows in the upper 40s and afternoon highs in the high 70s. The fishing season officially begins at the stroke of midnight, and Minnesota's Department of Natural Resources (DNR) expects anglers to find a good bite throughout the state. Read the metro area fishing outlook here. Minnesota is the nation’s leader in fishing participation (28 percent of residents age 16 or older buy a license). About 500,000 anglers typically hit the water on opening day, and about 1.4 million people buy Minnesota fishing licenses each year. Minnesota's general fishing opener is the …

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