March 11, 2024



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*Minnesota DNR News
*




*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
*

March 11, 2024




*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 ]
* DNR seeks comments on endangered, threatened and special concern species list [ #link_1491411977526 ]
* Public hearing scheduled to discuss Silver Lake management [ #link_1 ]

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DNR Fish and Wildlife Almanac

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

Minnesota DNR webinars focus on preparing for wildfire season, archery in the schools 

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

In a webinar on Wednesday, March 13, DNR staff will discuss how the Minnesota DNR and partners plan for spring wildfire season, and how Minnesotans can plan and prepare at home and in their communities.

In a webinar on Wednesday, March 20, Kraig Kiger, DNR shooting sports specialist, and representatives from the National Archery in the Schools program, will discuss how to get started in the archery program, equipment needed, what’s available from the Minnesota DNR, and competitions and awards for participants.

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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DNR seeks comments on endangered, threatened and special concern species list

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is accepting public comments through May 17 on possible changes to Minnesota’s list of endangered, threatened and special concern species.

The DNR regularly evaluates the list, which is contained in state rule, to determine the need to conduct rulemaking to add any species, change the protection status of any species, or remove any species based on current status. The DNR has not yet drafted possible amendments.

Under this potential rulemaking action, resource managers, interested organizations and individuals can provide information that may lead to changes to the list. The DNR is seeking any information on the risk of extinction of any native species in the state, in particular their rarity, trends and threats. The DNR will carefully consider comments received at this time in deciding whether to propose changes to the list. If the DNR announces an intention to adopt proposed changes to the list, there will be another public comment opportunity.  

Written comments must be submitted no later than 4:30 p.m. Friday, May 17. Comments should be submitted to the attention of Bridget Henning-Randa, Endangered Species Consultant, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, 500 Lafayette Road., Box 25, St. Paul, MN 55155 or via email at [email protected]. The notification of a request for comments was published in the Minnesota State Register [ [link removed] ] (mn.gov/admin/bookstore/register.jsp) on March 11.

The List of Endangered, Threatened and Special Concern Species [ [link removed] ] (files.dnr.state.mn.us/natural_resources/ets/endlist.pdf) is codified as Minnesota Rules, Chapter 6134. These rules designate animal or plant species as:  


* Endangered, if the species is threatened with extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range.
* Threatened, if the species is likely to become endangered within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range.
* Species of special concern if, although the species is not endangered or threatened, it is extremely uncommon in this state or has unique or highly specific habitat requirements and deserves careful monitoring of its status.  

Minnesota’s Endangered Species Statute (Minnesota Statutes, Section 84.0895) and the associated Rules (Minnesota Rule 6212.1800 to 6212.2300) impose a variety of restrictions, permits and exemptions to protect threatened or endangered species.

Additional details are available on the DNR website [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/input/rules/amendment-endangered-threatened-special-concern-species-list.html).

All information submitted as part of a public comment is public data, including name and contact information.

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Public hearing scheduled to discuss Silver Lake management

Meeting will be March 25 in Waldorf Community Center

People are invited to learn more about a proposal to manage water levels at Silver Lake in Waseca County, near the towns of Pemberton and Waldorf. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources plans to pursue lake management through Minnesota Statute M.S. 103G.408, which would allow Silver Lake to be managed as guided by a comprehensive management plan. Participants will have an opportunity to ask questions and provide comments to the Minnesota DNR about management of Silver Lake.

The Minnesota DNR plans to replace a failed dam at the outlet of Silver Lake. The new dam would allow Silver Lake to return to the lake level previously set by the failed dam before it was breached. The new structure would also maintain the ability to conduct periodic, temporary water level management. Managed drawdowns are used to mimic natural drought cycles and allow a shallow lake ecosystem to reset by re-establishing aquatic vegetation, consolidating bottom sediments, and removing undesirable fish such as common carp. 

The public can ask questions and provide input at a public hearing scheduled for
6:30 p.m. March 25 at the Waldorf Community Center, 109 Main St. in Waldorf. People can also contact Steve Kittelson, DNR wildlife lake specialist, at 507-578-8891 or [email protected]. Mail correspondence can be sent to Wildlife Lake Specialist, Madelia DNR Office, 35365 800ᵗʰ Ave., Madelia, MN 56062.

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