Sept. 16, 2024



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*Minnesota DNR News
*




*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
*

Sept. 16, 2024




*For more information:* <[email protected]>

Contact the DNR Information Center
by email  <[email protected]>or call 888-646-6367.





In This Issue

* DNR Fish and Wildlife Almanac [ #link_1491411839600 ]
* Minnesota DNR Enforcement, Forestry staff receive lifesaving awards [ #link_1491411977526 ]
* Minnesota DNR invites public comment on Carlos Avery WMA master plan update [ #link_1491412003165 ]
* Zebra mussels confirmed in Ann Lake in Sherburne County [ #link_1 ]

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DNR Fish and Wildlife Almanac

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

Minnesota’s regular waterfowl season opens this weekend

Minnesota’s regular waterfowl hunting season opens a half-hour before sunrise on Saturday, Sept. 21, and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources reminds hunters about season dates, regulations and changes to stamp requirements in effect this season.

New this year, electronically issued federal stamps are now valid for the entire season. Pictorial stamps will be mailed to purchasers after the close of waterfowl seasons. The stamps are available through the Minnesota DNR electronic licensing system, in person or online [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/buyalicense), and cost $29 per stamp. Federal duck stamps are also still available from local post offices. Federal duck stamps are required for all hunters ages 16 and older. Waterfowl hunters must also possess a small game license, state waterfowl stamp validation and Harvest Information Program certification. The state waterfowl stamp validation costs $7.50 and is a requirement is for residents ages 18 to 64 and nonresidents ages 16 and older.

Full season dates and hunting regulations are available in the Minnesota Waterfowl Hunting Regulations booklet, available wherever hunting and fishing licenses are sold, and on the Minnesota DNR waterfowl hunting page [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/hunting/waterfowl). Information to help hunters properly identify waterfowl is available in an illustrated guide on page 18 of the regulations booklet.

Teach a kid to hunt small game during Take a Kid Hunting Weekend

Getting youth outdoors in pursuit of squirrels, rabbits and other small game is the focus of Take a Kid Hunting Weekend on Saturday, Sept. 21, and Sunday, Sept. 22. During the weekend, adult Minnesota residents accompanied by a youth younger than age 16 may hunt small game without a license, although they must comply with open seasons, limits and other regulations.

Hunting small game is a great way to introduce kids to hunting. Kids learn how to find out where wildlife have been, properly handle firearms and access hunting land — all without too much time sitting still and being quiet. Anyone who wants to learn how to hunt can find helpful how-to guides on the Minnesota DNR website [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/gohunting) plus a recorded webinar about how to get started small game hunting [ [link removed] ] (youtube.com/watch?v=Y-GP0ASgC0w). Small game hunting regulations are available at the Minnesota DNR small game hunting webpage [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/hunting/smallgame). Hunting regulations are available on the Minnesota DNR website [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/regulations/hunting).

Minnesota DNR webinars focus on cone and seed collection, moose research and habitat

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, Sept. 18, Sarah Ebert, State Forest Nursery manager, will share information about Minnesota DNR’s cone and seed collection program. The webinar will cover collection techniques, tree identification tips, and the importance of this program in supporting reforestation efforts on both public and private lands.

In a webinar on Wednesday, Sept. 23, Michelle Carstensen, wildlife health program supervisor, will discuss moose in Minnesota. The state’s current population is less than it used to be and limited to the Arrowhead region. Learn which factors influence moose survival and what recent research has shown to be the major challenges to moose recovery. Concern regarding the future of moose in Minnesota has also led to new opportunities to explore large-scale habitat management efforts across tribal, state and federal lands.

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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Minnesota DNR Enforcement, Forestry staff receive lifesaving awards

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Enforcement Division recently recognized four conservation officers, a natural resources pilot, and a Forestry Division staff person for their lifesaving efforts during the previous several months.

Recognized were Natural Resources Pilot Grace Zeller, conservation officers Mike Cross, Tyler Lusignan, Curtis Simonson, and Brice Vollbrecht, and Matt Boyer of the Forestry Division.

“Each of these individuals went above and beyond the call of duty to help people when they needed it the most,” said Col. Rodmen Smith, director of the DNR Enforcement Division. “It’s an honor to present these awards to people so committed to putting others’ needs ahead of their own.”

*Natural Resources Pilot Grace Zeller*

On the evening of Saturday, May 18 while she was off-duty, Zeller – a natural resources pilot in the DNR Enforcement Division – received a phone call from DNR Enforcement Chief Pilot Capt. Jake Willis. There was a report of people injured and missing in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness near Curtain Falls along the Canadian border, and other air assets were not available to attempt a rescue.

Zeller responded in a helicopter immediately, coordinating with medical, law enforcement, and rescue staff at the scene. She landed at a remote location in the dark, located an area without hazards, and over the course of two flights, transported three medics and two severely wounded individuals to the Ely Airport. Two men died in the incident that precipitated Zeller’s rescue effort, but her efforts were instrumental in the survival of two other men – Kyle Sellers and Erik Grams, who both live near the Twin Cities.

“It could have been a lot worse situation,” Grams said last month during a ceremony in Brainerd, where Zellers received the award and met with the victims and their families. “It was already bad enough, but things could have spiraled from there. We’re very fortunate for the rescue effort from everyone involved, especially Grace.”

*Conservation officers Mike Cross and Curtis Simonson*

COs Mike Cross and Curtis Simonson were first on the scene of a serious single-vehicle accident with injuries that occurred March 18, in Koochiching County. The two removed the victim from the vehicle, which was extensively damaged, and began lifesaving efforts. At the time, the victim was not breathing, had no pulse, and was unconscious. Cross, a trained emergency medical technician, began CPR and using an automated external defibrillator. 

An ambulance arrived and brought the victim to the hospital. While he died the next day, Cross and Simonson’s efforts were instrumental in ensuring the man’s family had an opportunity to see their loved one before he passed.

*Conservation Officer Tyler Lusignan*

On May 27, CO Tyler Lusignan heard a radio call that several people were trapped in rushing water after their canoes and kayaks had overturned in the Cannon River near Faribault. He was the first law enforcement officer to arrive with a boat, and quickly launched it so he and a Rice County Sheriff’s Office deputy could attempt to assist the stranded paddlers. The water was high and moving extremely fast, but Lusignan maneuvered the boat such that he could rescue and bring to shore the three adults and three children whose watercrafts had overturned.

*Conservation Officer Brice Vollbrecht and Forestry officer Matt Boyer*

CO Brice Vollbrecht and Matt Boyer, a Forestry officer in training, were patrolling Blackduck Lake when Vollbrecht received a call from Minnesota State Patrol Dispatch about a water emergency on the lake.

Vollbrecht motored across the lake and eventually located an overturned boat with four individuals clinging to it. Two of the people indicated they were fine, while the other two said they were cold – the water was 60 degrees – and one was having trouble breathing. Vollbrecht and Boyer helped the individuals into Vollbrecht’s boat, then transported them to an ambulance waiting on shore.

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Minnesota DNR invites public comment on Carlos Avery WMA master plan update

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources invites people interested in the Carlos Avery Wildlife Management Area to share their thoughts on a draft update of the WMA’s master plan, which will guide management of the popular hunting and wildlife-watching destination in Anoka and Chisago counties.

“Public input is important as we update this plan,” said Brandon Schad, assistant central region wildlife manager. “The previous plan was developed in 1977, and we want this update to reflect current ecological conditions and public perspectives on how the land should be managed.”

The updated master plan will be used to guide management of the Carlos Avery WMA’s diverse wetland system and upland forest system. It will include management goals, objectives and strategies for the WMA throughout the next 10 years.

*Public input opportunities*

Minnesota DNR staff will host two events to provide an overview of the plan and its purpose, answer questions, and collect public input: an in-person meeting and an online meeting. Registration is not required for either event.

The in-person public meeting is 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 15, at Carlos Avery WMA, 5463-C West Broadway, Forest Lake, MN 55025.

The online meeting is 6-8 p.m. Monday, Oct. 21. A link to join the webinar is available on the Carlos Avery page [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/areas/wildlife/carlos_avery_wma.html) of the Minnesota DNR website.

*Review and comment on the plan*

The public can obtain a digital copy of the draft update on the Carlos Avery page [ [link removed] ].  Comments may be submitted by:


* Emailing [email protected] <[email protected]>.
* Using the online form available at the Carlos Avery page [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/areas/wildlife/carlos_avery_wma.html).
* Providing verbal and written comments at the Oct. 15 in-person meeting or Oct. 21 online meeting.
* Calling Carlos Avery WMA staff at 651-539-3300.
* Mailing Carlos Avery WMA Master Plan, Fish and Wildlife Division, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN 55155.

The DNR is accepting comments on the draft master plan update through Friday, Nov. 1.

*About the WMA*

Established in 1933, Carlos Avery WMA is the largest WMA in the Twin Cities metropolitan area and provides about 25,000 acres of fish and wildlife habitat and convenient recreational opportunities at the urban/rural interface. Central to the Carlos Avery WMA is a diverse wetland system that transitions to an upland forest system as well as two wildlife sanctuaries totaling 4,050 acres. More information and maps of the area can be found on the Carlos Avery page [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/areas/wildlife/carlos_avery_wma.html) and the WMA finder [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/wmas).

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Zebra mussels confirmed in Ann Lake in Sherburne County

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has confirmed the presence of zebra mussels in Ann Lake, near Orrock in Sherburne County.

Following up on an earlier unconfirmed report of zebra mussels in Ann Lake, the Sherburne County Soil and Water Conservation District and a volunteer, in partnership with the DNR, collected water samples from the lake on two different days. The samples showed high counts of zebra mussel larvae, called veligers. The presence of veligers indicates zebra mussel reproduction in the lake.

Whether or not a lake has any invasive species, Minnesota law requires people to:


* *Clean* watercraft, trailers and equipment to remove aquatic plants and prohibited invasive species.
* *Drain* all water and leave drain plugs out during transport.
* *Dispose* of unwanted bait in the trash.
* *Never release* bait, plants or aquarium pets into Minnesota waters.
* *Dry docks, lifts and rafts for 21 days *before moving them from one water body to another.

These additional steps reduce the risk of spreading aquatic invasive species:


* *Decontaminate *watercraft and equipment – find free stations on the courtesy decontamination page of the DNR website [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/decon).
* *Spray* watercraft and equipment with high-pressure water or *rinse* with water if high-pressure water is not available.
* *Dry* watercraft and equipment for at least five days before using in another water body.

People should contact a Minnesota DNR aquatic invasive species specialist [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/invasives/ais/contacts.html) if they think they have found zebra mussels or any other invasive species that was not already known to be in the water body.

More information is available on the aquatic invasive species page of the DNR website [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/ais).

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minnesota department of natural resources [ [link removed] ]

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