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MINNESOTA WILDS MANAGEMENT

Minnesota DNR releases 2023 Forest Health Annual Report; provides glimpse of forests

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The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources 2023 Forest Health Annual Report (files.dnr.state.mn.us/ assistance/backyard/treecare/forest_health/2023-minnesota-forest-health-highlights.pdf) is available for public consumption. The report summarizes findings about the pests, diseases, and other issues impacting the state’s forests.

 

This data was collected through aerial surveys of 17.3 million acres in 2023 covering every forested area across the state, as well as on-the-ground site visits.

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“Tracking trends and monitoring pest and disease outbreaks are important ways to support forest health,” Forest Health Program Coordinator Brian Schwingle said. “This information helps public land managers and private woodland owners understand overall forest conditions and manage forests to keep them healthy and resilient in the face of current and future challenges.”

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Among the key findings in the report:

  • Spruce budworm damage was identified on around 664,800 acres of fir and spruce forests, the highest number of acres the native caterpillar has impacted in one year since 1961.

  • Damage from the eastern larch beetle surpassed a cumulative 1 million acres of tamarack this year since the current outbreak began in 2001. Longer growing seasons have allowed these beetles to reproduce more, leading to an increase in beetle populations in tamarack stands. Fortunately, recent research from the DNR and the University of Minnesota showed that some forests are recovering naturally over time.

  • Emerald ash borer was officially confirmed for the first time in Benton, Faribault, Lyon, McLeod, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Cass, and Clay counties, bringing Minnesota to a total of 46 out of 87 counties under quarantine. The DNR is engaged in a wide range of activities related to managing and reducing the impact of EAB.

  • The most widespread tree health problem was declining oaks, primarily caused by a combination of older age, consecutive years of significant drought, and two opportunistic pests (Armillaria root disease and two-lined chestnut borer) which are only serious problems for stressed oaks.

 

Minnesotans can help keep trees and forests healthy through proper yard tree care (mndnr.gov/treecare/caring-pruning.html) and forest management (mndnr.gov/foreststewardship).

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Among adopting other best practices, homeowners should consider watering one or two of their favorite yard trees during significant drought, in compliance with local water use restrictions. People should buy and burn local firewood (mda.state.mn.us/plants-insects/firewood-information) and report EAB if spotted outside the quarantine area (mnag.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=63ebb977e2924d27b9ef0787ecedf6e9) to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (mda.state.mn.us/plants/insects).

Amid crowded lakes, MN moves to create better boat safety 

METROPOLIS NEWS SERVICE

This year, Minnesota legislators approved a phased-in program, calling on boat oper- ators to complete a water safety course and written test before obtaining a permit. Cur- rent rules only apply to those between the ages of 12 and 17.

Adam Block, boating law administrator for 

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Minnesota Department of Natural Resources officials say the pandemic helped fuel a renewed interest in boating activity across the state. There is also concern about the growing size of watercraft and how larger waves affect swimmers and other non-boating water recreation.

the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, which is in charge of developing the course, said expanding the requirement to adults comes amid a resurgence in boat registrations for the state.

 

"This is just looking to educate those that maybe don't touch the boat in their youth, and now they become adults, and they're going out and buying boats," Block said. "We're hoping that it's going to provide a better experience for not only those new operators but those that are out there amongst the new operators as well.

 

"With waterways more congested, supporters hope those operating motorized watercraft learn more about lake etiquette, in addition to safety. The law goes into effect in 2025 and included input from industry groups. There are also enhanced requirements for companies renting out personal watercraft.

 

Meanwhile, boating fatalities have trended higher in Minnesota in recent years, including 15 last year and 18 in 2021. Block urged boaters to do a safety inspection before heading to the lake.

 

"We would rather you do that in your driveway or somewhere else before you get to the boat launch," Block noted. "Because when you get to the boat launch, there's going to be a lot of other distracting factors that are going to be taking place.

 

"He stressed you make sure your boat has all the necessary safety equipment before cruising the water. As for the new operator mandates, the first wave in 2025 will apply to those born on or after July 1, 2004. By 2028, it will stretch back to those born in 1987.

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Motherbears with cubs are easily provoked to violence in human encounters. Courtesy DNR

DNR Issues Warning: Be Bearcautious 

Minnesota is bear country, but people can peacefully share the outdoors with bears by paying attention to where and when they are most likely to encounter bears. Black bears are naturally cautious animals that typically avoid human contact for their own safety; however, it’s important to be proactive to prevent human-bear conflicts.

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When moving about in bear country, people should be aware of their surroundings, make noise periodically so bears know they’re there, and always keep dogs leashed. To keep human food away from bears, people should keep a clean camp by practicing leave no trace principles. People should:

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  • Store coolers in a locked vehicle or store food in a certified bear-resistant container.

  • Take food waste with them rather than piling it outside the receptacle if the trash container or dumpster is full. Leave no trash or food scraps in camp and don’t burn scraps in the fire ring.

  • Not leave food, trash or pet food outdoors and unsupervised — all it takes is a few seconds for a hungry bear to swipe it.

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Learn more about how to safely recreate in Minnesota on the DNR website and at BearWise.

Shaping up to be great year for northern pike population

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METROPOLIS NEWS SERVICE

Showing off the catch of the day from a fishing pier on the Cedar River. photo courtesy of Nate Howard

MINNESOTA WILDS (MNS)—The DNR continues to study northern pike populations, hoping to improve fishing opportunities. This year, high water conditions may benefit northern pike by providing extra nearshore rearing areas. Northern pike like to spawn on submerged vegetation and we have plenty of that this spring! This year we may see strong recruitment (the number of fish surviving to enter a fishery) in lakes where a lack of habitat typically limits the amount of pike reproduction.

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Beth Holbrook, DNR fisheries researcher, holds a 35-inch northern pike sampled this spring as part of a mark-recapture study to estimate the number of fish in Bald Eagle Lake.

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‘Catch’ the fun of shore fishing 

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For people who want to go fishing but don’t have a boat or don’t want to use a boat, the DNR has two instructional videos about how to catch fish from shore. The videos can be found on the DNR website by searching “shore fishing.” Shore Fishing 101 covers general shore fishing basics and Shore Fishing 102 focuses on river fishing from shore.

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For those fishing in the Twin Cities area, the DNR has a map of accessible piers and shore fishing locations, and lakes stocked with fish at the DNR Fishing in the Neighborhood page. Stocking in many area lakes is happening through the end of May. For fishing locations across the entire state, the DNR has a map of fishing piers and shore fishing locations on the DNR website.

 

TIPS: How to catch and release fish

 

MINNESOTA WILDS (MNS)—Anglers who intend to release any of the fish they catch can boost the chances those fish will survive by following best practices for catch and release:

  • Plan fishing trips around the weather and the species, keeping in mind that cold and cool water fish such as brown and brook trout, and walleye and northern pike, might experience more stress during hot weather. Then choose the right tackle for the job and avoid “playing” a fish too long — land it quickly to reduce the buildup of lactic acid in the body.

  • Set the hook quickly to avoid hooking a fish in the stomach or gills. Before handling the fish, anglers should wet their hands to prevent removal of the fish’s protective slime coating. If possible, unhook and release the fish while it is still in the water. If a hook is deep in the fish, cut the line and leave the hook in the fish.

  • When holding the fish out of the water, support it with both hands using a firm, gentle grip. It is OK to measure the fish and take a photo — however, minimize the time the fish is out of the water. Anglers intending to release a fish should not place it on a stringer or in a live well.

  • To release a fish, hold it horizontally in the water by cradling it under its belly. If needed, revive the fish by slowly moving it forward in the water until it swims away. An alternative to this method is cupping your hand and splashing water into the fish’s mouth and out the gills while holding the fish on the surface of the water. Harvest a fish that can be legally kept if it is bleeding extensively or cannot right itself in the water.

 

Walleye and crappie caught in deeper than 30 feet of water might not survive if released, so avoid these depths if planning to practice catch and release.

MINNESOTA

BLESSED   

From the mighty Mississippi to the Minnesota and Kettle rivers

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IN THE MINNESOTA WILDS—With over 16,000 miles of rivers and streams, Minnesota is blessed with beautiful flowing landscapes. From the mighty Mississippi to the Minnesota and Kettle rivers, the winding system of waters includes 4,500 miles of state water trails. 

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Discover Itasca State Park in the winter and experience the iconic Headwaters of the Mississippi River. Make your way down the Great River Road, along the south shore of Minnesota, and enjoy views from the majestic bluffs towering over the Mississippi at Frontenac, John Latsch and Great River Bluffs state parks. 

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Prairies, forests, lakes

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While only 2 percent of the original 18 million acres of prairie that once covered the state exist today, Minne- sota’s prairies provide critical habitat for pollinators, songbirds, waterfowl and other wildlife species that evolved with this unique landscape. 

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Drive through the bison range at Minneopa State Park. The bison herd is part of the Minnesota Bison Conser-vation Herd, managed to protect wild bison and preserve their genetic diversity. Visit Glacial Lakes State Park and stand on top of the scenic glacial hills to experience the vast, open prairie. Ski the trails at Glendalough or William O'Brien state parks. Wrap up your visit with a night at a camper cabin. All these parks have at least one accessible camper cabin.

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Get your Great Minnesota Ski Pass to enjoy miles of ski trails at state parks, forests, trails, as well as grant-in-aid trails. Fifty-two native tree species grow on 17.4 million acres of forestland in Minnesota providing us oxy- gen, food, shade, wildlife habitat, forest products, carbon sequestration and recreation opportunities. Minnesota State Forests offer miles of trails for hiking, hunting, mountain biking, off-highway vehicle (OHV) riding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, horseback riding and more. 

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From 31,700-square-mile Lake Superior along our North Shore to 6-acre Spoon Lake in Maplewood, the Land of 10,000 Lakes is actually home to about 11,842 lakes, many originating from melting glaciers of the last Ice Age. 

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Don't be deceived by the occasional warm day. Water temperatures are now too cold for kayaking or canoeing. Until your next paddling adventure, and when the ice is thick enough, take advantage of the extra miles for snowmobiling, skiing and fat biking — or try ice fishing!

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Minnesota has over 6 million acres of peatlands. More than any other state in the US besides Alaska. Peat- lands are among the most valuable ecosystems on Earth; they're critical for preserving global biodiversity, provide safe drinking water, minimize flood risk, and help address climate change.

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Walk the boardwalks at Big Bog State Recreation Area, Lake Bemidji State Park and Hayes Lake State Park to get a look at the unique plant and animal life of three different bogs. You'll find something different to observe each of the four seasons. Lost Lake Peatland SNA (Scientific and Natural Area) offers a serene experience for hikers, skiers and snowshoers.

 

Traveling Trails

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The David Dill/Arrowhead State Trail provides 135 miles of winter recreation opportunities. A network of state and regional trails connects communities throughout Minnesota and awaits your next snowmobiling, biking, cross-country skiing or walking adventure. When not covered in snow, state trails offer miles of accessible recreation for outdoorspeople on wheelchairs. 

 

Plan Your Visit: Travel north on your snowmobile from Tower to International Falls on the David Dill/Arrow- head State Trail, through Kabetogama State Forest, and the Lost Lake Peatland SNA, past rolling hills and aspen, spruce and ash forests. 

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Pheasants Forever, and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources have launched a new program to get new hunters into fields and forests. Courtesy DNR

Pheasant hunting opens

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and Pheasants Forever are inviting hunters to join the Hunter Mentor Challenge and take someone hunting who has never hunted before or has not hunted in a while.

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The Minnesota pheasant hunting season opened Saturday, Oct. 15 with an avowed pledge through the Hunter Mentor Challenge to take a new hunter to the fields or forests, who will qualify for a discount code for ALPS OutdoorZ gear and be entered to win a custom YETI cooler from Pheasants Forever.

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The program is open to all types of hunting in Minnesota that are legal and in-season — including but not limited to pheasants, grouse, waterfowl, squirrels, deer or wild turkey in the fall and spring. People can also participate by taking someone hunting who hasn’t hunted for a few years.

 

Pheasant hunters ages 16-64 must purchase a small game license and pheasant stamp. Pheasant hunters must also wear at least one visible article of clothing above the waist that is blaze orange or pink. Bag and possession limits, pheasant transportation requirements, a hunting prospects map and more information are available on the DNR pheasant hunting.

 

Anyone curious about learning how to hunt pheasants can watch a recorded DNR webinar about pheasant hunting strategies, techniques and how to get started.

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Participation is simple: hunters visit the DNR page on the Pheasants Forever website where they take the pledge. After taking the pledge, hunters are asked to take action by mentoring a novice or returning hunter during the 2022-23 season and snapping a picture or short video of the hunting trip. The last step is to submit contact information, a story and a photo or video on the submission page to be entered for prize giveaways. All online entries must be received by June 30, 2023.

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The DNR has helpful information for new hunters and experienced hunters who would like to become mentors. To learn more, visit the DNR hunting mentor page.

DNR deer, goose, waterfowl, prairie chicken hunts and wild rice harvest

Metropolis News Service

MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL—Stay informed! Here’s a summary of upcoming Department of Natural Resources DNR) wildlife and habitat management activities and ways you can discover, explore and experience Minne- sota’s outdoors.

 

The public is invited to talk with DNR staff about deer on Thursday, Aug. 25, from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Wildlife managers throughout the state will be available to discuss deer-related topics in local area offices or by phone.

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In addition to discussing general concerns about deer, you’re free to talk with DNR staff about upcoming hunting season changes, identify topics that the DNR’s deer advisory committee should be aware of, and learn about other opportunities to provide thoughts and feedback regarding deer management throughout the year.

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DNR staff are always available to talk with members of the public throughout the year, and office hours will be set specifically to invite conversation about deer management. How to contact your area wildlife manager

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CWD meetings coming up for Grand Rapids

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During two upcoming public meetings, DNR staff with the wildlife health and big game programs will share information about hunting regulation changes, CWD management in the Climax and Grand Rapids areas, and answer questions. Attend a CWD public meeting in person, virtually or by telephone. The meetings pertain to deer permit areas 679 (formerly 179) and 661 (formerly 261).

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More details: Get meeting information

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Camp Ripley, youth deer and prairie chicken hunts

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Special youth deer hunt permits are for youth who will be 12-15 years old at the time of the hunt. Youth archery hunters in Sand Prairie Wildlife Management Area in Sherburne County can be 10-17 years old. There are a limited number of permits for each hunt. Apply for youth deer hunts

 

Finally, there are 125 permits for the 2022 Minnesota prairie chicken hunting season. The nine-day prairie chicken season begins Saturday, Sept. 24, open to Minnesota residents only. Apply to hunt prairie chickens

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Early goose hunting, ammo tips

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DNR has upcoming webinars about opportunities to hunt geese in Minnesota before the regular waterfowl season opens, and about hunting ammunition. The goose hunting webinar is at noon Wednesday, Aug. 24. The hunting ammo webinar is at noon Wednesday, Aug. 31. The webinars are free and registration is required.

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Waterfowl counts numbers at or below long-term averages

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Spring waterfowl population counts by the DNR provide data that the DNR uses to produce population  esti- mates. This year, the estimates are average or below-average for several species of waterfowl that nest in Minnesota. More details: Get the results

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Wild rice conditions reports

 

Each year DNR area wildlife staff and shallow lakes specialists across the state round up wild rice condition reports. The conditions reports are available now on the DNR wild rice page. Overall, many if not most wild rice waters in northern Minnesota are behind normal schedule this year. A cooler early spring meant many lakes had late ice-out and the wild rice growing season was pushed back up to two weeks.

 

Consequently, wild rice may ripen later than normal and wild rice harvesters going out during the upcoming season will find variable conditions this year in many areas of Minnesota. Ricers need to remember that it is illegal to harvest green rice. More details: Go to the wild rice page to get the conditions reports. From this webpage, you can also sign up for wild rice email updates.

 
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