In This Issue
A weekly list of news briefs about fish, wildlife, and habitat management.
Minimize conflicts with bears this summer
In the absence of human-created attractions, bears rely on small, scattered patches of natural foods: specific types of young green vegetation in spring, certain species of ants and ant pupae in June, berries in summer, and nuts in fall. But if bears can get access to concentrated, high-calorie, easily accessible foods around people?s homes and campsites, they are quickly enticed away from their natural food sources.
It is important to secure anything that a bear would consider food. Don?t condition bears to associate homes or campsites with an easy meal by leaving out unsecured garbage, birdseed or pet food. Learn more about how to reduce property damage, and the chance of human-bear conflicts, on the Minnesota DNR website (mndnr.gov/livingwith_wildlife/bears) and BearWise online resources (bearwise.org).
Minnesota DNR webinars focus on northern Minnesota wildlife, loon restoration
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources invites people interested in wildlife and outdoor skills to check out the summer program schedule for the Minnesota Outdoor Skills and Stewardship Series.
In a webinar on Wednesday, June 26, join Minnesota DNR wildlife managers as they discuss the wildlife found in northern forests and wetlands and the DNR?s work to improve wildlife habitat and hunting opportunities. The webinar will cover the latest in wildlife topics and stories from Minnesota?s north country and answer wildlife questions.
In a webinar on Wednesday, July 3, Jayden Jech, loon specialist and Minnesota Loon Restoration Project lead, dives into conservation efforts focused on the common loon in Minnesota. Learn more about the Minnesota Loon Restoration Project, collaborative community science efforts, and how to Be Loon Aware on Minnesota lakes.
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 (mndnr.gov/discover) for the registration portal, more information about upcoming webinars and recordings of past webinars.
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Minnesota state lands are great places to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday. In addition to an abundance of recreational opportunities including hiking, biking, birdwatching, camping and more; state parks, recreation areas and forests offer a quiet location to celebrate Independence Day away from loud fireworks displays. Minnesota rules prohibit the use of fireworks in state parks, recreation areas and forests.
?Not everyone enjoys the light and sound associated with fireworks,? said Ann Pierce, DNR Parks and Trails Division director. ?Minnesota state parks, recreation areas and forests offer a fireworks-free environment for those who want to celebrate Independence Day in a more peaceful place.?
While recent rains and associated flooding have impacted trails, roads, water accesses and camping at numerous locations, many of the state?s public lands are still open for recreational activities. The Recreation Compass (mndnr.gov/maps/compass.html) is a convenient resource to find state, federal and some local public recreation lands. Before heading out to celebrate Independence Day at a state park, recreation area, forest or trail, visitors are encouraged to check conditions via the DNR website (mndnr.gov/closures). People should exercise caution if they encounter high water when traveling to or visiting a site. Do not attempt to use trails and roadways that are underwater, and check river levels on the DNR website (mndnr.gov/river_levels) to learn if a water trail is safe for paddling.
While there is no vehicle permit requirement for state forests, wildlife management areas or scientific and natural areas, visitors to state parks and recreation areas must obtain a one-day or year-round vehicle permit. Vehicle permits can be purchased online, at any open state park ranger station (not every ranger station is staffed seven days a week), or at the DNR License center in St. Paul during business hours.
Camping opportunities are still available for those who would like to extend their visit with an overnight stay. As of 10 a.m. on June 24, 20% of camping reservations in state parks and recreation areas are open for the night of Thursday, July 4, and 14% of reservations are available for three-night stays starting on July 4. Reservations can be made at mndnr.gov/reservations.
Campers wishing to make a last-minute trip without a reservation may want to consider a state forest campground, where camping is always available on a first come, first served basis. Find state forest campgrounds at the camping in Minnesota state forests webpage of the DNR website (mndnr.gov/state_forests/camping.html). Three of the 42 state forest campgrounds ? Eckbeck, Indian Lake and Sullivan Lake ? are closed due to flooding, but the remainder of state forest campgrounds remain open.
Visitors to DNR-managed public lands and facilities over Independence Day and the rest of the summer will start to see a number of improvements taking place thanks to the $150 million Get Out MORE (Modernize Outdoor Recreation Experiences) initiative. This transformative, one-time investment will modernize decades-old facilities, enhance accessibility, provide more-welcoming visitor experiences, and improve climate resilience and aquatic habitat at hundreds of DNR-managed sites across the state.??
?Many Minnesotans head to state parks, forests, lakes and rivers to celebrate with friends and family on summer holidays,? said Sarah Strommen, commissioner of the DNR. ?That makes this the perfect time to highlight ways the historic Get Out MORE investment will provide people with outstanding outdoor recreation experiences in our state for years to come.? To learn more about how this investment will improve outdoor experiences across Minnesota, go to the Get Out MORE webpage of the DNR website (mndnr.gov/aboutdnr/get-out-more).
Wherever and however people choose to enjoy Minnesota?s outstanding public lands and waters, the DNR encourages all people recreating outdoors to keep safety in mind as they celebrate Independence Day.
- Pack smart. Be sure to bring sunscreen, insect repellant, a first aid kit and plenty of water.
- Be BearWise. The presence of a bear in the area is not a threat to safety, but having a bear in camp can lead to problems. See mndnr.gov/bearsafety for tips to avoid an unwanted bear encounter.
- Fun boating is safe boating. Wear a life jacket, and make sure children wear theirs. For more boating safety tips, check out mndnr.gov/boatingsafety.
- Practice campfire safety. Build campfire in a fire ring if available, always supervise the fire, and make sure the fire is completely out before leaving or going to sleep. Find more campfire safety tips at mndnr.gov/campfiresafety.
- Be aware of the weather forecast.?
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The 27-mile Wildlife Drive within the Roseau River Wildlife Management Area will be open from Saturday, July 20, through Sunday, July 28, and on the following weekend, Saturday, Aug. 3, through Sunday, Aug. 4. The self-guided tour traverses wetland, woodland, brushland, grassland and farmland habitats, providing visitors ample opportunity for wildlife viewing.
Roseau River WMA, managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and located 20 miles northwest of Roseau, is part of the Pine to Prairie Birding Trail, which consists of 45 sites spanning a 223-mile corridor in the northwestern part of the state. These sites offer some of the most spectacular birding in the state, along with scenic beauty and friendly communities.
About 150 bird species breed within the Roseau River WMA. Yellow rails and horned grebes are a few of the rare breeding species found within the area?s vast wetlands. Along the drive, visitors might also encounter trumpeter swans, loons, white pelicans, sandhill cranes, great blue herons, eagles, a variety of ducks and other water birds, sedge wrens, yellow warblers, Nelson?s sharp-tailed sparrows, black bears, deer, beaver, otter, mink, red foxes, wolves and the occasional moose.
Aside from excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, the WMA?s ?pools? offer year-round northern pike fishing opportunities. Visitors typically fish along the dike roads or near the water control structures. When the dike roads are closed to motorists, visitors can bike to Pool 1 West or Pool 2 from parking areas. During the waterfowl hunting season only, motorboats of 10 horsepower or less may be used on Roseau River WMA pools.
The Wildlife Drive can be easily accessed from the main dike road, which is about 2 miles south of the WMA headquarters on Roseau County Road 3. Only motor vehicles licensed for use on public highways are legally permitted to operate on this road. Motorists are urged to use caution due to narrow roads, soft shoulders, deep ditches and two-way traffic. The Wildlife Drive might temporarily close as a result of inclement weather or road construction, so call before venturing out.
To call about road conditions before venturing out, and for a bird list, maps, fishing regulations and additional information, call 218-452-7610, email, or stop by the Roseau River WMA office, 27952 400th St., Roseau, MN 56751. Maps are available in a brochure case on the outside of the wildlife office. Online maps and more information about the Roseau River WMA are available on the Minnesota DNR website (mndnr.gov/wmas and search ?Roseau River?).
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