In This Issue
First Day Hikes will take place at 10 Minnesota state parks on Wednesday, Jan. 1, as part of a nationwide effort to connect people to the outdoors. In an initiative spearheaded by the America’s State Parks organization, hikers in all 50 states will welcome the new year with an outdoor hike, exercising and connecting with nature. For many, it has become a tradition.
Minnesota’s First Day Hikes will be held at Blue Mounds, Fort Snelling, Jay Cooke, Lake Bemidji, Maplewood, Minneopa, Nerstrand-Big Woods, Sibley, Whitewater and Wild River state parks. There is no participation fee, but some of the hikes require advance registration. Find details about these First Day Hikes at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resource’s First Day Hikes webpage (mndnr.gov/firstdayhike).
Many of the hikes will be held on snowshoes if there is snow. Participants can bring their own snowshoes or borrow a set at no charge. Check the event’s online listing to learn if snowshoe reservations are available at the location.
While there is no participation fee for the First Day Hikes, a vehicle permit ($7 per day or $35 for a year) is required to enter Minnesota state parks and recreation areas. Visitors can save time and purchase permits in advance on the state park vehicle permits webpage (mndnr.gov/permit), or buy a permit in person during open hours at park ranger stations.
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Public can document elk observations using new elk sightings tool on the DNR website
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will conduct aerial elk surveys in the next few weeks when conditions allow. DNR staff will survey the Kittson County and Grygla elk herds in northwestern Minnesota and the border elk herd in both Minnesota and Manitoba.
The surveys are typically conducted each year during the winter, weather and snow cover permitting.
Aerial survey information is used to monitor elk populations and help the DNR make decisions about future elk management and harvest regulations.
“We currently have sufficient snow cover to start our elk surveys,” said Doug Franke, area wildlife supervisor and elk survey coordinator. “We will start the surveys soon and hopefully be completed within two weeks.”
DNR pilots will fly surveys during daylight hours at an altitude of approximately 200 to 300 feet.
The DNR is also asking for help from those who have recently seen elk in their area. People are encouraged to contact their local DNR office with sighting information:
- Karlstad area wildlife office, 218-772-1261
- Thief Lake Wildlife Management Area, 218-633-7671
- Thief River Falls area wildlife office, 218-219-8587
People can also document observations using the elk sightings tool on the DNR website (mndnr.gov/elk/elk-sightings.html).
“Thank you to everyone who has reported elk sightings to us,” Franke said. “These reports provide an important supplement to data from our aerial surveys and help us better understand elk movement and distribution in Minnesota.”
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Public hearing planned for Jan. 16 at the Cleveland American Legion
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has scheduled a public hearing for people to learn more about and comment on plans to manage a water control structure on Lake Henry, located in Le Sueur County.
The DNR is proposing to designate Lake Henry as a wildlife lake, which would allow temporary drawdown of the lake to enhance in-lake habitat. The public hearing is
6:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 16, at the Cleveland American Legion, 319 Broadway St., Cleveland, MN 56017. The hearing will allow participants to ask questions and provide formal comments to the DNR about the Lake Henry management plan.
Managed drawdowns are used to mimic natural drought cycles and allow a shallow lake ecosystem to reset by reestablishing aquatic vegetation, consolidating bottom sediments, and removing undesirable fish. The Lake Henry management plan is available on the DNR website (mndnr.gov/wildlife/shallowlakes/program-work.html).
In addition to the public hearing, the DNR will be accepting written comments through Monday, Feb 17. People can contact Tim Koppelman, assistant area wildlife manager, 507-386-3923 or by email at [email protected]. Mail correspondence can be sent to the Nicollet DNR Wildlife Office, 501 9th St., Nicollet, MN 56074.
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