Friday, January 25, 2013
More than 800 lake service businesses across the state attended one of the AIS training sessions last year and are now included on the DNR’s list of permitted service providers.
This year, owners of lake service provider businesses in Minnesota can choose from 19 aquatic invasive species (AIS) training sessions offered throughout the state, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The businesses are required by law to attend AIS training and acquire a permit before being hired to place or remove water-related equipment from any state waters. The law, passed by the Minnesota Legislature in 2011, aims to help prevent the spread of AIS between waters of the state. “We’re expecting to work with many more businesses this year,” said April Rust, AIS training coordinator. “We are confident this training is playing an important role in helping stop the spread of AIS in Minnesota waters.” …
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Anyone heading out on the ice should: wear a life jacket, carry a set of ice picks, check with a local bait shop or resort— ask about ice conditions— and measure the ice.
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Wednesday, January 9
With several days of temperatures hovering above and below freezing, 32°F, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is reminding everyone not to let their guard down when traveling out on a frozen lake, river or pond. With days of warmer than normal temperatures, it doesn’t take long to make the ice brittle, said Kara Owens, DNR boat and water safety specialist. “Anglers or snowmobilers might be safe in one spot one day, but might fall through in the same place the very next day." So far this winter, there have been no ice-related deaths in Minnesota. Last winter, four people died after falling through the ice. Last winter, Hennepin County Sheriff Rich Stanek ordered all vehicles off the ice after a string of accidents and …
Friday, January 4, 2013
New report says approach is feasible at Lock and Dam No. 1 in Minneapolis; would be considered experimental because such barrier has never been tested in an environment similar to a lock chamber.
A new report commissioned by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has concluded that an Asian carp barrier using sound, bubbles and lights would be the most viable option to deter invasive fish from moving past Lock and Dam #1, commonly known as the Ford Dam. The DNR recently contracted with Barr Engineering Co. to evaluate options for an Asian carp deterrent barrier at the lock and dam on the Mississippi River. The report specifically examined what type of barrier could be used within the lock chamber, which allows commercial and recreational boats and barges to move upstream. The chief advantage of a lock barrier is that it does not need to block fish passage across the entire river, but to deflect fish away from the …
Friday, December 28, 2012
Given the uneven conditions, the DNR urges people to think twice before going out on the ice.
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Friday, December 28, 2012
As Minnesotans know, weather can vary throughout the state; the same is true for ice conditions. In the north, Department of Natural Resources (DNR) conservation officers report more than 800 ice houses on Lake of the Woods, while boat anglers are fishing on parts of the Mississippi River near Le Crescent in the southern part of the state. Given the uneven conditions, the DNR urges people to think twice before going out on the ice. “Ice is never 100 percent safe,” said Capt. Greg Salo, DNR regional enforcement supervisor in St. Paul. “Don’t put yourself in needless danger by going out on thin ice. No fish is worth your life.” Many lakes and rivers across the state have between five and six inches of ice. Ice conditions can change at any …
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Gabriel Jabbour has been appointed to a three-year term on the Department of Natural Resource's new Aquatic Invasive Species Advisory Committee.
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Thursday, December 27, 2012
A familiar Lake Minnetonka face has been selected to help Minnesota's Deprtment of Natural Resources (DNR) shape its battle plan against aquatic invasive species. Gabriel Jabbour will join 14 other appointees from throughout Minnesota and sit on the DNR's new Aquatic Invasive Species Advisory Committee. Committee members come from a wide range of public, private, nonprofit and governmental back grounds, and the initial set of appointments will serve a three-year term. Nominations for the new committee were solicited statewide by the DNR. Members of the committee will help build relationships with individuals, citizens, organizations and local units of government to help shape the state's long-term approach to dealing with aquatic invasive…
Monday, December 17, 2012
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources urges snowmobile safety.
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Monday, December 17, 2012
Recent and anticipated snowfall will likely bring out more Minnesota snowmobilers, and that means there’s an increased chance of an accident, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). There were six snowmobile-related deaths in Minnesota during the 2012 snowmobile season. That compares to 13 fatalities in 2011 and 19 fatalities in 2010. The usual causes of snowmobile accidents are operator inexperience, driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs and high speeds. “Snowmobiles can travel as fast, or faster, than an automobile and require every bit as much or more experience to operate,” said Capt. Mike Hammer, DNR enforcement education program coordinator. The speed limit for all snowmobile trails and public …
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Despite more than a foot of recent snow, ice on Lake Minnetonka is still not safe for recreational activities.
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Wednesday, December 12, 2012
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 …
Monday, December 10, 2012
Public hearing in Plymouth will gather input on revisions to Minnesota's endangered, threatened and special concern species.
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Monday, December 10, 2012
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…
Monday, December 3, 2012
A specialist from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says some species may be forced to find alternative breeding and overwintering sites.
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Monday, December 3, 2012
Q: Given the drought situation over most of Minnesota, how will turtles and frogs fair in finding suitable places to hibernate? A: Drought can have significant impacts locally and regionally on aquatic reptiles and amphibians, depending on the length of the drought. Species that breed in seasonal wetlands and ponds may be forced to find alternative breeding and overwintering sites. These alternative sites are often larger wetlands, ponds or lakes that have a more permanent water source. These sites often have fish and other predators that prey on amphibians and amphibian larva. Local populations can be depleted as a result of this use of alternative breeding and wintering sites. Another concern with prolonged drought is low oxygen levels. …
Monday, November 19, 2012
Unseasonably warm weather, cold water can be dangerous to late season boaters.
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Monday, November 19, 2012
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…
