Aug. 15, 2024

Minnesota DNR News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Aug. 15, 2024

For more information:

Contact the DNR Information Center
by email or call 888-646-6367.

In This Issue

New documentary highlights Red River lake sturgeon recovery efforts

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has released a new 30-minute documentary called “Kings in the North: Lake Sturgeon Recovery in the Red River Basin.”

The video tells the story of decades-long efforts by Minnesota DNR fisheries biologists and their partners to restore the lake sturgeon population in the Red River of the North and its tributaries, known as the Red River Basin. The Red River Basin stretches 395 miles along the border between Minnesota and North Dakota. It has a long, rich history and was once a primary trade and commerce route.

“It’s a story about teamwork, innovation and perseverance to restore an iconic Minnesota species,” said Nick Kludt, Minnesota DNR Red River fisheries specialist. “For anglers, conservationists, people interested in clean water or ‘kids at heart’ who think swimming dinosaurs are pretty cool, this conservation story is for all Minnesotans.”

Highlights of the documentary include:

New and never-before-released footage of reintroduced lake sturgeon naturally spawning in the Red River Basin, showcasing the benefits of river restoration projects.
An in-depth discussion of the over-exploitation, dam construction, and river fragmentation that contributed to lake sturgeon’s local extinction (also known as extirpation) in the Red River Basin. These barriers prevented lake sturgeon and other species from migrating and accessing critical habitat.
The efforts to reconnect the Red River Basin using dam removal or modification projects to restore the fractured river system.
A comprehensive look at Minnesota DNR collaboration with partners to conduct lake sturgeon egg take operations, fry and fingerling rearing, and stocking efforts that have contributed to more than one-half million lake sturgeon fingerlings being stocked in the Red River Basin.
Discussion of management approaches and goals of the lake sturgeon restoration effort by Minnesota DNR and its partners, along with information about funding resources used.
Discussion of the first natural spawning event verified in the Red River Basin in over 100 years, and its significance as a milestone toward full restoration.
The public benefits that lake sturgeon restoration and river connectivity efforts are providing, such as dam safety, restored native fish ranges and increased angling opportunities in the Red River Basin.

Learn more about the lake sturgeon restoration efforts on the Minnesota DNR website. (dnr.state.mn.us/fisheries/red-river-sturgeon.html)

To watch the video, click here.

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18 new DNR conservation officers graduate from Academy, begin field training

Eighteen people who’ve trained since late April to become Minnesota Department of Natural Resources conservation officers took a step closer to achieving their goal earlier this week when they graduated from the 23^rd CO Academy. Now, they will spend the next several months training throughout the state with experienced conservation officers.

The new officers will complete field training and be in their assigned stations in early December.

The officers have a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences. Some have previous law enforcement experience, others are veterans, and six came to the DNR through the CO Prep program, which provides a pathway for anyone with at least a two-year degree to become a conservation officer.

“Everyone’s reason for becoming a conservation officer is unique, but the common thread that joins all of these individuals is a commitment to protecting Minnesota’s people and natural resources and a desire to ensure future generations have the same or better opportunities than we have today,” said Col. Rodmen Smith, director of the DNR Enforcement Division. “I’m excited for these folks to join the team and continue our proud, 137-year tradition.”

The Conservation Officer Academy prepares new officers to occupy vital roles in the communities they serve. During the Academy, recruits are trained in all aspects of being a conservation officer and learn from experienced officers and other experts on a wide variety of topics, including education/outreach, fish and wildlife laws, patrol procedures and environmental enforcement. Cadets are tested each week and put through practical scenarios that reflect what they’ll encounter in the field. During the field training portion of their preparation, cadets work throughout the state with experienced officers before they head for the permanent stations.

Each of the graduates was chosen from among hundreds of applicants and underwent rigorous examinations, psychological profiles, and background checks before beginning at the Academy.

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DNR celebrates building’s 90th anniversary and Smokey’s 80th birthday at State Fair exhibit

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ building and surrounding grounds at the Minnesota State Fair (which runs from Aug. 22 to Sept. 2) will feature new musicians, presentations and activities, in addition to popular attractions from previous years.

The Minnesota DNR’s iconic State Fair log building opened 90 years ago in 1934, and its park-like location provides fairgoers with a unique opportunity to experience the outdoors among State Fair carnival rides and food stands.

Some of the activities visitors can enjoy at the Minnesota DNR building and surrounding grounds include:

Viewing displays highlighting how the $150 million Get out MORE investments will help ensure Minnesotans of all abilities and interests enjoy a world-class recreation system, whatever outdoor experience they choose
Visiting an outdoor fish pond and listening to a talk about Minnesota fish

Shopping at the Parks and Trails Nature Store
Asking DNR staff questions
Learning about outdoor recreation opportunities
Enjoying music or a presentation at an outdoor stage
Taking a picture in front of giant butterfly wings or in a giant hiking boot

The Minnesota DNR’s building and surrounding grounds are located at the corner of Carnes Ave. and Nelson St. in Falcon Heights. The building is open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily during the fair.

What’s new in 2024?

The Nature Store will be open from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. Visitors are reminded to bring a reusable bag for purchases.

New presentations:

Accessible Opportunities at Minnesota State Park: Aug. 22 at 1 and 3 p.m., DNR Volunteer Outdoor Stage

Learn about accessibility tools offered at Minnesota State Parks, including an all-terrain track chair demonstration live at the fair.

Smokey Bear 80th Birthday Celebration: Aug. 23 at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., DNR Volunteer Outdoor Stage

Sing along with us as we help Smokey Bear celebrate his 80th birthday. Hear about Smokey’s history and learn Smokey’s five rules of wildfire prevention.

Smokey Bear Sing-Along: Aug. 25 at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., DNR Volunteer Outdoor Stage

Sing and dance with Smokey Bear and his friends during this family-friendly event. Children will have fun and learn about fire safety and wildfire prevention.

Gillette Children’s Sports Prostheses, Aug. 25 at 3 p.m., DNR Volunteer Outdoor Stage

Join prosthetists from Gillette Children’s to learn more about devices to help kids enjoy the outdoors and sports.

State Record Fish Awards: Aug. 28 at 2 p.m., DNR Volunteer Outdoor Stage

This fun program will recognize anglers who established new state records for fish! New record holders will be invited to share their fishing story and will be presented with a plaque recognizing their state record.

Drive the Great River Road Month Kickoff Event: Aug. 29 at 3 p.m., DNR Volunteer Outdoor Stage

The Great River Road—a National Scenic Byway and All-American Road—follows the Mississippi River for nearly 3,000 miles through 10 states. Learn about the route and get ready to drive it during the month of September.

EagleCam Expert Panel: Aug. 30 at 3 p.m., DNR Volunteer Outdoor Stage

Join DNR Nongame Wildlife experts to learn more about the popular EagleCam.

New activities and attractions include invasive species arm band temporary tattoos, stone tic tac toe, fun photo ops, updated displays and new partner organizations on the Garden Stage.

New bands include

Potluck String Band (Americana/New Grass, Aug. 30)
Mixed Up (Cover band, Aug. 31)
Skunk Hollow (Folk/Americana, Sept. 1).

For more information and to find a complete schedule, visit the Minnesota DNR website (mndnr.gov/StateFair).

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DNR State Fair exhibit fact sheet

Main building

The historic DNR building at the State Fair is 90 years old this year. It opened Sept. 1, 1934.
Crews from the Civilian Conservation Corps – a government work relief program designed to employ young men on environmental projects during the Great Depression – put up the building in less than six months using machined logs.

Outdoor fish pond

The outdoor fish pond exhibit is one of the State Fair’s most popular attractions.
There are about three dozen species of fish native to Minnesota in the outdoor pond.
The pond holds about 50,000 gallons of water (an Olympic-sized swimming pool holds about 660,000 gallons of water).
Fish Pond Talks take place at a quarter to the hour daily, from 9:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. These talks last about 15 minutes.

Indoor aquariums

The Minnesota DNR renovated its indoor fish exhibit in 2013, installing five large aquariums inside the main DNR building.
Each tank shows fish and other animals such as turtles and snakes in their native Minnesota habitat. This includes trout from southeastern Minnesota, St. Croix River fish, and species from central, southern and northern Minnesota lakes.
As part of the 2013 renovation, the aquariums were lowered, making it easier for all guests to see the fish, turtles and other species.

Fire tower

The fire tower was specifically built for the State Fair to communicate about wildfire prevention to visitors.
The tower originally opened in 1966 but closed in 1978 because of safety concerns. It was repaired and reopened in 2006.
The tower is 65 feet tall and there are 84 steps from the bottom to the top.
There is no charge to climb the fire tower stairs and get a birds-eye view of the State Fair.
Visit the State Fair fire tower to participate in Smokey Bear’s 80^th birthday Fire Tower Club. It’s one of six participating towers in the summer program. Find the special code word by the tower to get a stamp in the club booklet and receive a Smokey 80^th birthday item (while supplies last).
The fire tower has been listed on the National Historic Lookout Register since 2015.

Forestry display

Visitors can walk into a “forest” of interactive, informational trees that share facts about forest stewardship, urban trees, forest products, fire and forests, and Minnesota’s ecosystems, and step inside a giant hiking boot surrounded by huge leaves for a unique photo.
Visitors can also play with a lumber puzzle to learn how many forest products come from a log and explore the tools foresters use in the woods every day.

Lands and Minerals exhibit

Visitors can view rocks and fossils from throughout the state, including a 50-pound agate, and learn about Minnesota’s geologic history!
The exhibit highlights the Minnesota DNR’s work with public lands, including videos on how the Minnesota DNR manages Minnesota’s lands for conservation, recreation, and sustainable economic development.

Nature play area

Kids can climb giant boulders deposited in Minnesota by glaciers and play in the gravel. There is also a gravel play table accessible to people with physical disabilities.
On Aug. 28 at noon and 2 p.m., kids can participate in an agate hunt to see if they can find hidden pieces of Minnesota’s state rock, the Lake Superior agate.

Prairie pollinator gardens

Visitors can watch pollinators visit the flowers in the gardens and read, listen to and touch a sign explaining pollinators and their importance.
The garden features giant monarch wings for a unique photo opportunity.

Smokey Bear

Smokey Bear is celebrating 80 years of reminding children and their families about the dangers of wildfire and how to prevent wildfires.
Smokey Bear makes daily appearances at the Minnesota DNR building and surrounding grounds at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. throughout the fair.

Wildlife Wing

Visitors can learn about Minnesota wildlife species and their habitat on a walk through the display.
Special sound and lighting effects help create an experience of moving from day to night and through the four seasons to see the different wildlife living in Minnesota.
Master naturalist volunteers will be available to answer wildlife questions.

Invasive species display

Visitors can learn about invasive species present in Minnesota by seeing examples of invasive animals and plants and the impacts they can have.
People can explore interactive displays to learn about the actions they can take to prevent the spread of invasive species.
DNR staff and volunteers will be present to answer questions about invasive species.

Minnesota State Parks and Trails Center

Visitors to the center can ask questions about Minnesota’s state parks and trails, grab a Bison Buddy hat or a butterfly tattoo, and get information about Minnesota’s outdoor activity opportunities.
Naturalist activities with a park naturalist will be available in the center daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Nature Store at the Fair is back in the Minnesota State Parks and Trails Center. Visitors may purchase Minnesota state parks and trails merchandise, such as t-shirts, sweatshirts, kids’ items, etc. The Nature Store will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Visitors are reminded to bring a reusable bag for purchases.