In This Issue
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has released a summary of significant 2024 accomplishments that advanced the DNR’s mission of working with Minnesotans to conserve and manage the state's natural resources, providing outdoor recreation opportunities, and providing for commercial uses of natural resources in a way that creates a sustainable quality of life.
From making transformative Get Out MORE (Modernize Outdoor Recreation Experiences) investments, preserving habitat and native species and introducing more people to the outdoors to leveraging the power of state-managed natural lands to mitigate climate change and responding to record flooding and extended wildfire seasons, the DNR made major strides this year. A summary of these impressive accomplishments and others from the past year is available on the DNR website (files.dnr.state.mn.us/aboutdnr/minnesota-dnr-2024-accomplishments.pdf).
“I’m really proud of all that our staff accomplished this year to advance the agency’s mission,” said DNR Commissioner Sarah Strommen. “I’m also particularly excited about the momentum we’ve built implementing the Get Out MORE initiative established in 2023. The once-in-a-generation, $150 million investments are already helping ensure Minnesotans of all abilities enjoy a world-class recreation system, regardless of the outdoor experience they choose.”
While not an exhaustive list, this year’s overview offers information and insight into a number of the DNR’s high-level accomplishments from the past year.
To download a copy of the DNR’s Accomplishments Overview document, visit the DNR website (mndnr.gov).
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A weekly list of news briefs about fish, wildlife and habitat management.
Minnesota DNR webinars focus on winter outdoor activities for kids, red-headed woodpeckers
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources invites people interested in wildlife and outdoor skills to check out the winter program schedule for the Minnesota Outdoor Skills and Stewardship webinar series.
On Wednesday, Dec. 18, Pete Cleary, environmental education director at Dodge Nature Center, will share a wealth of ideas and tips on how to get your kids outside and moving this winter.
On Wednesday, Jan. 8, Dr. Elena West from the Minnesota Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit at the University of Minnesota will share information on the Red-headed Woodpecker Research and Recovery Project. Red-headed woodpeckers are in decline in Minnesota and throughout their range. Learn about the collaborative work between volunteers, staff, educators, and partner organizations that is central to the research and recovery project.
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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The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has issued its annual ice safety warning for lakes with winter aeration systems.
The updated list of aerated lakes and more information is available on the DNR website (mndnr.gov/eco/lakeaeration).
“We urge people to use caution anytime they venture onto ice,” DNR Aeration Program Coordinator Denise Elston said. “Ice is never 100% safe, and extreme care should be taken on aerated lakes. Watch for the large orange and black warning signs at high use public accesses and the required thin ice signs around open water areas.”
The DNR permits aeration systems to help prevent winterkill of fish populations by adding oxygen to the lake and, in certain situations, to protect shorelines and structures from ice damage. They are generally operated from the time the lakes freeze until the ice breaks up in the spring. Aeration systems will be operating on 189 Minnesota lakes with public accesses this winter. Private hatchery operators also use aeration systems, usually on small lakes without public accesses.
A permit from the DNR is required to install and operate an aeration system. Permit holders must publish public notices, post warning signs and inspect the systems at least once every seven days. Lake users can watch for notices in local media or check out the DNR aeration webpage to find out which area lakes are aerated.
Some municipalities have ordinances that prohibit entering the thin ice marked area and/or prohibit the night use of motorized vehicles on lakes with aeration systems in operation. These local regulations are often posted at accesses where they apply.
Questions about winter fishkill or winter water quality can be directed to a regional or area fisheries office (mndnr.gov/contact/locator.html). Questions concerning aeration can be directed to DNR Aeration Program Coordinator Denise Elston at 218-580-8646.
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