Nov. 13, 2023



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*Minnesota DNR News
*




*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
*

Nov. 13, 2023




*For more information:
*Contact the DNR Information Center
by?email? <[email protected]>or call 888-646-6367*.*





In This Issue

* DNR Fish and Wildlife Almanac [ #link_1491411839600 ]
* Free entrance to Minnesota state parks and recreation areas on Nov. 24 [ #link_1491411977526 ]

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DNR Fish and Wildlife Almanac

"A weekly list of news briefs about fish, wildlife, and habitat management."

Reminder: DNR to host meeting on future risks of feral pigs and released mink

Several Minnesota state agencies are reviewing how to prevent negative impacts on the environment and human health from feral pigs and farmed mink let loose in the wild.

The Minnesota DNR, in cooperation with the Board of Animal Health, Department of Agriculture, and Department of Health, is asking people to share their perspectives in an online questionnaire.

Additionally, the Minnesota DNR will host an online public meeting from 6:30-8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 14 that will include a brief overview of agency roles and responsibilities, a discussion of potential changes in state management, and an opportunity for participants to offer input. Registration is not required. The questionnaire and meeting information can be found on the Minnesota DNR website [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/wildlife/escaped-animals.html). The state?s review will be presented to the Minnesota State Legislature in February 2024.

In addition to the online comment that is open through Tuesday, Nov. 28, and the Nov. 14 meeting opportunity, written comments may also be submitted through Nov. 28 by emailing [email protected] or sending mail to Feral Swine and Mink Report, Minnesota DNR Division of Fish and Wildlife, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN 55082.

Archers do well at Camp Ripley hunt

Archery hunters who participated in the Camp Ripley Hunt near Little Falls had good success during the three-day hunt that took place Oct. 27-29.

This year, 1,846 participating hunters harvested 202 deer across the three-day hunt, including two bucks that tipped the scales at or above 240 pounds. Last year, 1,953 hunters harvested 221 deer during the hunt.

The archery hunt at Camp Ripley is an annual event. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources coordinates the hunts in collaboration with Central Lakes College Natural Resources Program, and the Department of Military Affairs, which manages the 53,000-acre military reservation.

Deer harvest numbers available online

Hunters, media and anyone interested in deer harvest data can find current deer harvest figures and harvest reports for past years on the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources? deer reports and statistics webpage [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/mammals/deer/management/statistics.html). The page also features an interactive map and graph that visualize the data.

Minnesota DNR webinars focus on planning a BWCAW trip, odd plant diseases

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources invites people interested in wildlife and outdoor skills to check out the fall program schedule for the Minnesota Outdoor Skills and Stewardship Series.

In a webinar on Wednesday, Nov. 15, Jess Edberg, executive director of the Dorothy Molter Museum, and Benji Kohn, Minnesota DNR volunteer mentor program coordinator, will discuss planning a trip to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, including trip itineraries, campsites, maps, portages, permits and new tools to help in deciding on routes, whether it?s a ?I want to relax? trip or a ?I want to put on some miles and explore? trip.

In a webinar on Wednesday, Nov. 22, plant expert Sam Guida will discuss galls, burls, brooms and other interesting plant diseases and how people can spot them. One example of these are galls, which are hidden insect homes inside plants, such as the ping-pong ball sized lumps commonly seen on goldenrod.

The Minnesota Outdoor Skills and Stewardship Series webinars are free and offered year-round, though registration is required. Visit the Outdoor Skills and Stewardship webpage of the Minnesota DNR website [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/discover) for the registration portal, more information about upcoming webinars and recordings of past webinars.

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Free entrance to Minnesota state parks and recreation areas on Nov. 24

Minnesotans encouraged to explore outdoors with friends and family over the holiday weekend

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is waiving entrance fees to all 75 state parks and recreation areas on Friday, Nov. 24 ? the day after Thanksgiving. This ?Free Park Day? is one of four days each year when the DNR waives the requirement for a vehicle permit at state parks and recreation areas. The goal of Free Park Days is to encourage Minnesotans to get outdoors and enjoy the health and wellness benefits of spending time in nature.

?During the hustle and bustle of the busy holiday season, Minnesota state parks and recreation areas are the perfect places to enjoy the tranquility of nature,? said Ann Pierce, director of the DNR Parks and Trails Division. ?We encourage people to get outside with friends and family after Thanksgiving gatherings to enjoy the calming sights and sounds of nature.?

Many published studies show the positive physical and mental health benefits of spending time in nature. According to the American Psychological Association, the calming and restorative qualities of nature help lower cortisol levels, which leads to reduced stress and improved cognitive function.

Some state parks will offer naturalist programs on Nov. 24. Among the programs planned on Free Park Day are guided nature walks at Whitewater, Wild River and Split Rock Lighthouse state parks. Most naturalist programs are free, but sometimes require advance registration. Check the parks and trails event calendar webpage [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/ptcalendar) for details.

Most state park offices and visitor centers will be minimally staffed on Nov. 24, so visitors are encouraged to plan ahead and arrive prepared for their visit.


* Check visitor alerts and find directions on state park webpages [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/park-list).
* Download the Avenza app and the geoPDF map for the park you?ll be visiting before the trip. The app and maps are free, and maps will display a user?s current location even when not connected to the internet or cell service. Find information on the DNR?s geoPDF map webpage [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/geopdf). Visitors without a smartphone should look for paper maps outside the park office.
* Visit the self-orientation signs near the park entrance for suggestions on what to see and do in the park.
* Check the weather forecast before leaving home, and dress appropriately for the conditions. Be sure to pack water and snacks.

For more information, visit the free park day webpage [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/freeparkdays).

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